Police Officer

Wilson is a city of around 50,000 people located in the heart of eastern North Carolina. We are about an hour from the Research Triangle and the buzz of the Raleigh area, and you can also quickly reach the North Carolina beaches. The City of Wilson is known for innovation and outstanding service. We have top-rated, nationally accredited police, fire and recreation departments.

Our parks and sports facilities are among the best in the nation, and our Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is a unique and beautiful attraction that hosts concerts, farmers markets and the N.C. Whirligig Festival among other events. We are in the process of building a downtown field to host a Milwaukee Brewers’ minor league team starting in 2026.

Wilson has the strongest manufacturing base in our part of the state, including tire manufacturing, pharmaceutical and other industries. The Greenlight citywide broadband services help technology-based companies flourish.

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that brings additional value to your total compensation. To learn more about our benefits package, click on the ‘Benefits’ tab above.

The hiring range for this position is $52,352.65 (minimum salary) to $72,097.57 (midpoint of range) dependent upon qualifications.

This position protects the lives and properties of citizens through the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws. The purpose of this position is to perform technical and specialized law enforcement duties. Successful performance helps ensure the protection of life and property within the city.

Must be available to work days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating schedule.
Must be available to respond during times of emergency.

Major Duties

• Patrols assigned areas to detect and prevent crime; answers calls for service and assistance.
• Investigates criminal complaints and accidents; conducts crime and accident scene analysis.
• Enforces motor vehicle laws by stopping violators and taking appropriate enforcement action.
• Assists the District Attorney in the preparation of cases for trial; testifies in court.
• Prepares timely and accurate reports; reviews investigative, arrest, accident, and supplemental reports for accuracy.
• Develops informants for the purpose of gathering intelligence.
• Questions witnesses and complainants; investigates suspects.
• Attends community meetings; organizes neighborhood watches; makes presentations to churches, schools, civic organizations, and business leaders; participates in agency volunteer programs.
• Performs organized patrols of high crime areas.
• Writes and executes search warrants; serves warrants and subpoenas.
• Maintains vehicle, firearms, and other equipment.
• Directs traffic as needed.
• Collects and maintains evidence; ensures proper chain of custody.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Guidelines

• Guidelines include the department Policies and Procedures Manual, the city and local, state, and federal laws. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Supervisory/Management Responsibility

• None

Education/Experience Requirements

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• No experience requirements.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the North Carolina Training and Standards Commission.

MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

• Be a citizen of the United States;
• Be at least 20 years of age;
• Be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation;
• Have been fingerprinted and a search made of local, state, and national files to disclose any record;
• Have been examined and certified by a physician to meet physical requirements necessary to properly fulfill the officer's particular job responsibilities;
• Have produced a negative result on a drug screen administered according to the standards of the Department of Health and Human Services for Federal Workplace Drug…