Police Trainee
City of Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, United States
FALL 2026 POLICE TRAINEE APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
This position is intended for applicants who are seeking a career in law enforcement and are not yet certified law enforcement officers. Selected applicants will be considered for participation in the Police Academy. Upon completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training, employees are moved into a sworn law enforcement role beginning at $49,545.60 annually.
Required Application Forms The following forms must be completed and attached to the online application for consideration (NOTE: Please make sure appropriate notarization is obtained on the F-3 prior to submitting an application).
North Carolina Personal History Statement (F3) – select PoliceF3, select Sign Up, complete online, print, and have notarized. Attach full notarized document to the application.
WPD Personal Inquiry Waiver – print and complete (handwritten signature required and must be notarized).
WPD Credit Inquiry Waiver – print and complete (handwritten signature required).
Criminal History Inquiry Waiver – print and complete (handwritten signature required).
Driving History Inquiry Waiver – print and complete (handwritten signature required).
Copy of Birth Certificate – certificate of naturalization will be required if applicant has a foreign birth certificate.
Copy of Official Transcript (seal not required):
High School – transcript only GED – copy of final grade must be attached College – transcript only
The forms MUST be uploaded and attached to the online application in order to move forward in the process. If you have trouble uploading any of the forms, please contact Human Resources at hrinfo@wilmingtonnc.gov or 910-341-7840.
Note: All notary signatures must be recent and up-to-date. Do not sign the F3 document until you are in the presence of a notary.
Recruitment Process Steps
Completion of City of Wilmington online Application and Wilmington Police Department Application Packet.
Preliminary Screening (against job qualifications).
Job-Related Physical Abilities Test.
Written Test.
Interview Board.
Complete Background Investigation.
Chief of Police Interview or their designee.
Polygraph.
Psychological Evaluation.
Medical/Drug Screening.
Final Offer of Employment.
After an Application Packet is submitted to the City of Wilmington Human Resources Department, it will be forwarded to the Wilmington Police Department Professional Development Unit. Applicants who meet the initial minimum requirements will be contacted to attend the Physical and Written Testing once the application has been reviewed.
Physical Abilities Test The Physical Abilities Test is outlined below and must be completed in 7 minutes 20 seconds or less to continue in the hiring process. Applicants will be given one attempt to pass the test.
Run 200 yards.
Step up on a step box 20 times.
15 Push Ups.
15 Sit Ups.
Step up on a step box 20 times.
15 Push Ups.15 Sit Ups.
Run 200 yards.
The Written Test will consist of a multiple choice test. Applicants must achieve a score of at least 70% in order to continue in the recruitment process.
In the event an applicant does not successfully complete any step of the recruitment process, they may reapply whenever a new posting for a position is advertised.
NOTES: Physical & Written Exams will be conducted at the WPD Haynes/Lacewell Training facility, 3100 Hurst Street, Wilmington, NC 28405. Exam dates to be determined by Police Recruiter. Qualified applicants will receive testing confirmation and instructions.
The application process may take up to 3 months to complete. Please check your Governmentjobs.com account to view the status of your application, which will show what stage of the process you are in.
The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Respond to citizen calls for service, provide a police presence in the community to encourage citizens to feel safe, conduct law enforcement activities and operations, and investigate crimes. This is accomplished by utilizing communications equipment, employing chemical and biological protective equipment, conducting police tactical movements, conducting security operations, conducting prisoner operations, conducting traffic operations, completing documentation, navigating streets, conducting investigations, and utilizing police equipment and weapons systems, assisting in special events, and maintaining equipment.
Minimum Requirements
20 years of age at the time you are hired or begin BLET.
Valid driver's license.
U.S. Citizen.
High School Diploma or GED.
Please visit the Police Department website to view a list of Employment Disqualifiers.
If you'd like to learn more about the hiring process and get answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Police Department Website or contact Officer Roberts at terrell.roberts@wilmingtonnc.gov.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.
WORKING CONDITIONS This position generally requires work in a vehicle and outdoors.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Required Application Forms The following forms must be completed and attached to the online application for consideration (NOTE: Please make sure appropriate notarization is obtained on the F-3 prior to submitting an application).
North Carolina Personal History Statement (F3) – select PoliceF3, select Sign Up, complete online, print, and have notarized. Attach full notarized document to the application.
WPD Personal Inquiry Waiver – print and complete (handwritten signature required and must be notarized).
WPD Credit Inquiry Waiver – print and complete (handwritten signature required).
Criminal History Inquiry Waiver – print and complete (handwritten signature required).
Driving History Inquiry Waiver – print and complete (handwritten signature required).
Copy of Birth Certificate – certificate of naturalization will be required if applicant has a foreign birth certificate.
Copy of Official Transcript (seal not required):
High School – transcript only GED – copy of final grade must be attached College – transcript only
The forms MUST be uploaded and attached to the online application in order to move forward in the process. If you have trouble uploading any of the forms, please contact Human Resources at hrinfo@wilmingtonnc.gov or 910-341-7840.
Note: All notary signatures must be recent and up-to-date. Do not sign the F3 document until you are in the presence of a notary.
Recruitment Process Steps
Completion of City of Wilmington online Application and Wilmington Police Department Application Packet.
Preliminary Screening (against job qualifications).
Job-Related Physical Abilities Test.
Written Test.
Interview Board.
Complete Background Investigation.
Chief of Police Interview or their designee.
Polygraph.
Psychological Evaluation.
Medical/Drug Screening.
Final Offer of Employment.
After an Application Packet is submitted to the City of Wilmington Human Resources Department, it will be forwarded to the Wilmington Police Department Professional Development Unit. Applicants who meet the initial minimum requirements will be contacted to attend the Physical and Written Testing once the application has been reviewed.
Physical Abilities Test The Physical Abilities Test is outlined below and must be completed in 7 minutes 20 seconds or less to continue in the hiring process. Applicants will be given one attempt to pass the test.
Run 200 yards.
Step up on a step box 20 times.
15 Push Ups.
15 Sit Ups.
Step up on a step box 20 times.
15 Push Ups.15 Sit Ups.
Run 200 yards.
The Written Test will consist of a multiple choice test. Applicants must achieve a score of at least 70% in order to continue in the recruitment process.
In the event an applicant does not successfully complete any step of the recruitment process, they may reapply whenever a new posting for a position is advertised.
NOTES: Physical & Written Exams will be conducted at the WPD Haynes/Lacewell Training facility, 3100 Hurst Street, Wilmington, NC 28405. Exam dates to be determined by Police Recruiter. Qualified applicants will receive testing confirmation and instructions.
The application process may take up to 3 months to complete. Please check your Governmentjobs.com account to view the status of your application, which will show what stage of the process you are in.
The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Respond to citizen calls for service, provide a police presence in the community to encourage citizens to feel safe, conduct law enforcement activities and operations, and investigate crimes. This is accomplished by utilizing communications equipment, employing chemical and biological protective equipment, conducting police tactical movements, conducting security operations, conducting prisoner operations, conducting traffic operations, completing documentation, navigating streets, conducting investigations, and utilizing police equipment and weapons systems, assisting in special events, and maintaining equipment.
Minimum Requirements
20 years of age at the time you are hired or begin BLET.
Valid driver's license.
U.S. Citizen.
High School Diploma or GED.
Please visit the Police Department website to view a list of Employment Disqualifiers.
If you'd like to learn more about the hiring process and get answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Police Department Website or contact Officer Roberts at terrell.roberts@wilmingtonnc.gov.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.
WORKING CONDITIONS This position generally requires work in a vehicle and outdoors.
#J-18808-Ljbffr