Police Trainee
City of Wilmington, NC, Wilmington, NC, United States
The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position Description 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
North Carolina Personal History Statement (F3) – select "Police F3", complete online, print, and have notarized. (Attach full notarized document to the application)
WPD Personal Inquiry Waiver – print, complete (handwritten signature required and must be notarized)
WPD Credit Inquiry Waiver – print, complete (handwritten signature required)
Criminal History Inquiry Waiver – print, complete (handwritten signature required)
Driving History Inquiry Waiver – print, complete (handwritten signature required)
Copy of Birth Certificate – certificate of naturalization 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
NOTE: Should you become employed with the City, you will need official transcripts for entrance into the BLET program.
The following forms must be uploaded and attached to the online application 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.
All required 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 Summary
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
Once a conditional job offer has been given, steps 8‑11 are completed. Applicants who meet the initial minimum requirements will be contacted to attend the Physical and Written testing.
Physical Abilities Test The Physical Abilities Test must be completed in 7 minutes 20 seconds or less. 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
Repeat step box, push ups, sit ups, and run 200 yards as above
The Written Test will consist of a multiple‑choice test. Applicants must achieve a score of at least 70% to continue in the recruitment process.
Each step must be successfully completed to advance to the next recruitment phase. In the event an applicant does not successfully complete any step, they may reapply whenever a new posting is advertised.
Typical Tasks Respond to citizen calls for service, provide a police presence in the community, conduct law‑enforcement activities and operations, investigate crimes, and utilize communications equipment, protective gear, tactical movements, security operations, prisoner operations, traffic operations, documentation, navigation, investigations, and weapons systems. Assist in special events and maintain equipment.
Qualifications In addition to completing the required documents, successful candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
20 years of age at the time of hire or beginning BLET
Valid driver’s license
U.S. Citizen
High School Diploma or GED
Employment disqualifiers are listed on the Police Department website.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Exerting 20‑50 lbs. occasionally, 10‑25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.
WORKING CONDITIONS Position generally requires work in a vehicle and outdoors.
Our Core Values INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY
Our Mission Statement Through forward‑thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.
Benefits Offered
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
Excellent retirement benefits, including a city‑provided 4.5% contribution to a 401(k) and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
Employer‑paid health & wellness clinic
Free on‑site city gym access
Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
6‑weeks paid parental leave
Paid volunteer & blood donation leave
Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on the position
Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
Tuition assistance benefits
Health Benefits The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire.
Dental Insurance Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire. Employees and eligible dependents are covered.
Life Insurance City pays coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance available for purchase.
Retirement
NC Local Government Retirement System – mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
Deferred Compensation – city contributes an amount equal to 4.5% of the annual salary to a 401(k). Employees may contribute additional money without a city match.
Paid Leave (for employees working at least 1,000 hours annually)
Sick Leave – 12 days accrued each year
Annual Leave – accrual based on years of service, ranging from 10 to 24 days per year
Holidays – 13 paid holidays annually
Paid Parental Leave – Six weeks for birth, adoption, or placement of a child (must run concurrently with FMLA)
Part‑time employees earn pro‑rated benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
Tuition reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program
Short & Long Term Disability
Cancer & Critical Illness
Accident Insurance
Whole Life Insurance
Credit Union membership
Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi‑weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to receive their first paycheck approximately 3 weeks after their start date.
Supplemental Questionnaire Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification.
Question 1
Yes
Question 2
Yes
Question 3 – Highest level of education
High School Diploma or GED
Some College
Associate’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree
Doctorate Degree
None – N/A
Question 4 – Valid Driver's License
Yes
No
Question 5 – Age 20 or older
Yes
No
Question 6 – U.S. Citizen
Yes
No
Question 7 – Recruitment Process Summary
Yes
Question 8 – All required documents attached and notarized?
Yes
No
Question 9 – Acknowledgment of correspondence via email and phone
Yes
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Position Description 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
North Carolina Personal History Statement (F3) – select "Police F3", complete online, print, and have notarized. (Attach full notarized document to the application)
WPD Personal Inquiry Waiver – print, complete (handwritten signature required and must be notarized)
WPD Credit Inquiry Waiver – print, complete (handwritten signature required)
Criminal History Inquiry Waiver – print, complete (handwritten signature required)
Driving History Inquiry Waiver – print, complete (handwritten signature required)
Copy of Birth Certificate – certificate of naturalization 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
NOTE: Should you become employed with the City, you will need official transcripts for entrance into the BLET program.
The following forms must be uploaded and attached to the online application 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.
All required 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 Summary
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
Once a conditional job offer has been given, steps 8‑11 are completed. Applicants who meet the initial minimum requirements will be contacted to attend the Physical and Written testing.
Physical Abilities Test The Physical Abilities Test must be completed in 7 minutes 20 seconds or less. 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
Repeat step box, push ups, sit ups, and run 200 yards as above
The Written Test will consist of a multiple‑choice test. Applicants must achieve a score of at least 70% to continue in the recruitment process.
Each step must be successfully completed to advance to the next recruitment phase. In the event an applicant does not successfully complete any step, they may reapply whenever a new posting is advertised.
Typical Tasks Respond to citizen calls for service, provide a police presence in the community, conduct law‑enforcement activities and operations, investigate crimes, and utilize communications equipment, protective gear, tactical movements, security operations, prisoner operations, traffic operations, documentation, navigation, investigations, and weapons systems. Assist in special events and maintain equipment.
Qualifications In addition to completing the required documents, successful candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
20 years of age at the time of hire or beginning BLET
Valid driver’s license
U.S. Citizen
High School Diploma or GED
Employment disqualifiers are listed on the Police Department website.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Exerting 20‑50 lbs. occasionally, 10‑25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.
WORKING CONDITIONS Position generally requires work in a vehicle and outdoors.
Our Core Values INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY
Our Mission Statement Through forward‑thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.
Benefits Offered
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
Excellent retirement benefits, including a city‑provided 4.5% contribution to a 401(k) and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
Employer‑paid health & wellness clinic
Free on‑site city gym access
Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
6‑weeks paid parental leave
Paid volunteer & blood donation leave
Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on the position
Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
Tuition assistance benefits
Health Benefits The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire.
Dental Insurance Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire. Employees and eligible dependents are covered.
Life Insurance City pays coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance available for purchase.
Retirement
NC Local Government Retirement System – mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
Deferred Compensation – city contributes an amount equal to 4.5% of the annual salary to a 401(k). Employees may contribute additional money without a city match.
Paid Leave (for employees working at least 1,000 hours annually)
Sick Leave – 12 days accrued each year
Annual Leave – accrual based on years of service, ranging from 10 to 24 days per year
Holidays – 13 paid holidays annually
Paid Parental Leave – Six weeks for birth, adoption, or placement of a child (must run concurrently with FMLA)
Part‑time employees earn pro‑rated benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
Tuition reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program
Short & Long Term Disability
Cancer & Critical Illness
Accident Insurance
Whole Life Insurance
Credit Union membership
Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi‑weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to receive their first paycheck approximately 3 weeks after their start date.
Supplemental Questionnaire Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification.
Question 1
Yes
Question 2
Yes
Question 3 – Highest level of education
High School Diploma or GED
Some College
Associate’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree
Doctorate Degree
None – N/A
Question 4 – Valid Driver's License
Yes
No
Question 5 – Age 20 or older
Yes
No
Question 6 – U.S. Citizen
Yes
No
Question 7 – Recruitment Process Summary
Yes
Question 8 – All required documents attached and notarized?
Yes
No
Question 9 – Acknowledgment of correspondence via email and phone
Yes
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