Certified Police Officer (up to $25K hiring incentive)

• Hiring incentives of up to $25,000 for certified lateral transfers! Please see details in the Supplemental Information section of the job posting.**
  
  

This application process is for candidates that are BLET Certified, currently in a BLET class (within 6 months of graduation) or a Lateral State Transfer.

All other candidates for Police Trainee, please access the City of Wilmington Employment Page.

The City of Wilmington is accepting applications for Police Officer. In addition to completing the City of Wilmington online application, candidates must also complete and attach supplemental documents to finalize the Police Officer Application Packet.

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 "Police F3", select "Sign Up", complete online, print, & have notarized. (Attach full notarized document to the application)
• WPD Personal History Waiver - print and complete (handwritten signature required)
• 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
• Copy of current NC Law Enforcement Certificate if applicable
• Copy of Official Transcript (seal not required)
• High School - transcript only
• GED - copy of final grade must be attached
• College - transcript only
  
  

The additional forms MUST be uploaded and attached to the online application in order to move forward in the process.

Note: All notary signatures must be recent and up-to-date. Form may be notarized in the Human Resources Department at no cost. Our office is located at 929 N. Front St, Wilmington, NC (11th Floor). Please contact HR to schedule an appointment - 910-341-7840.

The following is a summary of the steps in the recruitment process:

Step 1: Completion of City of Wilmington online Application and Wilmington Police Department Application Packet

Step 2: Preliminary Screening (against job qualifications)

Step 3: Job-Related Physical Abilities Test

Step 4: Written Test

Step 5: Interview Board

Step 6: Complete Background Investigation

Step 7: Deputy Chiefs of Police Interview

Steps 8-11 are completed once a conditional job offer has been given.

Step 8: Polygraph

Step 9: Psychological Evaluation

Step 10: Medical/Drug Screening

Step 11: Final Offer of Employment after an online 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.

The Physical Abilities Test outlined below must be completed in 7 minutes 20 seconds or less to continue in the recruitment 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 video-based, multiple choice test. Applicants must achieve a score of at least 70% in order 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 phase of the recruitment process, they may reapply whenever a new posting for a position is advertised.

Notes

Physical Assessment & Written Exams will be scheduled as soon as possible after the application deadline. Eligible candidates will be notified via email what date/time to report for testing. Applicants who successfully pass both the Physical & Written portions will be invited to return for an interview panel.

The application process may take up to 3 months to complete. For more information on the recruitment process, please visit the Police Department Website.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 event planning, maintaining equipment, and removing dangerous or deadly animals.

Successful Candidates Must Meet The Following Minimum Requirements

• 20 years of age at the time of application
• Valid Driver's License
• U. S. Citizen
• High School Diploma or GED
• North Carolina BLET certification or currently enrolled in a BLET program with the expectation of graduating within the next six months; OR
• Two years, full-time, out-of-state sworn law enforcement experience and have successfully completed a basic law enforcement training course accredited by the state from which you are transferring (cannot have a break in service exceeding three years).
  
  

All applicants must complete an online Wilmington Police Department Application Packet to be considered. Candidates must successfully complete the entire recruitment process to include: physical abilities testing; written test; interviews; background investigation; polygraph; psychological evaluation; and medical examination with drug screen.

Please visit the Police Department website to view a list of Employment Disqualifiers.

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.

• The City of Wilmington is offering up to $25k with a new Lateral Recruitment Incentive Program**
  
  

To Qualify, Candidates Must

• Successfully completed the Basic Law Enforcement Training or another state’s equivalent (as determined in a review of comparable experience by the Chief of Police)
• Is actively certified and eligible to be employed as a certified police officer with the City of Wilmington.
• Must be hired as a Certified Police Officer and begin their employment on or after August 27, 2025.
• May not be an employee of the City of Wilmington in any capacity as of August 27, 2025.
  
  

Incentive Payment Levels Available Based On Years Of Experience

• $25,000: Two (2) or more years of sworn law enforcement experience in NC AND has their NC Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate.
• $20,000: Less than two (2) years of sworn law enforcement experience in NC, OR more than two years of sworn law enforcement experience in NC, but does not have their Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate.
• $15,000: Two (2) or more years of sworn law enforcement experience outside of NC.
• $10,000: Less than two (2) years of sworn law enforcement experience outside of NC.
• Incentives above cannot be combined.
  
  

Payment Processing

• Certified Officers hired under this program will receive 20% of their eligible incentive in their first paycheck.
• Each remaining 20% of their incentive will be paid in subsequent six-month increments, paid within 30 days of completion of that period of employment.
• Total payment will be paid over 24 months (payments in months 0, 6, 12, 18, 24).
  
  

***Eligibility for any remaining incentive payments under this program will immediately cease if the employee separates from employment with the City of Wilmington for any reason during their first 25 months of employment under this program. This includes any payment that has not yet been processed as of the employee’s last day of employment. No payment will be made if the candidate is not hired