Police Trainee

***New for 2021. Email Lieutenant Miller at dmiller1@cmpd.org with the subject Handshake Zoom. You will receive the Recruitment zoom schedule where we will answer questions related to the application process, pay and benefits, career opportunities and more. ***

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is an organization with an impeccable reputation of excellence, integrity, and service. Comprised of more than 1,800 sworn officers and 400 civilian employees, we are always actively recruiting qualified men and women who have a passion to serve. Reducing crime and improving the quality of life for residents are among our top priorities in making Charlotte the safest big city in America. We recognize that community safety is a shared responsibility which takes great steps in collaborating with residents, neighborhood leaders, and business owners, as well as local and state agencies to reduce crime. If you believe you have what it takes to positively impact the community, we want you to you to join our ranks.

You must be at least 20 years old at the time you enter the process. (Must be 21 on date you enter academy)

You must have a High School diploma or GED. We encourage applicants to have at least an Associate'​s Degree.

You must be able to obtain a North Carolina OR South Carolina Driver's License, depende​nt upon your home of residence.

You must be a citizen of the United States.

We require an Honorable Discharge from the military (Uncharacterized Discharges are accepted on case by case basis).

You must pass an extensive background check including: Polygraph Exam, Psychological Screening, Medical Exam & Drug Screening

Our Police Department's entry level pay for new hires will start at the rate of $45,757. The starting pay for employees with a Bachelors Degree is $50,332.

​New hires will start at the rate of $45,757​​*

A 5% incentive for persons who have a proficiency in Spanish

5% bonus for Associate’s Degree, 10% bonus for Bachelor’s Degree

20 to 30 vacation days per year, based on years of service

2 weeks leave for annual reserve military training, one week is paid

Medical / Dental Insurance - City pays a portion of the coverage

Paid life insurance of double annual salary up to $100,000

Eligible for full retirement benefits from the city and state after 30 years of credible service or at age 55 (those employees hired on or after July 1, 2009 are not eligible for retiree medical coverage)

401(k) provided by the city - 5% of salary contributed by the city for sworn personnel

Educational tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program - personal and family counseling

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officers are provided with the finest equipment, the best training, and the latest technology available in law-enforcement today

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department supports the National Guard and Reserve.

We encourage our employees to further their education and the City of Charlotte has a tuition reimbursement program.

For personal and family counseling we have an Employee Assistance Program and Police Chaplains of differing religious backgrounds.

We offer a challenging and rewarding career with numerous possibilities for you to make a difference in our community. Patrol, Felony Investigations, Vice and Narcotics, School Resource Officer, Lake Enforcement, Helicopter, Violent Crime Task Force, Special Information Bureau, SWAT, Highway Interdiction and Safety, Recruitment and Training, Canine and many more. Our department will provide you with the finest equipment available including a lap-top computer, uniforms, clothing allowance for plain-clothes assignments, in car cameras and unlimited training opportunities at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Academy.

It is a big city with a small town atmosphere. Charlotte is the nation's second largest banking center. We have excellent schools, universities and colleges. It is located centrally between the mountains and the Atlantic coast. Charlotte is the home of several professional sports franchises including the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and America's premier NASCAR facility- Charlotte Motor Speedway. For more information about Charlotte, visit the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.

The recruiting process begins with submitting a City application, available online through www.charlottepolicejobs.org throughout the year. Qualified applicants will then complete a Supplemental Online Application. Selected applications will then be invited to Charlotte to complete a written test. Following the written test, the applicant will take a Job Related Physical Ability Test. Applicants who pass these tests will receive an application packet by e-mail or instructions on completing the application on-line. Selection of Police Officer applicants is a competitive process. The best qualified applicants will be assigned to a recruiting officer who will conduct a comprehensive background investigation to determine suitability for employment.

Applications are accepted 24/7/365. Go to www.charlottepolicejobs.org and fill out an application under Police Trainee. Graduating Seniors interested in our June 2021 class should apply as early in their Senior year as possible! Applications received after March 1st 2021 will not be considered for our June 2021 class.