Lateral Police Trainee

Company: City of Charlotte
Location: Charlotte
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Date Opened: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 12:00 AM Close Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 12:00 AM Department: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Salary: $28.19 - $36.46 Commensurate with Experience Welcome to the City of Charlotte Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents. Our guiding principles include: Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions SUMMARY The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Police Trainee is responsible for completing the CMPD Academy and passing the Basic Law Enforcement Training to become certified sworn law enforcement providing protection, policing, patrolling and investigation. Police Trainees participate in a structured training and certification program and perform entry-level law enforcement work under close supervision. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is looking to recruit in-state and out-of-state lateral Police Officers. We are looking for outstanding certified, sworn law enforcement officers to add to our ranks. We are interested in officers who exhibit integrity, professionalism and dedication to bring their skills and experience to service the citizens of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Experience such as: Federal Law Enforcement, Corrections Officer, Probation Officer, Park Ranger, Security Officer, Detention Officer, Jailer, College and Campus Security, etc., as determined by our department, will not be considered. To learn more about the Police Department’s hiring process and other frequently asked questions, visit our website at https://charlottepolicejobs.org/ For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email CMPD_Recruitment@cmpd.org Major Duties and Responsibilities: Participate in a structured law enforcement training academy that incorporates an adult learning environment and follows a paramilitary model to gain knowledge of entry-level law enforcement responsibilities. Participates in a field training program with the assistance of a field training officer, applying techniques learned in the training academy. Meet all training requirements established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice and Training Standards Commission as well as traditional requirements established by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Performs entry-level law enforcement work under close supervision involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of applicable laws and ordinances, provision of traffic control, prevention of crime, and other related responsibilities. Prepares and maintains applicable logs, records, reports and files. Keeps assigned tools and/or equipment in clean and safe working condition; adheres to applicable policies and procedures. Work with community leaders and members on crime reduction projects. Assist in developing crime reduction programs upon becoming a Police Officer. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: Possess High School Diploma/GED Be at least 20 years old Be a U.S. Citizen Have not committed or been convicted of any Felony offense or serious Misdemeanor offense Have not committed or been convicted of DWI or DUI in the preceding five years Pass entry level written examination Pass entry level physical ability test Must be able to wear a gas mask and pass an OSHA fit test Pass extensive background investigation Honorable Military Discharge, if applicable Be approved by Civil Service Board Normal Color Vision Minimum corrected visual acuity of 20/30 binocularly Pass pre-employment Drug Screening Test Licensing/Certifications: Possess or have ability to obtain valid NC or SC Driver's License. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Standard practices, methods and materials of assigned work. Business math concepts. Filing and record-keeping principles. Occupational hazards and applicable safety principles and practices. Uses and properties of supplies and equipment. Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment). Customer service principles. Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment. Modern office technology. Providing attention to detail in assignments. Business math computations. Acquiring and retaining knowledge of law enforcement methods, practices and procedures. Making effective decisions and applying appropriate actions based on different situations in accordance with laws, policies, procedures and standards. Organizing and maintaining records and files. Maintaining and updating data and documentation. Comprehending reference books and manuals. Operating assigned tools and equipment. Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards (based on assignment). Providing customer service. Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications. Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. Possess essential skills related to written & oral communication, critical thinking, and problem solving/analytical skills. Pass the Basic Law Enforcement Training according to the State of North Carolina Obtain Division of Criminal Information (DCI) and CPR certifications. Successfully complete and pass physical fitness and classroom training and testing. Use state, local, and NC criminal information systems to obtain crime/suspect related information to include KBCOPS, CJLEADS, DCI. Work with diverse community members. Learn how to complete reports and provide testimony in court. Learn CMPD technology systems to include KBCOPS, PeopleSoft. ADA and Other Requirements: Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check. Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports. Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments. The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior. Our culture is to serve the community honorably. HOW TO APPLY Apply online. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job. You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays. For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us . The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120. BENEFITS The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits. The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

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