Police Officer Employment

The following is a general progression of the application process and will indicate where a candidate is in the hiring process:

1. Complete an application of employment for the Town of Wake Forest online through NEOGOV. A North Carolina Training and Standards Personal History Statement (F3) will not be required as part of the initial application process;
2. Pre-screening of applications for disqualifying offenses or conduct;
3. Entry level written and physical agility testing will be conducted;
4. Submission of F-3 and supplemental paperwork for all applicants proceeding to panel interview;
5. Panel interview;
6. Truth Verification Examination;
7. Comprehensive Background Investigation;
8. Extension of conditional offer for qualified applicants with command interview; and
9. Physical examination, psychological fitness testing and drug screening.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent, applicants with university or college degrees are highly desired
• Must possess or obtain a valid Class C North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles driver's license prior to employment
• Not have any felony, domestic violence or misdemeanor assault convictions
• Be able to possess a firearm in the State of North Carolina legally
• Pass a pre-employment physical agility test
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen
• Meet the written, physical, and psychological background standards set by North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission for probationary police officers.
• To be considered for employment as a Police Officer I, all applicants must possess a valid law enforcement certification from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, or Sheriff’s equivalent, or be enrolled in a North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program.  In addition, officers certified in another state with a minimum of two years’ experience may apply.

Additional Benefits

• Career ladder program
• Wellness / physical fitness program
• Outer Carriers
• Facial Hair*
• Tattoos*

• Take home patrol car program - 40 mile radius from 301 Brooks Street, Wake Forest NC  ***Must reside in North Carolina***  

  Scan the QR code below to see if your residence is within the allowable distance.

  

*Within Policy Guidelines 

Police Officer Starting Salaries Based on Experience

• $65,093 - No prior sworn law enforcement experience
• $66,720 - Minimum of three years' prior full-time sworn law enforcement experience
• $68,347 - Five years' or more of prior full-time sworn law enforcement experience.

Additions to Salaries

• 2.5% - Associate's degree
• 5% - Bachelor's degree
• 7.5% - Master's degree
• 2.5% - NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission Advanced Certificate
• 5% - Automatic salary increase after six months of employment with the Town of Wake Forest
• 5% - Fluent in Spanish
• $1000 - Wellness bonus for "Superior" performance of POPAT (Police Officer's Physical Abilities Test) three times a year

Pay Scale