Police Officer - Sworn Lateral 2026

Summary

Police Officer

This post is for current sworn officers who are interested in transferring to the City of Winston-Salem Police Department or former WSPD employees interested in re-hire. Please see the Winston-Salem Police Department website for more information on the hiring process.The Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) has openings for police officers year-round. The Department fills non-sworn positions as the need arises. There are a variety of steps a successful applicant must complete before he or she is invited to become part of the Winston-Salem Police Department team. Application Steps: Please see the Winston-Salem Police Department website for more information and additional steps in the hiring process. You must contact the recruitment office at 336-403-5001 prior to completing this application. They will provide you with an application access code.

Examples of Duties

Performs responsible protective service work in the prevention, detection and investigation of violations of the law. Essential Functions On an assigned shift, patrols an assigned area to observe violations of criminal and traffic laws, suspicious activities and disturbances; responds to radio dispatches; answers calls and complaints; serves warrants, commitments and makes arrests; provides police escorts; monitors and directs traffic; enforces traffic laws and ordinances; investigates traffic accidents; aids injured persons; reports unsafe conditions in streets and public facilities; conducts criminal investigations by gathering evidence, interviewing victims and witnesses and interrogating suspects; prepares detailed reports; testifies in court and performs related work as required.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience Graduation from high school or GED equivalency. Special Requirements Must be a U.S. Citizen. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must be of good moral character, having no felony convictions, serious misdemeanors, or DWI's within the past five (5) years. Must be in good physical condition. Must reside within 60 miles from City Hall. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid North Carolina's driver license.

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule: Rotating/Shift Hours There will be a 12 month probationary period during which you will receive performance evaluations after 6 months and at the end of the probationary period. Salary Information - Salary will commensurate with experience Sworn Police Officer Minimum Salary: No Degree / No Military $56524 No Degree / Military incentive: $59351 Associates / No Military: $59351 Associates / Military incentive: $62318 Bachelors / No Military: $62318 Bachelors / Military incentive: $65434 Police Officer II Minimum Salary (no degree/no military): $59351 Master Police Officer Minimum Salary (no degree/no military): $62318

Employee Benefits 401a Contribution (employee match not required) Bus Pass Program Education Assistance Employee Assistance Program Employee Suggestion Program Family and Medical Leave Flexible Spending Accounts Group Health Insurance Group Dental Insurance Jury Duty Leave Life/Accidental Death Insurance Long-Term Care Insurance Military Leave Paid Holidays Promotion from Within Retirement/Pension Plan (State of NC) School Leave Shared Leave Short-Term Disability Insurance Sick Leave Training Vacation Leave Wellness Program

Job Description

Police Officer

This post is for current sworn officers who are interested in transferring to the City of Winston-Salem Police Department or former WSPD employees interested in re-hire. Please see the Winston-Salem Police Department website for more information on the hiring process.The Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) has openings for police officers year-round. The Department fills non-sworn positions as the need arises. There are a variety of steps a successful applicant must complete before he or she is invited to become part of the Winston-Salem Police Department team. Application Steps: Please see the Winston-Salem Police Department website for more information and additional steps in the hiring process. You must contact the recruitment office at 336-403-5001 prior to completing this application. They will provide you with an application access code.

Examples of Duties

Performs responsible protective service work in the prevention, detection and investigation of violations of the law. Essential Functions On an assigned shift, patrols an assigned area to observe violations of criminal and traffic laws, suspicious activities and disturbances; responds to radio dispatches; answers calls and complaints; serves warrants, commitments and makes arrests; provides police escorts; monitors and directs traffic; enforces traffic laws and ordinances; investigates traffic accidents; aids injured persons; reports unsafe conditions in streets and public facilities; conducts criminal investigations by gathering evidence, interviewing victims and witnesses and interrogating suspects; prepares detailed reports; testifies in court and performs related work as required.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience Graduation from high school or GED equivalency. Special Requirements Must be a U.S. Citizen. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must be of good moral character, having no felony convictions, serious misdemeanors, or DWI's within the past five (5) years. Must be in good physical condition. Must reside within 60 miles from City Hall. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid North Carolina's driver license.

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule: Rotating/Shift Hours There will be a 12 month probationary period during which you will receive performance evaluations after 6 months and at the end of the probationary period. Salary Information - Salary will commensurate with experience Sworn Police Officer Minimum Salary: No Degree / No Military $56524 No Degree / Military incentive: $59351 Associates / No Military: $59351 Associates / Military incentive: $62318 Bachelors / No Military: $62318 Bachelors / Military incentive: $65434 Police Officer II Minimum Salary (no degree/no military): $59351 Master Police Officer Minimum Salary (no degree/no military): $62318

Employee Benefits 401a Contribution (employee match not required) Bus Pass Program Education Assistance Employee Assistance Program Employee Suggestion Program Family and Medical Leave Flexible Spending Accounts Group Health Insurance Group Dental Insurance Jury Duty Leave Life/Accidental Death Insurance Long-Term Care Insurance Military Leave Paid Holidays Promotion from Within Retirement/Pension Plan (State of NC) School Leave Shared Leave Short-Term Disability Insurance Sick Leave Training Vacation Leave Wellness Program