Police Officer Trainee 2026

Summary

Police OfficerThe City of Winston-Salem Police Department has openings for police officers year-round. The Department fills non-sworn positions as the need arises. The process to become a Winston-Salem Police Officer is challenging. There are a variety of steps a successful applicant must complete before he or she is invited to become a Winston-Salem Police Recruit.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.General Definition of Work: 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.Education and Experience: Graduation from high school or GED equivalency. Special Requirements: Must be a U.S. Citizen. Must be at least 19 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.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: Police Officer Trainee Starting Salary: $51,269.00 with military incentive: $53,833.00 with AA/AS Degree: $53,833.00 AA/AS with military incentive: $56,524.00 with BA/BS Degree: $56,524.00 BA/BS with military incentive: $59,351.00. Sworn Officer Starting Salary: $56,524.00 with military incentive: $59,351.00 with AA/AS Degree: $59,351.00 AA/AS with military incentive: $62,318.00 with BA/BS Degree: $62,318.00 BA/BS with military incentive: $65,434.00.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 OfficerThe City of Winston-Salem Police Department has openings for police officers year-round. The Department fills non-sworn positions as the need arises. The process to become a Winston-Salem Police Officer is challenging. There are a variety of steps a successful applicant must complete before he or she is invited to become a Winston-Salem Police Recruit.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.General Definition of Work: 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.Education and Experience: Graduation from high school or GED equivalency. Special Requirements: Must be a U.S. Citizen. Must be at least 19 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.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: Police Officer Trainee Starting Salary: $51,269.00 with military incentive: $53,833.00 with AA/AS Degree: $53,833.00 AA/AS with military incentive: $56,524.00 with BA/BS Degree: $56,524.00 BA/BS with military incentive: $59,351.00. Sworn Officer Starting Salary: $56,524.00 with military incentive: $59,351.00 with AA/AS Degree: $59,351.00 AA/AS with military incentive: $62,318.00 with BA/BS Degree: $62,318.00 BA/BS with military incentive: $65,434.00.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.