About Jacksonville:Jacksonville has one of the youngest demographics in the US with a median age of 22.7 and an estimated population of 72,800. The City offers a great work/life balance. We are rich in history and deep in pride of our local military as demonstrated at Lejeune Memorial Gardens near Marine Corp Base Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station. Many of our military return and plant roots here because of the lifestyle and all that the City has to offer. Another reason people stay in Jacksonville. We are a Caring Community as stated in our City seal.

Jacksonville tourism is growing, with festivals and events including some annual favorites like the Jacksonville Jamboree, Winterfest, Oktoberfest and Jazz in the City. The Marine Corp Half Marathon is just one of our premiere sports events, and others include course challenges, soccer, triathlon, boxing, pickleball, softball, basketball, disc golf and other tournaments.

Jacksonville Recreation has indoor and outdoor facilities throughout the City and include year-round programs, classes and events including summer concerts, camps, movies, team sports and many more activities for all ages. There are 19 parks and 20+ miles of greenways and trails. We are a waterway City with easy access to fishing and water sports and are close to Onslow beaches.

Jacksonville commercial corridors of Western Blvd, Marine Blvd, Gum Branch Rd and Henderson Dr offer retail shopping, restaurants, award winning healthcare facilities and other services. Coastal Carolina Community College is in the center of the corridor and offers students a variety of subjects connecting to state universities. Our public schools are above the curve in learning, proud in sports and offer a ton of activities for students. Jacksonville Airport is a regional hub for travel and Jacksonville Transit offers service in the City and military installations.

Jacksonville is a great place to work, live and play for you and your family. JacksonvilleNC.gov l VisitJacksonvilleNC.com

A few words to describe the organization's work culture: transparent, family-oriented, happy, collaborative, challenging, engaging, and respectful.

The City of Jacksonville's Police Department is growing and looking to hire Police Officer Trainees to attend Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) in January of 2026. While training, candidates will receive full salary and benefits. Upon completion of BLET and receipt of your Basic Law Enforcement Certification from the State of North Carolina you will be promoted to the Rank of Police Officer I. The Police Officer Trainee performs responsible protective service work in a training capacity involving a variety of general or support duty police assignments; does related work as required. Much of the work is performed under emergency conditions and involves considerable personal hazard. Work is performed under immediate supervision. Apply today!

To learn more about our organization's work culture, click HERE!

Assisting with enforcing laws; investigating crimes; controlling traffic; collecting evidence; issuing warrants and summons; participating in continuing education; preparing reports.
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• On an assigned shift, assists fully qualified officers to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons and disturbances of law and order.
• Collects evidence and conducts searches; investigates traffic accidents.
• Responds to radio dispatches and answers calls and complaints; issues traffic citations; serves warrants, summons, etc.; completes arrest records.
• Provides police escorts, directs traffic; performs residential and commercial checks.
• Participates in a variety of in-service and special training programs.
• Responds to and investigates domestic disputes; assists other law enforcement agencies when requested or assigned.
• May be assigned to crime prevention, investigations, SWAT, community response, traffic, juvenile, or related areas for training purposes.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina. Ability to acquire Basic Law Enforcement certificate issued by the State of North Carolina. Possession of or ability to acquire CPR, MDT-DCI, Radar and Intoxilizer certifications. Must meet and maintain minimum training and experience requirements for position as established by the department and the State of North Carolina.
Some knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures; some knowledge of the geography of the City and location of important buildings; some knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear reports; ability to deal courteously but firmly with the public; ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances; skill in the use of firearms and the operation of an automobile; ability to establish and maintain effective relationship with associates and the general public.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Jacksonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, marital status, religion, or disabilities unrelated to the essential function of the position.

Additional Information

Part of the application process for positions with the Jacksonville Police Department includes skills testing for entrance into BLET. Testing is conducted at the local community college continuing education section on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) and a minimum score needed to enter BLET is a 563. You will want to obtain a copy of your score in order to provide it to the BLET Director and show proof to the Human Resources Department that you are eligible to progress forward in the process.

Applicants will also be required to complete the Police Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT) prior to entrance into BLET.

The length of the application process will vary based on the number of applicants, the number of vacancies and the needs of the department, but will normally run from three to six weeks. However, this position will not be hired until approximately one week prior to the start of BLET.

If you would like to learn more about serving with the Jacksonville Police Department you can click HERE.

Applicants who fail to successfully complete the Police Department application process are eligible to reapply after 12 months from the date of their previous application.

Any persons needing physical assistance or special accommodations In order to facilitate this testing requirement should contact the Human Resources Department at 910-938-5386.