Police Recruit

Police Officer Position

Work. Serve. Thrive. With the City of Durham. Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve. Our internationally accredited Durham Police Department is dedicated to hiring and training officers and staff who represent the best the law enforcement profession has to offer. We are a progressive agency committed to reducing crime by providing the best quality service. We work to foster public confidence and maintain the highest standards of excellence as a community partner for positive change. If you're interested in delivering superior emergency response services and working collaboratively to serve our community, join our team in Durham!

This posting is for the academy beginning in February of 2026. Please note, The Durham Police Department has reinstated its $10,000 hiring incentive for all recruits who successfully complete the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) academy, and all three phases of field training. Also, Educational Incentive Bonus : Candidates that possess or obtain an Associate's degree from an accredited community college, college, or university will be paid at 2.5% above their base pay. Bachelor's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university will be paid at 5% above their base pay. Candidates must submit their documentation confirming that the degree was conferred (e.g. transcript, copy of the degree, etc.) to DPD Employee Services for processing. The incentive will be activated, if the Recruit possesses the degree documentation and presents it to DPD Employee Services, upon promotion to Police Officer. Please see complete list of requirements under Minimum Qualifications below.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Conducts traffic operations by enforcing North Carolina traffic laws, performing routine and high risk traffic stops, searching vehicles, investigating traffic accidents, removing vehicles and debris, directing traffic, and engaging in vehicle pursuits.
• Conducts investigations by completing police documentation for reportable crimes and traffic accidents, interviewing and interrogating subjects, utilizing knowledge of search and seizure laws, swearing out warrants and arrests, and protecting crime scenes.
• Performs prisoner operations by conducting searches, handcuffing prisoners, transporting prisoners, and processing prisoners at police station. Utilizes communication systems by using mobile and portable radios, and making telephone calls for reports and follow ups.
• Conducts tactical police operations by serving as a member of search team; conducting searches of buildings, outside area, and vehicles; and patrolling areas in vehicles and on foot.
• Performs administrative duties by completing paperwork, documenting activities and actions, coordinating media relations, serving on committees, maintaining equipment and vehicle, and assisting in coordinating special events.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

Additional Preferred Skills

This agency seeks diversity in the workplace.