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Cornelius Police Department | Cornelius, North Carolina

The Town of Cornelius Police Department is seeking dedicated, professional, and community-oriented Patrol Officers to join our team. Located on the shores of Lake Norman, Cornelius offers officers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while serving a community that highly values and actively supports its law enforcement professionals.

Whether you're an experienced Officer or looking to jumpstart your law enforcement career as a Police Cadet, we offer competitive pay, exceptional benefits, and opportunities for specialized assignments and professional growth. Salary starts at $63,528 per year for Officers and Cadets, with increased starting offers for experienced Officers and/or previous military service.

Why Join the Town of Cornelius?

We invest in our officers with one of the area's strongest benefits packages, including:

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (with substantial discounts for qualified dependents)
• $7,500 Hiring Bonus for Cadets and Officers with 0–2 years of applicable experience
• $10,000 Hiring Bonus for Officers with 2+ years of applicable experience
• Minimum $4,000 annual residency incentive for Full Time Officers who reside in Cornelius
• Enrollment in the North Carolina Local Government Retirement System
• 5% employer contribution to a 401(k)
• 5% salary increase after your first year
• Take home vehicle for those living within 30 miles
• Up to $4,000 annually in education reimbursement
• Additional salary increases for completed college degrees

Position Summary

Under general supervision, Patrol Officers perform a full range of law enforcement duties in accordance with the standards established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. Patrol Officers preserve public safety, protect life and property, enforce federal, state, and local laws, and build positive relationships throughout the community.

Essential Responsibilities

Patrol Officers perform a variety of law enforcement duties, including:

• Patrol residential, commercial, and Lake Norman areas by vehicle, foot, or boat (as assigned)
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service
• Enforce criminal, traffic, and local ordinances
• Investigate crimes, disturbances, thefts, break-ins, and traffic crashes
• Make arrests, serve warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents
• Prepare detailed reports, citations, and investigative documentation
• Testify in court proceedings
• Conduct proactive community policing and neighborhood engagement
• Identify hazardous conditions and coordinate with Town departments
• Provide security escorts when necessary
• Maintain public safety at community events

Officers may also have opportunities to serve in specialized assignments including:

• School Resource Officer
• K-9 Unit
• Community Policing
• Lake Patrol

Qualifications

Candidates must:

• Be at least 20 years of age
• Be a United States citizen
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Hold a valid driver's license
• Successfully complete North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)
• Possess Basic Law Enforcement Certification from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission
• Meet all certification standards established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission
• Successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation
• Meet agency standards for moral character and financial responsibility
• Successfully complete a firearms qualification, drug screening, medical examination, and psychological evaluation before employment

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of criminal law, constitutional law, arrest procedures, search and seizure, and traffic enforcement
• Knowledge of modern policing practices and investigative techniques
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Sound judgment and decision-making under pressure
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with citizens and fellow officers
• Skill in the safe operation of firearms and law enforcement equipment
• Physical fitness necessary to perform all essential law enforcement duties

Equipment Used

Officers operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, including:

• Patrol vehicles and patrol boats
• Police radio communications equipment
• Computers and mobile data terminals
• Intoxilyzer equipment
• Standard law enforcement equipment and firearms

Working Conditions

This position requires work in a variety of environments and weather conditions and involves the normal hazards associated with law enforcement, including exposure to emergency situations, physical risk, and bloodborne pathogens.

Come Join Our Team!

If you're committed to service, integrity, professionalism, and building strong relationships within the community, we encourage you to apply and become part of the Cornelius Police Department.

A detailed job description is available in the attached document.

The Town of Cornelius is an Equal Opportunity Employer.