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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer I: Positions at this level are entry-level with 0-2 years of experience in law enforcement. Additionally, candidates will have completed North Carolina's Basic Law Enforcement Training ...

Police Officer I: Positions at this level are entry-level with 0-2 years of experience in law enforcement. Additionally, candidates will have completed North Carolina's Basic Law Enforcement Training ...

Police Officer

Wendell, NC · On-site

$58K - $106K/yr

However, Police Officers hired on higher levels may receive higher pay depending upon ... This is an entry level law enforcement position. Duties will include: answering calls for service ...

However, Police Officers hired on higher levels may receive higher pay depending upon ... an entry level law enforcement position. Duties will include: answering calls for service ...

Police Officer

Knightdale, NC · On-site

$67K - $74K/yr

Police Opening Date: 01/06/2026 Compensation : Entry-level - $67,363 Senior Officer - $70,799 Master Officer - $74,411 Hiring Range - up to $74,411 Full Pay Range - up to $100,294 *Officers may be ...

Compensation: Entry-level - $67,363 Senior Officer - $70,799 Master Officer - $74,411 Hiring Range ... If so, we invite you to apply to join the ranks of Knightdale's Police Department. Our mission is ...

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Entry Level Police Officer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$28.4K

$54.3K

$90.4K

How much do entry level police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in Raleigh, NC is $54,300.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,400.00 and $65,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level police officers?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a police department and are in the initial stages of their law enforcement careers. They typically perform basic duties such as patrolling designated areas, responding to emergency calls, conducting preliminary investigations, and enforcing laws. Entry level officers often undergo a period of training at a police academy followed by on-the-job training with experienced officers. Their responsibilities and authority increase as they gain more experience and demonstrate their abilities.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Entry level police officers can typically start their careers at age 27, as many departments accept applicants up to their late 20s or early 30s. Age requirements vary by jurisdiction, but physical fitness, background checks, and training are standard parts of the hiring process regardless of age. Being physically prepared and completing necessary certifications like police academy training are essential steps to entering the field at this age.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, a clean background, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong soft skills include integrity, critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law ethically, and responding effectively to emergencies.

What is the lowest level of police officer?

The lowest level of police officer is typically a probationary or entry-level officer, who has completed basic police academy training and is beginning their field duties. Advancement to higher ranks such as corporal or sergeant usually requires additional experience, training, and testing. Entry-level officers often perform patrols, respond to calls, and enforce laws under supervision.

Can you apply to be a police officer with no experience?

Entry level police officer positions typically do not require prior law enforcement experience, but applicants must meet minimum qualifications such as a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete police academy training. Having relevant skills like communication, problem-solving, and physical fitness can improve chances of hiring. Most agencies provide training after hiring, so prior experience is not always necessary.

What Does an Entry-Level Police Officer Do?

The job duties of an entry-level police officer involve working to protect citizens and perform other law enforcement duties. Your responsibilities in this career include going on patrol, working to investigate crimes, and documenting complaints. An entry-level officer has completed officer training and public safety testing (PST) and has been sworn-in as a law enforcement professional. However, you may undergo additional on-the-job training with the assistance of a senior officer, and you may have a period of probationary employment until you have proven yourself in the field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police Officer vs Police Dispatcher?

AspectEntry Level Police OfficerPolice Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, communication training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionDispatch center, phone and radio communication
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsPolice departments, emergency communication centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Police Officers primarily patrol communities, enforce laws, and respond to incidents, requiring police academy training. Police Dispatchers handle emergency calls, coordinate responses, and communicate with officers, focusing on communication skills. Both roles are essential in law enforcement but differ in duties, environment, and training focus.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level police officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level police officers often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning departmental procedures, and developing effective communication skills in high-pressure situations. Balancing the demands of public interactions with the need to enforce the law can be stressful, especially when dealing with difficult or emotional incidents. New officers also spend significant time in training and mentorship programs, which help ease the transition but require adaptability and resilience.

What is the easiest law enforcement job to get into?

Entry-level police officer positions are generally considered among the more accessible law enforcement roles, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a civil service exam, and completing basic training. These roles typically have a straightforward hiring process compared to specialized or federal law enforcement jobs, which may require additional qualifications or experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Police Officer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Entry Level Police Officer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,300 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Police Officer

Full-time, Part-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number
PG193894EP
Internal Recruitment
No
Working Title
Police Officer
Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with Experience
Work Schedule
Rotating Permanent 12 hour shifts once out of Field Training
Job Location
Raleigh, NC
Department
NCSU Police
About the Department
The North Carolina State University Police Department is responsible for providing the most reasonable level of safety and security for the protection of life and property of students, faculty, staff and visitors of the campus community. Being a full sized police department, the department functions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round with sworn officers, non-sworn full-time employees and part-time employees.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.
What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The main purpose of the NC State University Police Officer position is to protect and serve the students, faculty, staff and visitors of North Carolina State University through law enforcement and crime prevention. The selected candidate(s) will patrol campus and investigate complaints and violations of State laws and local ordinances. This person also develops and implements preventative patrol techniques and performs specialized duties to deter crime and promote effective safety and security practices.
This description covers the duties and responsibilities of officers in the Police Officer band and includes Police Officer I, Police Officer II, and Police Officer III. Selection to and movement between the different levels is outlined in Police Department General Order 100-8.
Police Officer I: Positions at this level are entry-level with 0-2 years of experience in law enforcement, completed North Carolina's Basic Law Enforcement Training, be certified as a Law Enforcement Officer in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission or have the ability to achieve certification within one year of employment.
Police Officer II: Positions at this level are fully functioning officers with a minimum of 2 years of experience as a sworn local, state, or federal law enforcement officer, have completed North Carolina's Basic Law Enforcement Training, and have at least a General Certification.
Police Officer III: Positions at this level are veteran officers with a minimum of 4 years of experience as a sworn local, state, or federal law enforcement officers, have completed North Carolina's Basic Law Enforcement Training, and have attained their General Certification.
What we can offer:
  • FREE Tuition to officers seeking to continue their education at any University in the UNC System
  • FREEon campus gym membership
  • 10% Night shift Differential Pay
  • Permanent Day or Night Shifts
  • 14 regular days off per month
  • Uniform and equipment provided at no cost
  • Training classes available for advancement/promotion
  • Individual or Family Health Plans
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time
  • State Retirement and 401k Plans

Other Responsibilities
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • Must possess a minimum of High School diploma or GED from an appropriately accredited institution, a probationary certification from the NC CJETSC as a commissioned police officer and show successful completion of the appointing agency's designated field training program for newly appointed Campus Police Officers.

Other Required Qualifications
Candidates must meet the minimum State standards for employment. Candidates must successfully complete a department orientation course, a department field training program during probationary period, and must satisfactorily complete the state mandated probationary period. The selected candidate must possess good oral and written communication skills and deal with the public and representatives of the criminal justice system in a professional manner. The candidate(s) for this position will be considered a 'MANDATORY' Employee as defined in University Regulation 04-20-07.
The successful candidate:
  • Is an individual with impeccable integrity.
  • Models courteous engagement and outstanding customer service.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Associate's degree or higher education level
  • Experience in a higher education public safety or campus police department is preferred as is experience in a CALEA or IACLEA accredited department.
  • 80 percent score on annual firearms qualification strongly preferred.
  • Notice to Veterans: pursuant to North Carolina law, you may qualify for a reduced BLET enrollment as outlined here.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)
  • All professional certifications referenced below are issued through the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and can be found here. The minimum State of North Carolina employment standards can be found here.
  • Valid driver's license required.

Valid NC Driver's License required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License required
No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date
01/08/2025
Anticipated Close Date
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include as attachments a resume and cover letter.
Position Details
Position Number
PDPO2025
Position Type
State Law Enforcement (EPS)
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00
Appointment
12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Mandatory - Fire/Explosions, Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Mandatory - Hazardous Material Incidents, Mandatory - Transportation Accidents, Mandatory - Evacuations/Natural Hazards, Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure, Mandatory - Threats of Violence/Terrorism/Interpersonal Emergencies
Department ID
425001 - Police Department
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887