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Police Officer Trainee Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Lateral hires who are already certified NC law enforcement officers and not first hired as a Police Officer Trainee may be assigned this classification conditional on successful completion of the ...

Lateral hires who are already certified NC law enforcement officers and not first hired as a Police Officer Trainee may be assigned this classification conditional on successful completion of the ...

Police Officer Trainee information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$28.7K

$54.9K

$91.5K

How much do police officer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for police officer trainee in Raleigh, NC is $54,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,900.00 and $65,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police officer trainee?

Police Officer Trainees are individuals who have been hired by a law enforcement agency to undergo training in police academy programs. During this period, they learn the fundamental skills, laws, procedures, and ethics required to perform the duties of a police officer. Trainees are not fully sworn officers yet; they must successfully complete the academy and field training before becoming full-fledged police officers. The role is designed to prepare candidates for the physical, mental, and legal challenges of police work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police officer trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Officer Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, legal knowledge, and a clean background check. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radio communication systems, and completing police academy training are typically required. Strong communication, sound judgment, and emotional resilience help trainees effectively interact with the public and handle high-stress situations. These skills and qualities are vital to ensuring safety, upholding the law, and building public trust in the community.

What are some common challenges faced during the police officer trainee program and how can they be overcome?

Police officer trainees often face challenges such as adapting to a strict training regimen, mastering legal procedures, and developing effective communication skills under pressure. The physical and academic demands can be intense, requiring strong time management and resilience. Building camaraderie with fellow trainees and seeking guidance from experienced officers can help ease the transition. Staying organized, maintaining a positive mindset, and proactively asking for feedback are effective strategies for overcoming these challenges and succeeding in the program.

What is the difference between Police Officer Trainee vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice Officer TraineePolice Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some agencies require college courseworkHigh school diploma or GED; police academy certification
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseActive duty, patrol, enforcement, and community engagement
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning laws, procedures, and skills; assisting officersEnforcing laws, patrolling, responding to incidents

The main difference between a Police Officer Trainee and a Police Officer is that trainees are in a learning phase, undergoing training and supervision, while officers are fully qualified and perform active law enforcement duties. Trainees focus on gaining skills and knowledge, whereas officers carry out the responsibilities independently.

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 Police Officer Trainee jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Police Officer Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Officer Trainee job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,943 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Police Officer Trainee - Hospital Police Department

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site


UNC HEALTH
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 321 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

420th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents


$18.84 - $26.77/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.
Summary:
The primary purpose of the Police Officer Trainee position is to provide a supportive and conducive learning environment for a sponsored Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) candidate. Trainees in this role will perform general security work in the protection of person and property while learning hospital law enforcement principles and applications. Additionally, the Trainee will assist the UNC Hospitals police officers with the enforcement of regulatory requirements, applicable federal, state and local laws.
Responsibilities:
1. Emergency Response- Responds appropriately and in a timely manner to any and all emergency situations as well as activated security and panic alarms. Participates as a functioning part of the Emergency Response Team to provide or prevent access to the involved area as required in emergency situations. Maintains a working knowledge of emergency codes and UNC Hospitals Police response procedures. Assist with mental health patient custody issues and also assists in both arranging transportation to other facilities as well as escorting patients to units within UNC Hospitals. Controls disruptive patients.
2. Fixed Post Functions Emergency Department/Hospital Concourse- Controls patient and visitor entry as appropriate into the E.D.Operates metal screening system to prevent weapons or other contraband from entering the patient treatment area. Controls the entrance of visitors and employees after hours at the UNC Hospitals designated night entrance as well as screens for proper authorization and identification.
3. Investigations and Incident Report Writing- Enters incident reports into the Police-Pak system in a complete, concise, and proper manner. Investigates and documents all incidents of a criminal nature, including follow up investigations. Apprehends and arrests criminals. Submits all paperwork for arrest, felony prosecution reports, and uniform citations in a timely manner. Runs criminal history checks and utilizes NCIC/DCI/CJLeads/NCAWARE. Takes custody of found items, secures them properly, and attempts to return the property to its owner. Investigates lost/stolen/damaged property. Initiates risk assessments on D.O.C. inmates, patients, and employees as required. Assists and coordinates activities of outside police agencies. Follows departmental and NC criminal justice standards for the collection and maintenance of evidence.
4. Patrol and Surveillance - Patrols assigned areas to detect and deter criminal activity. Properly documents and reports security or safety hazards. Escorts employees, patients, and visitors to parking areas. Provides after hours access to secured areas for authorized personnel. Collects, inventories, and secures patient property when cashier's office is not open. Maintains, compiles, and transports patient commitment documents to the magistrate's office. Interacts with personnel in patrol areas and challenges all suspicious persons encountered. Assures that deceased bodies are entered with proper identification and properly released from the morgue. Serves warrants, orders, and subpoenas.
5. Policy and Procedures/General Statutes- Maintains a familiarity with departmental policies and procedures as well as hospital policies to include the Departmental Policy Manual, the Hospital Administrative Policy Manual, Environmental, Health, and Safety Policy Manual, and Human Resources Policy Manual. Must be able to locate the hard copy of the departmental manual as well as online copies of the others. Must have a good working knowledge of both Federal and N.C. Criminal Statues and be able to apply them as required in the course of investigations or while on patrol. Must have a working knowledge of what probable cause is and how it affects various arrest situations. Must understand the Use of Force Policy and apply force in the performance of duty in a proper and reasonable manner. Communicates effectively and in a timely manner with all appropriate members of the Police Dept. and Hospital Community.
6. Traffic Control- Conducts parking surveys when requested or required. Enforces applicable parking regulations and writes citations to illegally parked or unauthorized vehicles in a proactive manner. Initiates towing of vehicles as required.
Other Information
Other information:
Education Requirements:
• H.S. diploma or G.E.D.
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
• • Candidates must be at least 20 years of age at the time of appointment and are required to attend a full-time Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) course, which typically lasts 5-6 months. They must successfully complete the program, pass the state BLET written exam, and obtain immediate certification as a Law Enforcement Officer in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
• Candidates entering the BLET program must meet the special requirements outlined by the N.C. Criminal Justice Standards and the N.C. Sheriff's Standards Divisions of the N.C. Department of Justice.
• Candidates cannot have any felony convictions or serious misdemeanor offenses as defined by the Commission.
Professional Experience Requirements:
• No experience needed.
Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:
• Must be able to write a computer generated report, using a computerized form, based on short fact scenario which will be provided. Passing score is 70%; objective scoring based on content, grammar, spelling, etc.
Job Details
Legal Employer: STATE
Entity: UNC Medical Center
Organization Unit: Hospital Police Department
Work Type: Full Time
Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00
Salary Range: $18.84 - $26.77 per hour (Hiring Range)
Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity
Work Assignment Type: Onsite
Work Schedule: Day Job
Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill
Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No
This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. If, however, you are presently an employee of another North Carolina agency and currently participate in TSERS or the ORP, you will be eligible to continue participating in those plans at UNC Health.
Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.


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