Next class starts on SEPTEMBER 8th, 2008. There are only 20 seats and they are filling fast - Interested officers should start the application process immediately!

Looking for Experienced Officers

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is looking for outstanding North Carolina sworn officers to add to our ranks. We are interested in officers who exhibit integrity, professionalism and dedication to bring their skills and experience to service for our citizens.

The CMPD has a long history of excellence borne out of a commitment to making Charlotte one of the safest large cities in the United States. You will not find a police department with more pride, more talent or more integrity. We invite you to experience what we do – and the difference you can make as a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Apply today!

The application process for lateral transfers is the same as for new officers. For details about the application process, visit our "Becoming a Police Officer" page.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are the minimum requirements of your department?
You must be a full time officer, sworn and certified in North Carolina, and currently employed by a police agency. You must pass an extensive background investigation which includes a polygraph examination, psychological screening, medical examination and a drug test.

2. What benefits does the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have to offer me?
Our Police Department's entry level pay for Patrol Officers with a high school education is currently $35,268, Associates Degree $37,033 and Bachelors Degree $38,885 and ranges to $63,338 after 9.8 years (pending City Council approval of adjustments each year). Employees receive 10 paid holidays per year and 10 to 24 vacation days per year depending on service. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department supports the National Guard and Reserve. Our employees have medical and dental insurance with the City paying a portion of the coverage. We also offer paid life insurance, and employees are eligible for full retirement benefits from the City and State after 30 years of credible service or age 55. We encourage our employees to further their education and the City of Charlotte has a tuition reimbursement program. For personal and family counseling we have an Employee Assistance Program and Police Chaplains of differing religious backgrounds. Officers may be eligible for incentive pay increases based on their experience!

3. What type of opportunity does the department offer me?
We offer a challenging and rewarding career with numerous possibilities for you to make a difference in our community. Patrol, Felony Investigations, Vice and Narcotics, School Resource Officer, Lake Enforcement, Helicopter, Violent Crime Task Force, Special Information Bureau, SWAT, Highway Interdiction and Safety, Recruitment and Training, Canine and many more. Our department will provide you with the finest equipment available including a lap-top computer, uniforms, clothing allowance for plain-clothes assignments, in car cameras and unlimited training opportunities at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Academy.

4. What is the City of Charlotte like? It is a big city with a small town atmosphere. Charlotte is the nation's second largest banking center. We have excellent schools, universities and colleges. It is located centrally between the mountains and the Atlantic coast. Charlotte is the home of several professional sports franchises including the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Bobcats, Charlotte Sting, and America's premier NASCAR facility-Lowe's Motor Speedway. For more information about Charlotte, visit the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.

5. What is the recruiting process like?
The recruiting process begins with the Darany Entry Level Police Officer Examination. This is a two hour, four part written test consisting of 169 questions. Following the written test the applicant will take a Job Related Physical Ability Test. Applicants who pass these tests will receive an application packet. Once the applicant returns the application packet, they are assigned a background investigator. The background investigator will interview the applicant. An extensive background investigation is done on the applicant. The applicant must pass a polygraph test, a psychological screening, a medical examination, a drug test, and be approved by the Civil Service Board.

6. What are things that can eliminate me from the application process?
Because of the sensitive nature of police work, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has very strict employment standards. This shouldn't be an issue for current law enforcement officers – but know that any use of drugs like cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, LSD, mushrooms, Methamphetamines, PCP and a number of other hard drugs will prevent you from being employed by our department. The use of marijuana while employed as a law enforcement officer will disqualify you from the process, but use prior to becoming a police officer will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Our department examines closely the criminal, driving, and credit history of each applicant. We will also look into disciplinary record of applicants to determine if there are any policy violations that cause us concern. Finally, many applicants are eliminated from consideration because they have not been "completely" truthful and given full disclosure of all information that we require in our investigation. The integrity of our employees is one of this department's most important Core Values.

We appreciate your interest in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Our department is one of the finest in the United States. If you need clarification or have any additional questions please call toll free 1-877-525-6145 or 704-432-1603 (local) or contact one of the Recruitment Staff.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.