Police Officer

Salary: $57,633.00 - $89,331.00 Annually
Location : Nags Head, NC
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: PD-03232026
Department: Police
Opening Date: 03/23/2026

Summary
The Town of Nags Head is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer! This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the safety of our community. The position is responsible for protective service work involving a variety of police assignments as a member of the Town's Police Department. Work includes routine patrol, traffic accident and criminal investigation, police vehicle maintenance, serving criminal papers, traffic enforcement, and responding to calls for service and domestic disputes.
Police Officers are eligible for a 5% pay increase after successful completion of a six month probationary period. Additionally, the Town of Nags Head Police Department offers a comprehensive Career Progression program that provides career development and training for Officers. Upon completion of each step, Policer Officers are eligible for a 5% increase.


All candidates must have the Basic Law Enforcement Certificate (BLET) awarded by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards OR meet lateral transfer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Patrols streets in a police car, bicycle, or on foot; checks doors and windows; examines premises of unoccupied residences or buildings; detects unusual conditions, may maintain surveillance and observation for stolen cars, missing persons, or suspects; reports dangerous or defective streets, sidewalks, traffic lights, or other hazardous conditions
• Responds to calls for assistance, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, loud and disruptive behavior; completes calls by determining true nature of the situation and taking whatever legal or persuasive action is warranted
• Investigates traffic accidents; issues traffic citation; directs traffic and participates in other emergency operation activities
• Performs investigations of accidents or possible crimes through observation, questioning witnesses, and gathering physical evidence; performs investigative tasks, arrests and processes criminal suspects; testifies in court
• Regulates and directs vehicular traffic at busy times at local schools and when traffic signal malfunctions or accidents require
• Issues citations for violation of traffic regulations, serves warrants; apprehends and processes criminal suspects and transports to detention facilities
• Operates a two-way radio to receive instructions and information from or to report information to police headquarters; maintains vehicle, weapons and other equipment in standard working order
• Prepares records and reports of activities
• Transports arrested personnel to correctional facility
• Advises the public on laws and local ordinances; serves papers as needed
• Assists stranded motorists; gives information and directions to visitors and the general public. Assists fire and rescue calls with traffic and other requirements at emergency scenes
• Performs other related duties as required

Requirements

• Valid North Carolina driver's license
• Basic Law Enforcement Certificate (BLET) awarded by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards OR
• If not currently certified in North Carolina as a Police Officer, must have the ability to meet the lateral entry requirements as set forth by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of state and federal laws, local ordinances and policies of the Police Department, especially relating to search and seizure, traffic control, pursuit, and arrest
• Working knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, methods and equipment
• Working knowledge of the geographical areas in the Town
• Working knowledge of scientific crime detection and criminal identification methods and procedures
• Knowledge of criminal human behavior when confronted with difficult situations
• Knowledge of effective communication practices including focused listening
• Knowledge of English grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary
• Knowledge of the operation and uses of personal computers including word processing and database software
• Skill in the use of firearms and other authorized law enforcement equipment and in the application of self-defense and de-escalation tactics
• Ability and willingness to act quickly and properly in emergency situations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, and the general public
• Ability to express thoughts clearly both orally and in writing
• Ability to work varied shifts and assignments including undercover activity
• Ability to work independently without close supervision and as a member of a team
• Ability to take charge of emergency situations until relieved by a law enforcement superior
• Ability to develop a positive public image, exercise judgment in all situations, and demonstrate a positive approach to difficult situations

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 20 pounds frequently, and/or in excess of 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate a police vehicle; distinguish details and differences when observing people, places, or things on patrol; operate a computer terminal; do extensive reading; and use measurement devices

Storm Duties:

• Must maintain state of readiness for storm/disaster event to include preparation and post operation duties. Essential personnel must maintain duty assignment in adverse conditions.

***Town of Nags Head is an Equal Opportunity Employer***

All Town of Nags Head hires are subject to a criminal background check, motor vehicle check, and drug screen. Additional background checks may be required, depending upon the position.
Please visit our benefits website for a description of our benefit offerings:
Please note, seasonal and part-time positions are not benefit eligible.
01


Have you completed BLET awarded by the NC Criminal Justice & Standards Training?

• Yes
• No

02


If you have not completed BLET, do you have the lateral entry requirements such as previous law enforcement certification and/or experience?

• Yes
• No

Required Question