Police Officer

The Garner Police Department is offering a $3,000 Hiring Bonus for Police Officer candidates who desire a community-oriented law enforcement career. Police Officers are responsible for performing protective service work in the prevention, detection, and investigation of violations of the law. Officers are assigned to a patrol squad and work rotating shifts. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Police Sergeant or Corporal. The Career Development Program offers an outstanding opportunity for professional enhancement and advancement in salary. With tenure, training, and above-average levels of performance, officers can compete for a variety of specialized positions and promotions. They include Canine Handler, Traffic Safety Officer, School Resource Officer, Investigator, Special Response Team, Crisis Negotiator, Field Training Officer, Community Liaison, and others. Officers are provided with state-of-the-art equipment, take-home cars (for those in compliance with Department policy), uniforms, and all related apparel. The current starting salary for police officers is $62,418. However, salary incentives may be provided for the following credentials as determined by the Chief of Police: Prior sworn law enforcement experience (2.5% per year)-- as determined by the Chief Specialized Skills/Experience (2%) -- as determined by the Chief Certified Instructor (2%) Military experience (2%) Associates (1%), Bachelors (2%), or Master’s (3%) degree Foreign language fluency (2%) The starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's skills and qualifications. The current hiring range is $62,418 - $90,320. The Garner Police Department offers a robust dual career path. This program encourages professional development by providing a 5% increase with each advancement. Police Officer I Police Officer II First Class Officer Senior Officer Career path salary increases would be in addition to any merit and market adjustments approved by the Town Council. Examples of Duties Patrols designated sector in assigned car; observes activity and intervenes as necessary; checks the physical security of businesses, homes, cars, etc.; gets out of car and closely inspects buildings; establishes contact with citizens for public relations; Enforces traffic laws; patrols or conducts stationary observation of traffic; utilizes radar to detect speed violations; stops suspicious vehicles for investigation; issues warnings, citations, and arrests for violations; uses standard field sobriety tests to determine impairment; Serves criminal summons, subpoenas, and warrants in assigned jurisdiction; makes arrests and transports suspects to the public safety center for processing; Responds to domestic violence incidences; provides assistance to reduce the risk of additional violence; conducts investigation if necessary; Responds to robbery calls; assesses crime scenes and calls for assistance; secures the crime scenes and interviews witnesses; apprehends suspects; Investigates accidents; gathers appropriate information and fills out reports; draws diagrams; charges drivers as necessary; calls wreckers, rescue personnel, utility companies as necessary; Conducts detailed investigation of crimes; Provides service to the public; advises citizens on departmental procedures and options available; Testifies in court on arrests made; presents evidence collected; Completes necessary reports for all actions taken and submits to lieutenant for review; Directs traffic as needed at traffic accidents and other incidents; Performs other job-related tasks as required. Minimum Qualifications Applicants must: be a US citizen; have a high school diploma or equivalent; possess a valid driver's license. Current status must include one of the following: Currently sworn as a law enforcement officer in the State of North Carolina; Hold a current North Carolina Law Enforcement Certification; Prior experience as a sworn law enforcement officer in a state other than North Carolina, a branch of the United States military, or with a federal law enforcement agency; Currently enrolled in a North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Certification Program leading to certification. Additional Information Candidates will be expected to have: thorough knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures; general knowledge of the geography of the Town; general knowledge of departmental rules and regulations; general knowledge of Town ordinances; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear and comprehensive reports; ability to deal courteously but firmly with the public; ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances; skill in the use of firearms and the operation of motor vehicles; and the ability to render credible testimony in a court of law. Selected candidates will be notified and must participate in an Information Session and successfully complete a written evaluation (POST) on one of the following dates: Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 1:00 PM; Tuesday, September 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM; or Wednesday, September 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM at the Garner Police Department. Candidates selected to continue will be required to participate in an oral panel interview on Friday, September 11, 2026, sometime between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Training Evaluations for Out-of-State, Military, and Federal Law Enforcement Transfers Applicants with prior experience as a sworn law enforcement officer in a state other than North Carolina, a branch of the United States military, or with a federal law enforcement agency must submit training records to the North Carolina Department of Justice to review the applicant's credentials and determine what additional training will be required during the applicant's probationary year, if hired. Submit records at The average length of this recruitment process is 6-8 weeks. This position is open until Sunday, August 30, 2026, or until filled. Equal Opportunity Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr