Police Officer

Salary: $67,363.00 - $100,294.00 Annually
Location : 979 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: CY26-00001
Department: 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 hired at a probationary salary.
**Must meet the requirements of the Department's Career Development Program for Senior and Master Officer designations.

Recruitment Incentive of $1,000 for each full year of law enforcement experience up to a maximum of 5 years ($5,000). This incentive will be paid as follows: half of the approved incentive will be paid with employee's first paycheck and the remaining amount will be paid upon successful completion of the Town's probationary period.
Are you a certified law enforcement professional interested in doing meaningful work that will significantly impact the community? If so, we invite you to apply to join the ranks of Knightdale's Police Department. Our mission is to ensure the safety and security of all those who live, work and visit in the Town of Knightdale through professional policing and community partnerships. Our CALEA-accredited agency is among the top in the country committed to professional policing standards. Our officers benefit from the opportunity to serve, and in turn, receive excellent compensation, competitive benefits, top-notch equipment, and will soon move into a newly renovated law enforcement center. Our agency belongs to one of the fastest growing municipalities in our state's capital county, ensuring steady growth of the Police Department and its resources. Under the guidance and supervision of a tenured command staff, Knightdale's police officers support the community by providing outreach and crime prevention education and also by helping individuals through what are sometimes the most challenging days of their lives. We are seeking dedicated professionals who embody our core values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Ethical Conduct and who will commit to conducting themselves in a manner consistent with the oaths they will take upon joining our ranks. If this describes you, a member of our Human Resources team is eager to guide you through our hiring process. We encourage you to review the position brochure and detailed job description below and apply for our available Police Officer position. Start something noble with the Knightdale Police Department.

Under general supervision performs basic law enforcement work associated with a certified police officer as established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission; responds to medical alarms; performs related work as required. Employees must be able to successfully perform all essential functions and primary tasks of the position description. This position is classified as non-exempt and is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime regulations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Respond to emergency situations in vehicles and on foot.
• Conduct criminal investigations, to include interviewing suspects, victims and witnesses, collecting evidence, conducting searches and documenting actions taken.
• Enforce criminal law, including making custodial arrests and using physical or other force when necessary.
• Advise arrestees of their Constitutional rights.
• Serve warrants and criminal summons.
• Enforce traffic law, direct traffic and investigate traffic crashes.
• Operate and maintain a department assigned vehicle.
• Participate in mandatory and optional training courses, which may include the application of skills and abilities.
• Perform rescue operations and render assistance to citizens.
• Respond to requests for service, both criminal and non-criminal in nature.
• Testify in court, including preparation of necessary reports and related documents.
• Engage in community outreach programs as required by the department.
• Employ community policing and problem-oriented policing strategies to address underlying causes of crime and quality of life issues.
• Demonstrate behavior and performance consistent with the department's mission, core values, and established operational goals.

PRIMARY TASKS:

• Conducts directed and random patrols (on foot, bike, patrol car or other authorized conveyance) to preserve general order.
• Checks for unlocked doors, broken windows and other indications of unusual situations.
  • Notifies owners in person or with various communication methods of conditions deserving attention.
• Reports the existence of hazardous conditions to the proper authority.
• Coordinates and participates in the community engagement efforts of the department or division; records related activities where appropriate and suggests methods/programs for bolstering relations between the agency and the public.
• Aids other officers in accordance with policy and procedure.
• Enforces town ordinances.
• Operates patrol vehicles, speed measuring instruments, and other assigned items of police equipment.
• Notifies proper authorities in case of injuries or fatalities.
• Investigates suspicious persons, vehicles and conditions.
• Responds to rescue, hazardous materials and medical alarms; perform rescue operations and render assistance to citizens.
• Uses medical equipment to mitigate an incident.
• Escorts parades, funerals and similar processions.
  • Accompanies persons transporting large sums of money or other valuables to provide protection.
• Differentiates between civil and criminal matters and advises appropriate courses of action for civil/criminal matters.
• Directs traffic.
  • At sports events and on other occasions when traffic becomes congested.
  • At school crossings and dangerous intersections.
• Attends public gatherings to maintain order.
• Inspects equipment, ensures proper functioning and maintains it in a presentable manner.
• Transports bank bags from Town Hall to various banks for deposits and change daily.
• Prepares a variety of records and reports as required.
• Performs other duties as required.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED: Patrol vehicle, lethal and less-lethal weapons, communications equipment, speed measuring instruments, Intoxilyzer, medical equipment, and other assigned equipment.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP : This position reports to the assigned Police Shift Supervisor (Sergeant).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work involves exposure to the usual hazards associated with law enforcement work including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as dangerous persons, loud noises, and hazardous spills with fumes, oil, gases or flammable liquids.
• Regular exposure to dangerous situations under adverse conditions, including heat, cold, emergency driving, etc; frequent exposure to dangerous situations with medical emergencies; call backs on days off to assist with emergency situations.
• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; 20 pounds of force occasionally; and 10 pounds of force constantly.
• Must be able to transition between multiple positions such as standing, lying, squatting, etc., with ease and fluidity. Must also be able to retrieve equipment from various positions.
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate a police vehicle and police bicycle and distinguish details and differences when observing people, places, or things on patrol.

JOB CONTEXT : This position works 12.25-hour shifts in the 28-day cycle, for a total of 171 hours per 28-day cycle. Weekends and overtime are necessary to fulfill job duties upon approval from the Police Chief. The stress level of the job is moderate to high.


Education: Graduation from a standard high school and completion of advanced courses and seminars in various phases of police work; preferably completion of a college degree program in police science, criminal justice, law enforcement or related area.
Experience: Some experience as a certified police officer and medical responder; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of laws and ordinances relating to arrest, search and seizure, and traffic control.
• Thorough knowledge of the layout of Town streets and location, geographical layout, and characteristics of various neighborhoods and of the business district.
• Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and principles, including crime detection, routine investigation, radio communications and apprehension of criminals.
• Thorough knowledge of emergency medical care procedures.
• Skill in the use of firearms and in the application of other means of self-defense.
• Skill in the use of assigned equipment.
• Ability to prepare written reports that are clear, accurate and grammatically correct.
• Ability to exercise knowledge gained through experience and to apply good judgment during emergencies.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to deal courteously, tactfully, and firmly with the public.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license; Possession of a law enforcement certification awarded by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission; Ability to obtain certification in Police Bike Patrol Techniques, Field Training Officer, K9 Handler, and Radar Operator (as the position may require); valid CPR certification.
The Town of Knightdale is an equal opportunity employer.
Employee Benefit Information

July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026

Retirement Accounts
NC Local Government Employees' Retirement System (LGERS)

LGERS is a pension plan administered by the North Carolina Total Retirement Plans within the Department of State Treasurer.
Your Contribution

Town Contribution

General Employees

6% of gross salary (mandatory)

14.37%

Sworn LEO Employees

16.08%
You become vested once you have completed 5 years of creditable service. Vested means that you are eligible to apply for monthly retirement benefits based on the formula as well as age and service requirements set by the State of North Carolina as long as you do not withdraw your contributions. If you leave the retirement system prior to becoming vested, you are only entitled to a refund of your contributions.
Unreduced Benefits

Reduced Benefits

Disability Benefits

General Employees

Available after you reach age 65 with 5 years of creditable services, age 60 with 25 years of creditable service, or any age with 30 years of creditable service

Available after you reach age 50 with 20 years of creditable service or age 60 with 5 years of creditable service (age 55 for firefighters)

Available after 5 years of creditable service

Sworn LEO Employees

Available after you reach age 55 with 5 years of creditable service or any age with 30 years of creditable service

Available after you reach age 50 with 15 years of creditable service or any age with 25 years of creditable service
NC Supplemental Retirement Plans

401(k) and 457b retirement plans are sanctioned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and allow employees to contribute funds toward their retirement on a tax-deferred basis. With both plans, you are 100% vested from your first contribution, meaning the money is yours, loans are available, and rollovers are allowed from other qualified retirement plans.
Town Contribution

Your Contribution

Retirement Benefits

Empower 401(k) Plan

5% of gross salary

Optional

Traditional pre-tax and Roth post-tax deductions are available

Available upon retirement with no penalty at age 59 ½

Empower 457b Plan

None

Available upon retirement with no penalty at any age
Retirement Account Links

LGERS Retirement:


NC Supplemental Retirement Plans:
Medical, Vision, Dental, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

The Town provides a maximum credit of $750 per month toward employees' medical, vision, and dental elections. This is comprised of a $600 base credit provided to all employees and an additional $150 credit provided to employees who participate in annual biometric screenings. The current maximum Town contribution covers 100% of current employee premiums for medical, vision, and dental insurance with remaining funds eligible for deposit into a dependent care FSA. Insurance elections that exceed the maximum Town contribution are paid through a pre-tax payroll deduction. Employees who have existing medical coverage and choose to waive medical coverage through the Town will receive a reduced credit of $233.74 per month pursuant to rules established by the IRS.
Medical Insurance

Provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) with two plans to choose from.

• Core Plan
  • $1,500 individual deductible with an 80/20 cost share
  • $25 primary care co-pay; $50 specialist co-pay
  • $10/$25/$45/$60 Rx Tiers

Monthly Rates (does not include Town credit):

Employee Only - $675.58

Employee + Spouse - $1,353.03

Employee + Children - $1,152.36

Family - $2,163.85

• Value Plan
  • $5,000 individual deductible with an 80/20 cost share
  • $35 primary care co-pay; $70 specialist co-pay
  • $10/$25/$45/$60 Rx Tiers

Monthly Rates (does not include Town credit):

Employee Only - $516.26

Employee + Spouse - $1,032.51

Employee + Children - $877.63

Family - $1,652.00
Retiree medical insurance is available based on years of service with the Town at: 100% with 25 years of service; 75% with 22 years of service; 50% with 19 years of service; 25% with 15 years of service.
Vision Insurance

Provided by Vision Service Providers (VSP) with two plans to choose from. Both plans feature a $10 co-pay that includes:

• $150 featured frame brands allowance
• $130 general frame allowance
• $130 contact lenses allowance
• $130 Lightcare™ allowance to be used towards non-prescription sunglasses or blue light filtering glasses

• Core Plan

Monthly Rates (does not include Town credit):

Employee Only - $14.12

Employee + Spouse - $22.59

Employee + Children - $23.06

Family - $37.18

• Value Plan

Monthly Rates (does not include Town credit):

Employee Only - $13.53

Employee + Spouse - $21.66

Employee + Children - $22.11

Family - $35.64
Dental Insurance

Provided by Delta Dental of North Carolina with two plans to choose from. Both plans feature:

• Diagnostic and preventative services covered at 100%
• Basic services covered at 80%
• Major services covered at 50%

• Core Plan

• Includes adult and child orthodontics

Monthly Rates (does not include Town credit):

Employee Only - $37.09

Employee + Spouse - $75.85

Employee + Children - $99.55

Family - $152.50

• Value Plan

Monthly Rates (does not include Town credit):

Employee Only - $32.77

Employee + Spouse - $67.03

Employee + Children - $88.01

Family - $134.83
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

The Town's FSAs are administered by FLEX and employees are provided with:

• $500 each benefit plan year in a medical FSA for medical, vision, and dental expenses
• Possible funding of a dependent care FSA for adult and childcare expenses depending on insurance elections
• Optional pre-tax funding by the employee

Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance

Basic life, AD&D, and STD insurance are provided through Unum with 100% of employee coverage paid by the Town. Employees also have the option to purchase additional, supplemental life and AD&D insurance at cost through post-tax payroll deductions.
Employee Leave
Holidays

13 - 14 paid holidays each calendar year according to the Town's holiday schedule.
Vacation & Sick Leave

Vacation leave accrued per month based on completed years of service:

Less than 2 years - 6.66 hours

2 - 5 years - 8.00 hours

6 - 10 years - 10.00 hours

11 - 15 years - 12.00 hours


16 - 20 years - 14.00 hours

More than 20 years - 16.00 hours
All employees earn 96 hours of sick leave per calendar year and the Town will accept an unlimited transfer of sick leave hours from the State of North Carolina or one of its political subdivisions.
Community Service Leave

8 hours of community service leave each calendar year.
Military Leave

Up to 120 hours of paid leave each year, based on the federal fiscal year, for required military training for employees who are members of the armed forces or the National Guard.
Funeral Leave

24 hours of paid leave per death of an immediate family member as defined by policy.
Other Benefits
Employee Assistance Program

The Town provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which provides confidential counseling for employees and immediate family members free of charge. The program is administered entirely by a third party, McLaughlin Young Group (MyGroup) and features two specific programs: one for general employees and one for first responders.
Pay Increases

Annual performance evaluations are required with potential merit increase opportunities, subject to budget funding and availability.

Biennial salary studies completed by Human Resources staff to ensure the Town maintains competitive salaries in Wake County.
Longevity

Offered annually upon the completion of 5 years of service as a percentage of base salary:

2% after 5 years

3% after 10 years

4% after 15 years

5% after 20 years
Education Tuition Reimbursement

Employees wishing to further their education, improve current job skills, or prepare for promotional opportunities may apply for tuition reimbursement assistance. Reimbursement is based on budget availability and varies annually.
Pool Membership & Recreation Programs

Free membership at the Knightdale Recreation Center Pool for employees and immediate family members, and employees and their children may participate in Town Parks & Recreation programs free of charge.
Direct Deposit

All Town employees receive direct deposit of payroll checks on a biweekly basis.
NC Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) Membership

Town employees are eligible for banking at the LGFCU.
01


How many years of experience do you have as a sworn law enforcement officer?

• None
• 1 - 2 years
• 3 - 5 years
• 6 - 10 years
• 11 - 15 years
• 16 - 20 years
• 21+ years

02


Have you completed or are you currently enrolled in Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)?

• Yes
• No

03


Please state where you completed or are currently enrolled in BLET and graduation date.
04


As part of the application process for this position, you are required to complete and attach the NC Criminal justice Education and Training Standards Commission Personal History Statement (Form F-3 LE). This form is different from the Sheriff's Standards Form F-3. The Sheriff's Standards Form F-3 will not be accepted. The Law Enforcement F-3 can be found by clicking the Law Enforcement link in the forms section of this webpage Have you attached your completed F3 to your application as required?

• Yes
• No

05


The Town of Knightdale's core values are Accountability, Respect, and Customer Service (ARC). Additionally, the core values of the Knightdale Police Department are Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Ethical Conduct (PRIDE). Briefly explain how you embody these core values.
Required Question