Police Officer

Town of Garner•Garner, NC

just now

About The Position

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 $60,927. 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 $60,927 - $76,881. The Garner Police Department offers a robust dual career path. This program encourages professional development by providing a 5% increase with each advancement. The steps included in the career path are as follows: 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.

Requirements

be a US Citizen
have a high school diploma or equivalent
be at least 20 years of age
possess a valid driver's license
Currently sworn as a law enforcement officer in 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 attending a North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program leading to certification
Available to attend Basic Law Enforcement Training beginning in September 2026
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
the ability to render credible testimony in a court of law

Responsibilities

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