The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) knows the value and importance of the men and women who choose to serve our city, county and citizens. That is why we are offering a hiring bonus of $7,500 (seven thousand five hundred dollars) for both Lateral Officers and New Police Recruits.
The quality of life in Charlotte-Mecklenburg is unequaled, and CMPD gives you the chance to put your dedication to community, safety and justice to work together with a department that shares your focus on these critical areas. We also know that beginning a career in law enforcement as well as changing the location of your service comes with expenses for you and your family. That is why we have structured an incentive that continues to reward you throughout training and after your first year of service. (Note: Recipients must agree to a three-year employment commitment as a sworn law enforcement officer with CMPD in order to retain bonus compensation.)
Here’s how it works:
New Police Officer Recruit Hiring Bonus Schedule:
New Police Recruit is defined as: A civilian who attends the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Academy to learn and perform the responsibilities of an entry-level CMPD Officer upon successful completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Training certification program and the Patrol Training Officer program.
- Phase One
The amount of $1,000 will be paid after being hired as an employee of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department as a New Police Recruit. Payment will be made within 30 days of the date of hire. - Phase Two
The amount of $1,500 will be paid upon successful completion of the BLET program and passage of the State of North Carolina test. Payment will be made within 30 days of completion of the BLET Program. - Phase Three
The amount of $2,500 will be paid upon completion of CMPD’s Patrol Training Officer (“PTO”) program. Payment will be made within 30 days of completion date of the PTO program. - Phase Four
The amount of $2,500 will be paid upon completion of the officer’s one-year probation period. Payment will be made within 30 days of successful completion of the probation period.
Lateral Officer Recruit Hiring Bonus Schedule:
Lateral Officer Recruit is defined as: In-state or out-of-state certified law enforcement officers, as defined by the Lateral Entry Program, who have worked for a different police department, or qualifying law enforcement agency for at least two years and transfer to work at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
- Phase One
The amount of $3,750 will be paid upon completion of the four-week Lateral Officer Training Program. Payment will be made within 30 days of completion of the training program. - Phase Two
The amount of $3,750 will be paid upon completion of the officer’s one-year probation period. Payment will be made within 30 days of successful completion of the probation period.
To be eligible for the hiring bonus, Lateral Officer Recruits must not have been employed by CMPD within the past five years, and New Police Recruits must not have been employed by CMPD within the last two years.
For laterals, the Lateral Officer Recruit must hold a basic law enforcement training (“BLET”) certification through the State of North Carolina or an equivalent, transferable certification from another state.
