If you’re thinking about becoming a sworn officer with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, or even a police officer somewhere else in North Carolina, you probably have some questions. We’ve got answers.
Read on to see answers to commonly Googled questions about requirements, disqualifications, what to expect in the CMPD Training Academy, the cost of training, how much officers make, whether becoming a cop is worth it and more.
Is there a police officer shortage in North Carolina?
Yes, there is a sworn officer shortage across North Carolina, and that includes Charlotte.
That said, in the first quarter of 2024, CMPD received nearly 900 sworn applications and made 71 sworn hires. In April, the department graduated its largest recruit class since 2010.
CMPD’s salary and incentives remain among the best in the region. We offer a $7,500 hiring bonus for all new officers. As of July 1, 2024, the starting salary for an officer before incentives is $58,623. Officers can earn up to $113,931 with incentives.
What are the requirements to be a police officer in North Carolina?
The requirements to become a law enforcement officer in North Carolina vary by jurisdiction. To become an officer with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, you must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Be at least 20 years old and a U.S. citizen.
- Have a North or South Carolina driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
- Have not committed or been convicted of a felony.
- Have not committed or been convicted of a serious misdemeanor or driving while impaired during the past five years.
Visit our Qualifications page for more on minimum requirements.
What disqualifies you from being a police officer in North Carolina?
Talk to your recruiter about specific areas of concern. In many cases, the answer is “it depends.”
That said, to be a CMPD officer, you must not have committed or been convicted of:
- A felony at any time.
- A serious misdemeanor within the past five years.
- Driving while impaired in the past five years.
Certain past drug use will also result in disqualification.
The most important thing is to be honest and transparent. If the application process uncovers something you haven’t already disclosed – even if it was small or a long time ago – you could be disqualified from working for CMPD now and in the future.
How long is the Police Academy in Charlotte, N.C.?
CMPD recruits spend eight months in our Training Academy. This schedule reflects a recent change to the state’s Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Curriculum, which increased the required number of training hours from 640 to 868.
Unlike other law enforcement training programs, CMPD recruits don’t live at the Academy. This means you get to go home each night to a quiet, familiar place to study and rest.
Learn more about what to expect as a CMPD recruit on our blog. You can also get a sneak peek at life inside the Academy in our award-winning docuseries, Journey to the Badge.
How hard is Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) in North Carolina?
There’s no way around it: Basic Law Enforcement Training is challenging. It’s a commitment that will test your mental and physical fortitude – and it’s 100% worth the effort.
While CMPD Training Academy is far from a walk in the park, there are things you can do to set yourself up for success. For example, you can tailor your at-home workouts, sharpen your study habits and even hone certain driving skills before you ever set foot in the Academy.
How many people fail the Police Academy?
You might be surprised to learn that often it isn’t the physical demands of the Academy that hold police recruits back. Instead, it’s in the intense academic and testing schedule where recruits frequently fall behind.
CMPD trainers, recruiters and even your peers will be here to support you when training gets tough. The most important thing you can do is speak up. Ask for extra support at the first sign of trouble. Don’t wait until you fall behind to reach out for help.
For recruits who fall behind and drop out of training, we offer resources to shore up learning gaps and better set them up to succeed should they choose to reapply to a future recruit class.
How much do police officers get paid in North Carolina?
As stated above, the starting salary for a CMPD officer is $58,623 as of September 2024. Additional salary and benefits might also apply. Officers can make up to $113,931 when all incentives are combined.
In addition, all lateral officers and new police recruits are eligible to earn a $7,500 hiring bonus. Learn more about the hiring bonus and other financial incentives on our blog.
How much is the Police Academy in North Carolina?
CMPD is unique in that the department has its own Training Academy. You are not required to complete Basic Law Enforcement Training at a community college before enrolling.
That means you’ll learn from instructors you could work with in the field, and there’s no cost to you. In fact, all officers in training earn a full-time salary during the eight months they attend the Academy.
Check out our Salary & Benefits page for more information.
Is becoming a cop worth it?
We think it is, but ultimately that’s a question only you can answer.
When you make the decision to become a CMPD officer, you choose a life with purpose. It’s a path that offers near-limitless opportunities to grow and thrive in a progressive police department and a dynamic, fast-growing city. What’s more, CMPD officers are protectors, peacemakers, friends, role models and heroes for the people of the City of Charlotte.
Sound like the right career path for you? Start your new trainee, lateral entry or intermediate entry application today.
