ALE Special Agent I - Concord

About Us

The Department of Public Safety's mission is to safeguard and preserve the lives and property of the people of North Carolina through preparation, prevention, and protection with integrity and honor. Our agency houses many public safety divisions, including Emergency Management, Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Alcohol Law Enforcement, Samarcand Training Academy, and the North Carolina National Guard. Join us along with our more than 3,000 employees and 12,000 National Guard members in providing exceptional public safety services to the citizens of North Carolina.

About the Role

This position is assigned to the Concord District, which encompasses the following counties: Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union. In accordance with policy, you will have 90 days following your assignment—unless an extension is otherwise granted—to establish a residence within your assigned area of responsibility. Your residence must allow you to respond to the assigned area within 45 minutes. For a comprehensive list of ALE districts and their respective areas of responsibility, visit https://www.ncdps.gov/ale.

The employee in this position will be expected to demonstrate the following abilities:

• Understand technologies and problem resolution techniques.
• Utilize proven solutions and/or designs when solving problems.
• Clearly communicate and convey technical information and promote understanding of relevant issues.
• Express thoughts, ideas, and information effectively through oral (including non-verbal) and written communication to a wide range of audiences.

Responsibilities

• Investigate any criminal matter; agents specialize in the enforcement of the alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, tobacco, and gaming laws of North Carolina.
• Collection and preservation of evidence, testimony in court proceedings as necessary, and performing related work such as apprehending observed violators committing offenses.
• Conduct major criminal investigations that address community betterment initiatives with significant positive impacts on communities.
• Collaborate with and assist federal agencies with task force assignments addressing major criminal activities such as criminal enterprises and money laundering.
• Provide support during natural disasters by offering humanitarian relief and supplementing local law enforcement departments with all aspects of police duties, including routine patrol and responding to calls for service when necessary.

Requirements

Applicants must meet the following high employment standards for ALE Agents:

• Be a responsible and law-abiding citizen of the United States with high moral character and personal integrity.
• Successfully complete a pre-screening modified Police Officer Physical Agility Test (POPAT).
• Successfully complete a pre-employment polygraph, psychological evaluation, medical examination, and urinalysis drug test.
• Successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, including contacts with references, employers, co-workers, close personal associates, and review of driving record, credit history, criminal history, and service in the military.
• Accept employment under a two-year probationary status, including successful completion of the ALE Special Agent Academy (approximately two months in duration).
• Accept temporary assignments anywhere or anytime.
• Accept assignments requiring irregular hours, day or night, any day of the week or holidays.
• Accept assignments requiring undercover investigation.
• Accept assignments requiring overnight travel, possibly over extended periods of time.
• Be willing to carry and use a firearm.
• Be willing to use deadly force, if warranted, to protect their life or the life of someone else.

New recruits will also be expected to demonstrate the following abilities both during training and throughout their probationary period:

• Understand modern principles and methods of investigation and law enforcement.
• Perform investigations, including undercover operations.
• Understand tasks, accept responsibility, take initiative to plan and organize daily activities, and perform work under direct supervision.
• Use firearms and tools/equipment involved in evidence collection and enforcement activities.

Qualifications

The Minimum Education and Experience (E&E) is required to qualify for this position. Management Preferences, including Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs), are not required but may be used to determine the pool of most qualified applicants. Managers may also choose to interview/select applicants who demonstrate Management Preferences.

• All work history and education (including accurate dates of employment/attendance) must be documented on the application. Transcripts may be attached to supplement education, and work experience may include internships, volunteerism, and full- and part-time work.
• Management prefers current North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement (BLET) Certification in good standing. BLET Certification must be awarded no later than December 31, 2026.
• Out-of-state applicants must submit proof of an equivalency check with the NC Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission at the time of their applicant package review. Failure to do so will be considered a withdrawal from the process.
• NC applicants currently enrolled in a BLET program will be required to provide proof of enrollment at the time of their applicant package review.

Pay

Per North Carolina General Statutes, the starting salary for sworn applicants will be $62,150.00. Per the 2026 State Teacher/Employee Pay and Local Law Enforcement Officers Bonus Bill (SB599), a yearly step increase of 6.5% will be given for the first six years of employment as follows:

• Starting: $62,150
• Year 1: $66,190
• Year 2: $70,492
• Year 3: $75,074
• Year 4: $79,953
• Year 5: $85,150
• Year 6: $90,685

Benefits

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with State Benefits, including:

• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Retirement benefits
• Health insurance

For an example of total compensation, visit the NC OSHR Total Compensation Calculator.

About the Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) Division

ALE is a division of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Alcohol Law Enforcement Special Agents have statewide jurisdiction to investigate any criminal offense and make arrests within the State of North Carolina. ALE is the lead enforcement agency for the state's alcoholic beverage control, lottery, and tobacco laws. As such, ALE Special Agents target problem ABC-licensed and illegal establishments that serve as havens for violence, drugs, gang activity, organized crime, money laundering, and other criminal activity.

The mission of the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division is to reduce crime and enhance public safety throughout the State of North Carolina. This mission is accomplished through the proactive, fair, and consistent enforcement of state laws related to alcoholic beverage control, gambling, tobacco, controlled substances, and nuisance abatement, as well as other criminal and regulatory matters in the interest of health and public safety.

For additional salary and benefits information, visit https://www.ncdps.gov/ale.