POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE (POLICE CADET)

About the role

The City of Gastonia Police Department is seeking motivated individuals to join our Police Cadet Program. As Cadets, you will earn a base salary while gaining the knowledge and experience needed to become a law enforcement officer.

Responsibilities

• Attend BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training) while receiving pay and City benefits
• Gain knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Meet and speak with members of the community with courtesy and tactfulness
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, and the general public
• Use computer and applicable software applications
• Analyze situations accurately and use sound judgment in selecting quick, effective, and responsible courses of action
• Resolve conflicts and de-escalate tense situations using diplomacy and negotiation skills
• Perform essential job functions, including running, lifting, and engaging in physical confrontations if necessary
• Work effectively as part of a team and collaborate with colleagues to achieve common goals
• Respond to changing circumstances and unexpected challenges with flexibility and adaptability
• Achieve high standards of accuracy and attention to detail in documenting incidents, gathering evidence, and following established procedures

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history
• Must be 20 years of age
• Must be a US citizen
• No felony convictions or certain misdemeanor convictions

Skills

• Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures
• Some knowledge of practices, materials, techniques, and equipment pertinent to job assignment
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing
• Ability to read and write at a 12th grade level
• Ability to meet and speak with members of the community with courtesy and tactfulness
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, and the general public
• Use of computer and applicable software applications
• Knowledge of emergency response protocols and procedures
• Understanding of ethical standards and professional conduct expected of law enforcement officers
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to think critically and make sound decisions in challenging and fast-paced situations
• Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions
• Ability to resolve conflicts and de-escalate tense situations using diplomacy and negotiation skills
• Good physical condition and endurance
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing circumstances and unexpected challenges
• Strong attention to detail

Qualifications

• Minimally qualified starting pay: $24.6635 per hr
• Special Requirements: Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history, must be 20 years of age, must be a US citizen, no felony convictions or certain misdemeanor convictions

Benefits

• Comprehensive health plan with HSA, dental, vision, life, and supplemental insurance plans
• Pension (Local Government Employees' Retirement System)
• 401(k) and 457 plans
• Dependent care plan
• Employee assistance program
• On-site health clinic
• Employee educational assistance program
• Sick leave (12 days per year)
• Initial employment vacation: starting at 12 days per year
• Holidays (11 days per year)
• Personal day (1 day per year)

Pay

$24.6635 per hour

Schedule

Full-time schedule