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Do you have what it takes to be a police officer? Take a behind-the-scenes look at Raleigh Police Department’s (RPD) Police Academy.
Watch RPD’s new video series featuring Police Academy training sessions.
Police Academy Files: Block One
In block one of the video series, recruits begin to learn the values of being a Raleigh police officer and undergo six and a half months of basic law enforcement training, known as BLET.
Police Academy Files: Block Two
In addition to classroom and physical training, recruits learn to control a police vehicle at a high rate of speed. Additionally, in firearms training, recruits have the opportunity to learn safety, accuracy and proper handling of a firearm.
Raleigh Police Academy Files: Block Three
In block three, recruits continue their physical training and learn how to apprehend an uncooperative subject. Recruits also experience firsthand how dangerous getting pepper-sprayed can be.
Raleigh Police Academy Files: Block Four
The final video in the series showcases the completion of Raleigh Police Academy Class 129's progress in becoming RPD officers.

Police Academy Files: Block One

Police Academy Files: Block Two

Raleigh Police Academy Files: Block Three

Raleigh Police Academy Files: Block Four
Eligibility
Two police academy sessions a year are held, and each session takes six months to complete.
There is no maximum age restriction to join RPD, but recruits must:
- Be at least 21 years of age at the time of graduation from the Raleigh Police Academy;
- Be a high school graduate or equivalent (GED), college or military preferred;
- Be a United States citizen or naturalized citizen;
- Be of good character and moral background;
- Be a licensed driver or able to obtain a valid N.C. Driver's License;
- Have 20/20 vision (corrected) and cannot be colorblind; and,
- Meet background, medical, and psychological requirements.
Learn more about RPD’s hiring process.
Basic Recruit Academy
- 28 Weeks of Training (1,253 Hours of Instruction)
- BLET Certification NOT Required
- Commuter Academy (No Barracks or Overnight Stay)
- Full Salary With Benefits Paid During Academy
- All Equipment, Uniforms, and Books Provided at No Cost
- Military Veterans May be Eligible to Receive VA Benefits During Academy
- State of the Art Training Facility
- Recruits will be BLET Certified Upon Completion of Academy (must pass the NC State Exam for Law Enforcement)
NC BLET/Out of State Lateral Officer Academy
Applicants must currently be completing a North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) course or have completed such a course within the past 12 months.
OR
Applicants possess a North Carolina Law Enforcement Certification but have less than 2 years of sworn law enforcement experience.
OR
Minimum of two years sworn law enforcement experience required.
- 10 Weeks of Training
- Commuter Academy (No Barracks or Overnight Stay)
- Up to $66,124 Salary With Benefits Paid During Academy
- All Equipment, Uniforms, and Books Provided at No Cost
- Military Veterans May be Eligible to Receive VA Benefits During Academy
- State of the Art Training Facility
Lateral Officer Academy (In State)
- Must be a certified law enforcement officer in North Carolina
- Former law enforcement officers who have a break in service of less than 12 months long can also apply
- 5 Weeks of Training
- Commuter Academy (No Barracks or Overnight Stay)
- Salary and Rank based on Years of Equivalent Experience
- Up to $66,124 Salary With Benefits Paid During Academy
- All Equipment, Uniforms, and Books Provided at No Cost
- Military Veterans May be Eligible to Receive VA Benefits During Academy
- State of the Art Training Facility