Police Hiring Process

Qualifications

The following standards apply to all candidates for police officer:

• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application to the Raleigh Police Academy
• No maximum age restriction
• High school graduate or equivalent (GED), college or military preferred
• United States citizen or naturalized citizen
• Good character and moral background
• Licensed driver or able to obtain a valid NC Driver's License
• 20/20 vision (corrected); applicant cannot be colorblind
• Meet background, medical and psychological requirements

Application Process

1. Complete the Online Application
2. Application is reviewed by Recruiting Unit
3. Reading comprehension test, physical fitness assessment, and polygraph exam
4. Gather all supporting documents including criminal and driving record
5. Background investigation
6. Oral board with command staff (successful applicants will receive a conditional offer of employment)
7. Psychological exam, medical exam, drug screening, and fingerprinting
8. Final approval for hire by the Chief of Police