This Police Cadet Program is a trainee position for individuals interested in law enforcement who have not yet completed Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET). Cadets gain invaluable knowledge and experience to become successful law enforcement officers while earning a salary and City benefits. Upon completing the BLET course and training program, Cadets will become Police Officers I, II, or III based on their education.
Responsibilities
Attend BLET classes regularly, as attendance is mandatory
Perform or have knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Read and write at a 12th-grade level
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
Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system
Analyze situations accurately and use sound judgment in selecting quick, effective, and responsible courses of action
Act quickly and properly in emergencies
Requirements
Understanding of basic law enforcement principles, procedures, and protocols
Knowledge of the criminal justice system, including laws, regulations, and legal processes
Understanding the principles of community policing and the importance of building positive relationships with community members
Knowledge of emergency response protocols and procedures to effectively handle various situations
Understanding of ethical standards and professional conduct expected of law enforcement officers
Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with colleagues, superiors, and members of the public
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 to perform essential job functions, including running, lifting, and engaging in physical confrontations if necessary
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and collaborate with colleagues to achieve common goals
Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing circumstances and unexpected challenges
Strong attention to detail to accurately document incidents, gather evidence, and follow established procedures
High School Diploma or GED equivalency required
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Tailored applications submitted
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history
Must be 20 years of age
Must be a US citizen
Must have not been convicted of any felony or:
a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment for more than two years; or
a crime or unlawful act defined as a “Class B misdemeanor” within five years before the date of application for employment unless the individual intends to seek certification through the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission; or
four or more crimes or unlawful acts defined as “Class B Misdemeanors,” regardless of the date of conviction; or
four or more crimes or unlawful acts defined as “Class A misdemeanors,” except the trainee may be enrolled if the last conviction occurred more than two years before the date of enrollment; or
a combination of four or more “Class A Misdemeanors” or “Class B Misdemeanors,” regardless of the date of conviction, unless the individual intends to seek certification through the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission
Ability to perform physical activities including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
Physical requirements of medium work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects
Visual acuity requirements include color, depth perception, and field of vision for preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, and computer terminal work
Benefits
High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
Dental
Vision
Life
Supplemental Insurance Plans
Pension (Local Government Employees' Retirement System)
401(k)
457
Short-term/Long-term Disability
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)
Important Details
The application and interviewing process must be completed entirely to qualify for enrollment in one of the participating colleges with BLET courses for 2026
The worker is subject to both environmental conditions: activities occur inside and outside
The worker is subject to extreme cold: temperatures below 32 degrees for periods of more than one hour
The worker is subject to extreme heat: temperatures above 100 degrees for periods of more than one hour
The worker is subject to atmospheric conditions: One or more of the following conditions affect the respiratory system of the skin: Fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation
Application Process
Drug screening, criminal background, polygraph, psychological, and reference checks are required
About the Company
The City of Gastonia Police Department values integrity, professionalism, and excellence.
