About the Department
Please see the Winston-Salem Police Department website for more information on the hiring process.
The Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) has openings for police officers year-round. The Department fills non-sworn positions as the need arises.
The process to become a Winston-Salem Police Officer is challenging. There are a variety of steps a successful applicant must complete before he or she is invited to become a Winston-Salem Police Recruit.
Application Steps
1. Candidates must pass a reading comprehension test. The Winston-Salem Police Department Recruiting Staff administers this test regularly throughout the year at the Alexander R. Beaty Public Safety Training and Support Center. Candidates must sign up for an available testing date to begin the application process.
2. Candidates who successfully pass the reading comprehension test will be given an access code needed to complete the City of Winston-Salem job application online. Applications must be completed online and a deadline for completion will be assigned.
3. Please see the Winston-Salem Police Department website for more information and additional steps in the hiring process.
The Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) has openings for police officers year-round. The Department fills non-sworn positions as the need arises.
The process to become a Winston-Salem Police Officer is challenging. There are a variety of steps a successful applicant must complete before he or she is invited to become a Winston-Salem Police Recruit.
Application Steps
1. Candidates must pass a reading comprehension test. The Winston-Salem Police Department Recruiting Staff administers this test regularly throughout the year at the Alexander R. Beaty Public Safety Training and Support Center. Candidates must sign up for an available testing date to begin the application process.
2. Candidates who successfully pass the reading comprehension test will be given an access code needed to complete the City of Winston-Salem job application online. Applications must be completed online and a deadline for completion will be assigned.
3. Please see the Winston-Salem Police Department website for more information and additional steps in the hiring process.
Position Duties
General Definition of Work
Performs responsible protective service work in the prevention, detection and investigation of violations of the law.Essential Functions
On an assigned shift, patrols an assigned area to observe violations of criminal and traffic laws, suspicious activities and disturbances; responds to radio dispatches; answers calls and complaints; serves warrants, commitments and makes arrests; provides police escorts; monitors and directs traffic; enforces traffic laws and ordinances; investigates traffic accidents; aids injured persons; reports unsafe conditions in streets and public facilities; conducts criminal investigations by gathering evidence, interviewing victims and witnesses and interrogating suspects; prepares detailed reports; testifies in court and performs related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Graduation from high school or GED equivalency.
Special Requirements
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must be of good moral character, having no felony convictions, serious misdemeanors, or DWI's within the past five (5) years.
Must be in good physical condition.
Must reside in Forsyth County or any county contiguous to Forsyth County.Must possess or be able to obtain a valid North Carolina's driver license.
Other Qualifications
Supplemental Information
Work Schedule: Rotating/Shift HoursThere will be a 12 month probationary period during which you will receive performance evaluations after 6 months and at the end of the probationary period.
Residency Requirement:
All persons hired, promoted, transferred or reclassified to a public safety position (sworn police personnel or fire suppression personnel below the level of department, division or office head) shall be required to maintain their principal residence within a 60-mile radius of city hall and within the state or establish their principal residence within such areas within 180 days of the effective date of the personnel action.https://www.cityofws.org/3629/Residency-Requirement-Maps
Salary Information
Police Officer Trainee Starting Salary: $51,269
with military incentive: $53,833
with AA/AS Degree: $53,833
AA/AS with military incentive: $56,524
with BA/BS. Degree: $56,524
BA/BS with military incentive: $59,351
Sworn Officer Starting Salary: $56,524
with military incentive: $59,351
with AA/AS Degree: $59,351
AA/AS with military incentive: $62,318
with BA/BS Degree: $62,318
BA/BS with military incentive: $65,434
Master Police Officer (no military / no degree): $62,318