Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Police Recruitment
Q: How many officers do you hire each year?
A: It varies because Department attrition rates are very low. On average, 2-4 new officers are hired annually. The majority of vacancies surface from newly created positions or retirements.
Q: Do you accept out-of-state (other Police Officer Standards Training {POST} certifications) or lateral transfers?
A: Yes. However, all lateral or out-of-state police officers must meet minimum standards as defined by the North Carolina Training and Standards Division. Every lateral transfer must successfully complete specific courses (State Laws, etc.) and pass the entire BLET comprehensive examination to receive certification in North Carolina . In some cases, lateral transfers may be required to complete the entire BLET course. For more information about minimum requirements for out-of-state or lateral transfer applicants, click here.
Q: What is Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)?
A: BLET is the 16 week, 618 hour, state-mandated certification course for all sworn law enforcement officers in North Carolina. Successful completion of this course is required. To learn more about BLET, click here.
Q: I am an experienced police officer. How much can I expect my starting salary to be?
A: All new police officers, regardless of experience, credentials or training, begin at $37,968. Salary incentives for college, military, previous experience and other special skills are added to the base salary after successful completion of Field Training.
Q: How long is Field Training?
A: It depends. For experienced officers, Field Training must be a minimum of four (4) weeks. Officers fresh out of any academy setting can be in Field Training for 12-14 weeks.
Q: How long does it take to hire an applicant?
A: Depending on the number of applicants and available resources, most application processes last 90-120 days.
Q: I do not have a BLET certification. Will the Department pay for me to attend BLET if hired?
A: If the Department posts a vacancy announcement seeking applicants regardless of training,and you are subsequently hired to fill that vacancy, then you will be enrolled in the next available BLET academy. These applicants will receive full salary and benefits while attending BLET.
Q: Does the Department offer its own police (or BLET) academy?
A: No. The Department relies on local community colleges to deliver BLET. Several Garner Police Officers teach in local BLET academies.
Q: Does the Garner Police Department accept lateral transfers at a rank higher than entry level?
A: No. All applicants are hired at entry-level and at the rank of Police Officer. However, Department policy provides attractive career development programs for officers to advance in salary, title and apply for specialized positions or promotions after 2-3 years of full time service.
Q: Will you accept a faxed application?
A: No. Original signatures are required on all documents.
Q: How often will I be notified of my 'status' during the application process?
A: A Garner Police Department representative will notify applicants in writing, by phone, electronically (e-mail) or in-person of their status after each phase of the application process.
Q: Does the Police Department maintain an eligibility list of police officer applicants for future vacancies?
A: Eligibility lists may be established for those remaining applicants deemed qualified or otherwise suitable for employment. The eligibility list may be used to fill future vacancies and usually remains active until the next recruitment process begins, but usually no longer than 6 months
Q: I was an applicant for the last police officer vacancy and completed all the required forms, but was not hired. Can the Police Department use my old application package for future vacancies?
A: No. The Department requires that a new application be completed to ensure all information is current and correct.
Q: Is there a probationary period for new police officers?
A: Yes. North Carolina State law requires a one-year probationary period for all new police officers, regardless of past experience.
Q: Is greater consideration given to applicants who have completed BLET?
A: Yes. Applicants with a BLET certification require far less training and are ready to begin work much faster. Applicants without BLET will spend a minimum of 28 weeks in training (BLET & Field Training) before he/she is fully operational and of benefit to the Department. Applicants with BLET certification are obviously cost effective. When feasible, the Department may list BLET certification as one of the minimum requirements for position vacancies.
Q: Can I enroll in BLET on my own?
A: Yes. Many community colleges in North Carolina offer BLET. The course is usually offered during traditional Spring and Fall semesters each year. Some colleges offer a "night" or part time BLET class. "Night" courses last anywhere from 6-7 months. Participants attend class M-F from 6-10pm and on Saturdays. Each college has its own entrance requirements and many require students be sponsored by a law enforcement agency. Departments who choose to sponsor individuals must, at a minimum, complete a background investigation and be willing to attest to his or her character.
Q: Is greater consideration given to someone with a college degree or a military background?
A: The Department looks at a number of factors when making a hiring decision. Applicants with a college degree and/or military experience are considered more suitable than those without such credentials.
Q: Is greater consideration given to residents of North Carolina ?
A: No. However, background investigations are less expensive to conduct for in-state applicants. Scheduling, paperwork and other issues can be more problematic for those living outside of North Carolina. Our ability to make final decisions about an applicant's overall qualifications are sometimes compounded by distance.
