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1. How long does the Police Officer hiring process take?

The process takes 3-6 months typically. This timeline may be accelerated by the applicant completing their application materials promptly and accurately.

2. Would I have a take home car?

If you live within policy restrictions, yes.  If you don’t live within the parameters set by policy, you would still have a patrol car assigned to only you that would have to be parked in town when you’re off.

3. How many officers does your department have?

We have just over 100 sworn officer positions allocated to us.

4. How long is field training?

New officers coming straight from BLET will be in the Patrol Training Officer (PTO) program for 16 weeks, and must be recommended for release by Command Staff.  Lateral transfer officers may have an abbreviated PTO program, depending on experience.  Lateral officers must also be recommended for release by Command Staff.

5. Do you hire out of state lateral transfer officers at your police department?

Yes.  Out of state officers must have served in a full-time sworn capacity for more than two years and not have been separated for more than three years.  At a minimum, out of state transfer officers must take the legal unit and any other identified training BLET Course and successfully pass the full BLET state examination within their 12-month probationary period.

6. Do you hire people and pay them through BLET?

We strive to select the most qualified applicants and are currently looking for BLET certified candidates.  

7. How long do I have to work on patrol before I am eligible for a specialized unit?

Most of the specialized units require at least three years of successful patrol experience.  Lateral officers with relevant training and experience might be eligible as determined by the Chief of Police.  

8. What is the police department’s policy on tattoos?

Directive 1.16 states:

“(a) Tattoos or brands may be visible as long as the tattoo or brand cannot be considered unsuitable, offensive or could bring discredit upon the Police Department.

(b) Applicants for employment and current employees are subject to having their existing tattoos, body modification, body art or brands inspected by the Chief of Police or his/her designee to determine whether they are considered unsuitable, offensive, or could bring discredit upon the agency; and are required to provide photographs of same. Photographs of tattoos located in areas covered by undergarments are not required, however must be disclosed at the time of application for employment. All applicants must complete a Body Art Screening Form and submit it as part of their application package.

(c) The Chief of Police reserves the right to reject applicants based on this policy, and require any employee to cover any tattoos which he/she deems unsuitable, offensive or may bring discredit to the police department.”

9. Can I do a ride-along with an officer?

A ride-along is mandatory for applicants who move past the stage of an offer of Conditional employment.  Ride-alongs are encouraged.

10. What documents are required for the application process?

As part of the background investigation, applicants for most positions will be required to submit the following information for review:

• Copy of Birth Certificate
• Credit Report
• Certified Criminal Records Checks from all counties in which candidate lived in the last 10 years. If candidate attended high school within those 10 years and the high school was located in a different county than candidate's residence, must include that county's criminal history check as well.
• Certified Driving History from all states in which candidate has lived in the past 10 years.
• Copy of High School Diploma or GED
• Copy of College Diploma or transcript if not graduated (if applicable)
• Copy of BLET Certificate Of Graduation (if applicable)
• Copy of Law Enforcement Certificate (if applicable)
• Copy of full DD 214 (if applicable)

Out-of-state applicants who are certified law enforcement officers must also submit an official curriculum from their basic law enforcement training academy which includes a topical and hourly breakdown of the training received.

Please follow the links below for information on how to obtain your credit report and certified copies from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and North Carolina courts.

Credit Report Information

NC DOT Certified Driving Records Request

North Carolina Department of Justice

11. Automatic Disqualifiers

Huntersville Police Officers are entrusted with the responsibility to keep our town safe from crime and disorder.  Therefore, a history of ethical and moral behavior is of the utmost importance.  Your background will be looked at very closely.  Applicants who have a history of unethical or immoral behavior will not be hired. Applicants will be subjected to an intensive background evaluation, which will include but is not limited to the following:

• You must have a history of lawful conduct.
• Your past behavior, choices you’ve made and judgement must demonstrate positive traits that will support your candidacy for the Police Officer position and reflect favorably upon your character.
• You must possess high standards of honesty and integrity as demonstrated by your dealings with individuals and organizations.  Falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting information on any document or during the selection process will be closely scrutinized.
• You must respect the rights of all people and have an appreciation for the diversity that characterizes the town.  A history of domestic violence, physical altercations, or discourteous, abusive, or violent treatment of others may indicate a lack of self-discipline, unwillingness or inability to cooperate, or a disregard for the rights of others.
• You must have a history of making responsible choices regarding the use of drugs and alcohol.  The following are automatic disqualifiers:
• The unlawful sale or distribution of any controlled substance
• Possession or use of Marijuana or a derivative therof within the 24 months immediately preceding the date of application, even if Marijuana usage is legal in the candidate’s home state.     
• The use of any illegal drug while employed in any law enforcement position, or while employed in a position that carries a high level of public trust.
• Please call to discuss your drug history prior to applying if you feel that you may be disqualified based on drug usage. 
• Your employment and military (if applicable) histories must demonstrate the motivation and success-orientation needed to succeed as a police officer.
• Your financial history records must demonstrate responsible decisions and appropriate behavior.
• Applicants must have a driving record that reflects their demonstrated ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in compliance with applicable traffic laws. 
• Must be a United States citizen.

Must be eligible for certification by North Carolina Training and Standards Commission. See the Minimum requirements under the Hiring Process section.