Police Officer Recruit/ Police Officer / Police Officer II / Master Police Officer

City of Kannapolis
City of Kannapolis

Kannapolis, NC, USA

USD 54,542-76,240 / year

Posted on Jul 23, 2026
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Example of Duties

Police Officer Recruit: $54,542 annually
Police Officer: $60,132 - $69,151 annually
Police Officer II: $63,139 - $72,609 annually
Master Police Officer: $66,296 - $76,240 annually
Position open until filled. Salary dependent on qualifications.

Police Officer Recruit (Starting salary $54,542 annually):

  • Currently enrolled in NC Basic Law Enforcement (BLET)

  • Participates in and completes field and practical training.

Police Officer (Hiring range $60,132 - $69,151 annually):
  • At least probationary certification from the NCCJS as a commissioned police officer Note: Lateral hires who are already certified NC law enforcement officers and not first hired as a Police Officer Trainee may be assigned this classification conditional on successful completion of the field training program designated by the Chief of Police. Out-of-State lateral hires must be NCCJS certification eligible.
  • No experience required

Police Officer II (Hiring range $63,139 - $72,609 annually):
  • Certified NCCJS law enforcement officer
  • Obtained an Intermediate Certification from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education Training Standards Commission
  • Has three years of law enforcement service
  • Has obtained and maintains DCI certification
  • Has obtained and maintains certification as a Chemical Analyst, or has obtained an Advanced Certification from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education Training Standards Commission
  • Has Field Training Officer (FTO) experience or has been Field Training Officer
  • Must successfully complete, or have completed, training and/or certification in advanced supervision or leadership as approved by the Chief of Police
Master Police Officer (Hiring range $66,296 - $76,240):
  • Certified NCCJS law enforcement officer
  • Obtained an Intermediate Certification from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education Training Standards Commission
  • Has six years of law enforcement service
  • Has obtained and maintains DCI certification
  • Has obtained and maintains certification as a Chemical Analyst, or has obtained an Advanced Certification from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education Training Standards Commission
  • Has Field Training Officer (FTO) experience or has been Field Training Officer
  • Has obtained one or more of the following advanced training levels or certifications: (1) Advance Traffic Reconstructionist, or (2) Criminal Investigator Certificate Program, or (3) Advanced SWAT, or (4) Instructor Certification, or (5) Any similar advanced certification approved by the Chief of Police that provides the employee and department with a skill set equivalent to those listed.
  • Must successfully complete, or have completed, training and/or certification in advanced supervision or leadership as approved by the Chief of Police

Typical Qualifications

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Employees must possess the following KSAs or have the ability to acquire during a reasonable period of training.

  • Knowledge of modern police practices and methods, applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances, particularly the laws of arrest, search and investigation.
  • Knowledge of the geography of the City of Kannapolis, to include transportation routes, major buildings, and residential areas; rules and directions of the Police Department and reporting procedures.
  • Skill or the ability to develop skill during a reasonable period of training in the use and care of issued firearms.
  • Ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public.
  • Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine proper course of action to be taken.
  • Ability to react quickly and calmly during emergency situations.
  • Ability to obtain information through interviews and interrogations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and inwriting
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity under stressful conditions.
  • Ability to recognize potentially dangerous situations.
  • Ability to work long hours on rotating shifts, with occasional overtime as required. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Ability to learn law enforcement techniques and skills through classroom lecture, discussion and field exercises; operate response equipment effectively and safely
  • Ability to read, understand, interpret and apply policies, rules, laws and ordinances pertaining to law enforcement procedures and practice.
  • Ability to act effectively in emergency and stressful situations.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees.
  • Ability to type a minimum of 45 words per minute.
  • Ability to deal with the public in a cordial and professional manner.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

  • Possess High School Diploma/GED

  • Be at least 21 years old to be certified

  • Be a U.S. Citizen

  • Pass entry level written examination

  • Pass entry level physical ability test

  • Must be able to wear a gas mask and pass an OSHA fit test

  • Pass extensive background investigation

  • Honorable Military Discharge, if applicable

  • Normal Color Vision

  • Minimum corrected visual acuity of 20/30 binocularly

  • Pass pre-employment Drug Screening Test

Other Necessary Requirements

Note: Successful applicants must be able to perform ALL of the above functions, unassisted and at a pace and level of performance consistent with the actual job requirements. Successful applicants must pass a thorough background investigation, oral interview, drug screen, medical history and examination, psychological assessment, physical ability assessment, and polygraph examination. Since law enforcement officers are required to enforce the law and may be exposed to certain temptations to show favoritism, corruption, or unlawful monetary gain, it is an occupational necessity that potential officers exhibit a history and characteristics of honesty, reliability, ability to manage personal finances, interpersonal skill, good moral character, and integrity. Additionally, law enforcement officers are frequently placed in a position of physical and mental stress. Therefore, a history of mental or physical disability may be grounds for denying employment in this position. Police officers must be mentally and physically able to competently perform all the essential job functions of this position.

Additional Information:

A valid NC Class C Drivers License must be maintained the entire duration of employment.

This position is classified as safety sensitive and is subject to random substance abuse testing at any time for the duration of employment and while occupying a safety sensitive position.

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