COMPETITIVE PAY, INCENTIVES, AND BENEFITS

We've increased our starting salary again! We are hiring sworn officers both in North Carolina and out of state with a salary range between $53,000 to $90,000, with a higher starting salary based on an officer's experience, training, and education. Officers have ample paid overtime and extra duty opportunities too. Our career progression path advances officers from Police Officer 1 to Police Officer 4 with time in grade and specific training, and then into supervisor ranks. Our department strongly values officers having the time to attend trainings, conferences, and classes that advance their career.

For police recruit candidates, the starting salary is $53,000, with incentive raises upon successfully graduating from the BLET Academy. Additionally, after successfully completing a one-year probationary period from the sworn date, officers receive a 7.5% salary increase.

Starting salary for officers also increases based on the below criteria:  

• $1,500 for associate degree 
• $2,500 for bachelor’s degree 
• $4,500 for master’s degree 
• $1,500 for language fluency 
• $1,500 for Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate

Additional incentives for officers include: 

• $500 annually for successfully completing physical abilities test 
• 3% increase for officers serving as Field Training Officer

The Town of Chapel Hill offers all employees a generous and comprehensive benefits package. Click here for more information.

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

Our department offers opportunities in a variety of divisions including patrol, investigations, K-9, traffic, community services, as School Resource Officers, and on the Special Emergency Response Team.  

We recently created new rotational positions – like Community Service Officer, Patrol Investigator, Relief School Resource Officer- to provide officers opportunities to gain diverse experience and advance sooner in their careers.  Advancement to specialty positions and assignments typically require a minimum of three years as sworn officer, with at least one year with our police department.  

Unique to our department is our Crisis Unit which uses a co-responder model; officers and non-sworn crisis counselors collaborate and provide onsite emergency response to persons in crisis situations. 

Our department strongly values and supports professional development by providing continuous training and educational opportunities, and the flexible scheduling to attend. All officers participate in ongoing training throughout their career to learn new skills, strengthen current ones, and keep up with current state laws and policies. In 2023, our officers participated in 150 courses and conferences totaling over 5,500 hours of training. 

ADVANCING WOMEN IN POLICING

The Chapel Hill Police Department is an active partner in the 30x30 Initiative to promote the advancement of women through recruitment, retention, and representation in all ranks.  We strive to ensure our policies and culture are inclusive, respectful, and supportive of women in all ranks and professional roles of law enforcement. Learn more.

YOUR NEXT STEPS

Fill out the Town of Chapel Hill application today! The hiring process for both police recruit and lateral officers may take between 60 to 90 days to complete.

We welcome interested candidates to do a ride-along. Learn about our department and community, get an understanding of call types and volume, and meet our officers. Ride-alongs can be done any day or evening of the week for up to six hours. 

If you’re thinking of making the move to a new police department or starting your career in law enforcement, please contact Meg McGurk, Community Safety Planner, at  mmcgurk@townofchapelhill.org or 919-968-2835.

SEE HOW WE'RE IMPACTING OUR COMMUNITY

Each year, the Guardians of the Hill work with the Fire Department, Public Housing, and other town staff members to host National Night Out. It's a fun opportunity to get to know the community members we serve!