Police Officer

The Town of Wendell is Recruiting for a Lateral Transfer of a Patrol Officer I or II ** Salary offered will be determined based on experience ** Patrol Officer I - $58,587.75-$90,811.301 Patrol Officer II - $62,103.02-$96,259.67 Wendell is proud to be one of the safest communities in North Carolina, according to independent research from SafeWise in 2025, collected via up-to-date FBI crime statistics. We are nationally accredited through CALEA, reflecting our commitment to excellence. With Wendell recently named the fastest growing town in North Carolina, it's an exciting time to be a part of our community. If you want to contribute to that growth and join a high-performing, service-focused team, now is the time to apply! The Wendell Police Department has the following core values: COMMITMENT – We have a selfless determination and relentless dedication to the public, our partners, and to each other. We will strive to continually improve our community and our agency. COLLABORATION – We understand the importance of building partnerships. We will develop and maintain lasting partnerships to promote community engagement and inclusive problem solving. INTEGRITY – We are committed to the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct, which are the cornerstones of our profession. PROFESSIONALISM – We accept responsibility for our actions. We are accountable to ourselves and those we serve. We will communicate honestly and consistently strive for excellence. If these values align with yours, we'd love to have you as a part of our team! Wendell Police Department Perks: • LBA - wellness allowance per year to be used for a variety of wellness and/or personal needs, including child activities, educational programs, fitness (including classes, fitness equipment, fitness trackers, and more), healthy meal delivery services, meditation/mindfulness programs, med spa services, and many other categories in support of your overall personal wellness. • HRA card (annual employer-paid towards copays, prescriptions, medical supplies, etc) • Gym membership • Tattoos and beards allowed • Take home car policy based on training & experience • Insurance upon retirement • Specialty units (drone, community engagement, traffic) with plenty of growth & opportunity • CALEA-accredited department • Longevity pay program • Outer carriers for officers • Instructor pay incentive Distinguishing Features of the Class An employee in this class performs a full range of general law enforcement duties. Work includes patrolling the Town during an assigned shift in a police car or on foot; preventing, detecting, and investigating disturbances and crime; performing traffic control work; apprehending suspects; and executing related assignments. Employees must exercise judgment, initiative, and calm control when performing duties; more difficult problems are normally carried out under the direction of or in conjunction with a Police Sergeant assigned. Work involves frequent public contact, which requires tact, firmness, and decisiveness. Work is performed in accordance with departmental policy and state and federal law, supplemented with specific directions from superior officers. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Unit Sergeant and is evaluated for effectiveness, visibility, compliance with standards, public support, and attainment of performance objectives. Patrols streets in a police car, on bicycle, or on foot; checks doors and windows; examines premises of unoccupied residences or buildings; detects unusual conditions; may maintain surveillance and observation for stolen cars, missing persons, or suspects; reports dangerous or defective streets, sidewalks, traffic lights, or other hazardous conditions. Responds to calls for assistance, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, and loud and disruptive behavior; completes calls by determining true nature of the situation and taking whatever legal or persuasive action is warranted. Regulates and directs vehicular traffic at busy times at local schools and when traffic signal malfunctions or accidents require. Investigates traffic accidents; issues traffic citations; directs traffic and participates in other emergency operation activities; conducts special traffic checkpoints to enforce seatbelt, alcohol, speed, or other laws. Sets up traffic enforcement zones and issues citations for violation of traffic regulations; conducts DWI and license checking stations. Performs investigations of accidents or possible crimes through observation, questioning witnesses, and gathering, packaging, and submitting physical evidence; performs investigative tasks; arrests and processes criminal suspects; presents findings in court. Serves warrants; apprehends and processes criminal suspects and transports to magistrate and/or County detention facilities. Prepares records and reports of activities. Advises the public on laws and local ordinances; serves papers as needed. Assists stranded motorists; gives information and directions to visitors and the general public. Makes presentations to schools and civic groups. Performs other related duties as assigned. Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of departmental standard operating policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. Knowledge of practices, materials, techniques, and equipment pertinent to job assignment Knowledge of the Town’s geography and location of streets, homes, businesses, and buildings. Knowledge of criminal human behavior when confronted with difficult situations. Knowledge of effective communication practices including focused listening. Knowledge of English grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary. Knowledge of the operation and uses of personal computers including word processing and database software. Skill in the use of firearms and other authorized law enforcement equ