Requirements

Questions regarding the qualifications and application process can be directed to the Apex Police Department Training and Recruiting Unit through email or at (919) 249-3452

Minimum Qualifications to Apply for Police Officer:

• Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent, AND
• Completion of a NC BLET course OR be currently enrolled in an NC BLET course, OR
• Employed as a full time, sworn North Carolina police officer with no more than a one (1) year break in service, OR
• Employed as a full time, sworn OUT OF STATE police officer with powers of arrest for more than 24 months, with no more than a three (3) year break in service. 

Special Qualifications:

• The ability to complete and pass the North Carolina Police Officer Physical Agility Test (POPAT) prior to a formal interview and conditional offer.
• The ability to complete and pass an extensive background investigation, a C.V.S.A. examination, Drug Screen, Psychological Examination, Physical Exam and Firearms Qualification prior to appointment.

In Addition:

• Candidates for sworn (Police Officer) positions must submit: -
  • A North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission Form F-3 (Item will be notarized during background)
  • Copy of BLET Certificate (if applicable)  
  • Copy of Military DD-214 (if applicable) 
• All documents must be fully completed, signed, and dated

Law Enforcement Certification

For more information on becoming a certified police officer in the State of North Carolina, please visit the NC Training and Standards information page for police applicants. 

Salary & Benefits

Not only is the Town "The Peak of Good Living", but it's also a great place to work! We strive to "Reach the Peak" of being an employer of choice by providing competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including:

• Paid medical, dental, vision, & life insurance
• Contributions to the NC Local Government Pension
• 5% employer contribution to NC 401k Retirement Plans
• Traditional sick & vacation leave time provided
• Peak Paid Time Off (80hrs)
• Peak Lifestyle Reimbursement
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays
• Longevity pay provided after two years of employment
• Tuition assistance 
• Expansive wellness program

Additional incentives as a Police Officer with the Apex Police Department Include:

• Ability to attend local Community Colleges on duty for additional police training
• Ability to use the departmental physical fitness room / gym while on duty 
• All uniforms, firearms (pistol/rifle/shotgun), and patrol vehicle are provided
• Take Home Vehicle Program (after completion of Field Training, 35-mile limit)
• Every other weekend scheduled off when assigned to the patrol division
• Ability to apply for positions (when available) in the Traffic Safety Unit (TSU), Directed Patrol Unit (DPU), Criminal Investigations Division (CID), School Resource Officer Unit (SRO), Special Response Team (SRT), and Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) upon completion of probation.

Career Path

The Town’s career paths give you a blueprint for growing your career and enhancing your pay at the Town through a combination of additional years of experience and initiative for your ongoing professional development. Each advancement includes a 5% pay increase which are an additional to each employees annual merit raise.

• Police Officer I
• Police Officer II
• Police Officer III
• Senior Police Officer

Process

The Selection Process for police officer is expected to take between six (6) and eight (8) weeks once your application is accepted. The process consists of the following steps: 

• Step 1: Complete the online application process 
• Step 2: Pre-screening of Applications by Town of Apex Human Resources & Police Department
• Step 3: Complete and pass the North Carolina Police Officer Physical Agility Test (POPAT)
• Step 4: Candidate Review Board / Oral Interviews (1 to 2 hours)
• Step 5: Conditional Offer of Employment with projected salary
• Step 6: Background Investigation / CVSA / Polygraph (2 to 3 week process) and Medical/Psychological/Drug Screen (2 to 3 hour appointment)
• Step 7: Optional Firearms Qualifications - Sworn Positions (Allocate 4 hours for this step)
• Step 8: Meeting with the Chief of Department
• Step 9: Formal Offer of Employment with date of official hire
• Newly hired police officers will complete a six (6) week in-house orientation program and a 28 to 42 day four-phase field training program.