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Police Recruiting FAQs

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1. How large is the Durham Police Department?

The Durham Police Department has 548 sworn positions and 124 civilian positions.

2. Are you hiring lateral applicants at this time?

Yes. Sworn law enforcement officer’s salary range is from $46,998-$62,982 

3. I am BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training) certified. Will I be required to attend the entire academy?

No. As long as your certification is currently active. 

4. When is your next academy?

There are two police academies a year. Typical start times for BLET Academies are February and August 

5. How large is your department?

We have over 450 sworn police officers. 

6. Do you hire out- of-state candidates?

Yes

7. Is there a residency requirement?

No. There is a relocation incentive for those who move within the city limits. 

8. How long does the hiring process take?

The hiring process typically takes two to six months. 

9. How many people are you hiring for your next academy?

The number of applicants is determined based on the present vacancy levels. 

10. Do I have to attend an open house informational session?

Open Houses are virtual and found on the recruiting website. 

11. Does my packet need to be complete on the day that I report for testing?

No

12. Is there an age requirement/cutoff?

All recruits must be 20 years of age by the completion of the BLET Academy. There is not a maximum age. 

13. Is the academy paid training?

Yes. You are paid from the first date of employment. 

14. Would I have a take home car?

The City of Durham has a take home car program. All patrol officers who live within the city limits qualify. Ask a recruiter for more details. 

15. Do I have to work patrol/street duty or can I go to a specialized unit once I graduate from the academy?

All recruits are assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division upon graduating from the academy. Uniform patrol officers work rotating 12-hour shifts in one of our five districts. Officers are eligible to apply to specialized units and promotions Officers with a minimum of twenty-four (24) months of continuous service as a regular sworn officer with the Durham Police Department, calculated from the date of release from the PTO program. 

16. What records are required and how do I obtain copies?

Certified copies of your driving record and criminal records checks from all counties that you have lived in since the age of 18. This includes out-of-state records. Driving records may be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles of each state a driver’s license has been held. This includes North Carolina. Criminal records checks can be obtained from the Clerk of Courts office of each county you have resided in or from the state police of each state you have resided in since the age of 18. This includes military base assignment locations in the continental United States. Certified copy of dispositions of all criminal and traffic charges issued to you or against you. NOTE: Some states require the individual to make the request from each county they have resided in while other states have agencies that can run a statewide criminal/civil check. 

17. Will you accept copies of any documents that I have to pay for?

We must have all original documents. 

18. Can I do a ride along with an officer?

Applicants are eligible for a ride along once they are entered into the background investigation phase of the hiring process 

19. Do I have to stay overnight at the academy?

No, recruits go home every night. 

20. What are the Durham Police Department’s policies on tattoos, hairstyles, beards and jewelry?

Tattoos, body art or branding which is profane; depicts violence or harm; is sexually explicit or which portrays nudity; indicates an affiliation with a criminal street gang or any hate group, organization or association; would reasonably be considered prejudicial to a particular race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin; covers hands/fingers, or neck; or appears on the face, ears or scalp; 

Hairstyles (Male) – Hair on top of the head shall be neatly groomed. The length and/or bulk of the hair will not be excessive or present a ragged or extreme appearance. Hair, when combed, may cover no more than the top half of the ears and may extend down to the shirt collar, but shall not cover any part of the shirt collar. In all cases, the bulk or length of the hair will not interfere with the normal wear of the uniform hat. Sideburns (worn without a beard) shall not extend below the earlobe and shall at no point be more than 1-1/2 inches wide. Side burns shall not exceed 1/2 inch in bulk, and shall not flare, and shall be trimmed horizontally across the bottom. Edges must be clearly defined. Mustaches shall be neatly trimmed and shall not exceed more than one half inch beyond the corners of the mouth or extend more than 1/4 inch below the corners of the mouth. Mustaches shall not cover any part of the upper lip. Sworn and non-sworn personnel are permitted to wear a goatee or beard that is maintained at a length and pattern so as not to detract from the officer’s professional appearance. Permission to wear beards, mustaches, and goatees may be withdrawn by the Chief, at any time. Facial hair shall be neat, trimmed and maintained at a length not to exceed 1/2 inch. Beards must be trimmed above and below and shall not be permitted below the Adam’s apple on the neck. In the event of a civil emergency or standby status where there is a possibility of gas deployment officers will, at the Incident Commander’s discretion, report clean shaven. Officers will report clean shaven for annual fit testing. Sworn personnel working in undercover assignments, or specialized assignments requiring facial hair not otherwise authorized by this policy, shall be exempt from these restrictions at the discretion of the Division Commander, and the Chief. Edges must be clearly defined. Hair, beard and/or mustache will not give the appearance of being ragged, unkempt, or extreme in appearance and must permit the proper wearing of a hat. Hairstyles (Female) - Hair may not fall below the bottom of the shirt collar. Jewelry - The following items only are authorized:  One wristwatch;  Two finger rings of choice;  Medical identification bracelet/necklace