Contact: Elaine Tricoli
Phone: (336) 373-2421

Apply Now for GPD’s First Certification Class

GREENSBORO, NC – (July 8, 2008) – The Greensboro Police Department is now accepting applications for its first Police Certification Class. The class will begin on November 17, 2008.

The Certification Class is designed for those who have completed Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) at a North Carolina community college within the last 12 months or for officers in other NC jurisdictions who have less than two years of experience.

“This new certification class is intended to help the Greensboro Police Department address staffing needs,” said Police Capt. Richard Whisenant. “This is a shorter training academy that gives applicants credit for getting a law enforcement certification or for their experience with another jurisdiction. By offering this as an option, we hope to increase our potential pool of applicants by reaching out to those who already have many of the skills that are taught during our standard 27-week Police Academy.”

Where possible, qualified applicants will be hired before they attend the certification class. Once hired, the new recruits will attend a 12- to 14-week academy, followed by 14 weeks of field training, Whisenant said.

The annual salary for new officers is $32,500. All equipment and uniforms are furnished, and officers share the same benefits as other City of Greensboro employees, including paid vacation, paid holidays, paid sick leave, insurance, dental assistance, and longevity pay after five years of continuous service. In addition, new hires may qualify for an educational achievement incentive bonus, which is paid in three installments during the first 40 weeks as a Police Officer I. The first payment is made on the first payday after the start of the certification classes, the second payment occurs after satisfactory completion of the certification class, and the final payment occurs after successful completion of field training. These educational incentive bonus payments are: $2,500 for an Associate’s degree and $5,000 for a Bachelor’s degree.

Applicants who do not qualify for the certification class are encouraged to apply for the 90th Police Basic Introductory Course (PBIC), which will begin in March 2009. Officers with at least two years of experience may apply through the GPD’s lateral transfer program.

Applicants must be at least 20 years old to apply for the PBIC or the certification class and must turn 21 prior to the completion of the academy. 

For more information about becoming a Greensboro police officer, contact the GPD’s Recruiting Office at (336) 373-2107 or the Resource Management Division at (336) 373-2460. Information is also available online at www.greensboro-nc.gov/police.

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body. For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.