Opportunities

Raleigh Police Officers are promoted on a merit basis after evaluation of their work performance record and applicable examinations.

Advancement Classes

Sworn officers who have two (2) years of active service as a police officer within the Department are eligible for consideration for advancement at each rank

• First Class Officer
• Master Officer
• Senior Officer
  
  

Promotional Classes

All candidates must be a First-Class Officer or above with at least four (4) years of active service (from the start date of the academy) as a Raleigh Police Officer.

All candidates must possess at least an Associate Degree or have successfully completed two years of college (60 semester hours or the college credit equivalent) from an accredited college or university by the posted closing date of application.

• Sergeant
• Police Detective
• Lieutenant
• Captain
• Major
• Deputy Chief
  
  

Education Programs

Officers must successfully complete our basic academy training. The Academy lasts for approximately 27 weeks and consists of intensive training in the fundamentals of law enforcement. Upon graduation from the Academy and completion of 12 months of probation, an officer may attend other educational institutions of higher training. Selected officers are sent periodically to out-of-house schools.

Transfers to Other Units

Officers usually work at least their first 3 years in uniformed patrol assignments. Many officers choose to remain in patrol much longer or return to patrol after assignments in other units. Others choose to vary their assignments within the Department. While in patrol, officers may request reassignments to a different district or squad.