Police Recruitment FAQ

Police Recruitment FAQ

How long does the Police Officer Hiring process take?

The process takes 2-3 months typically.  This timeline may be accelerated by the applicant completing their application materials promptly and accurately. 

If you live within policy restrictions, yes. Current policy allows for a take home car if you live within 20 minutes from the closest Hickory City Limits.  If you don’t live within the parameters set by policy, you would still have a patrol car assigned to only you that would have to be parked in town at an approved location when you’re off.  

We have 122 sworn officer positions allocated to us. 

New officers coming straight from BLET will be in the Field Training Officer (FTO) program for 16 weeks, and must be recommended for release by a patrol supervisor.  Lateral transfer officers may have an abbreviated FTO program, depending on experience.  Lateral officers must also be recommended for release by a patrol supervisor. 

Yes, depending on qualifications.  At a minimum, out of state transfer officers must take the legal unit and any other identified training BLET Course and successfully pass the full BLET state examination within their 12-month probationary period.   

We look to hire the most qualified applicants.  We do send non-certified applicants to BLET, during which time they receive a police officer trainee salary.  HPD covers the cost of tuition, books and uniforms to attend BLET with the condition that officers remain employed with HPD for three years after BLET completion.  HPD also provides a vehicle for trainees for use to travel back and forth daily from HPD Headquarters to their BLET class.   

How long do I have to work on patrol before I am eligible for a specialized unit?

Specialized positions typically require 1-3 years of experience as a non-probationary officer for application.

1009.4.2  TATTOOS 

Inappropriate tattoos shall not be visible to the public and must be concealed by the uniform while on duty. Tattoos may be deemed inappropriate due to content, design or amount of skin covered.  No tattoos are permitted on the neck, face, head, forearms, hands, or fingers. Consideration will be taken that some existing tattoos will not be able to be completely covered. Any tattoos deemed inappropriate by the Chief of Police shall be covered while the officer is on duty by the wearing of the uniform long sleeve shirt or a neutral skin tone sleeve. 

Inappropriate tattoos shall not be visible to the public and must be concealed by the uniform while on duty. Tattoos may be deemed inappropriate due to content, design or amount of skin covered. No tattoos are permitted on the neck, face, head, hands, or fingers. Current coworkers hired before April 1, 2009 shall make every effort to conceal existing tattoos. Consideration will be taken that some existing tattoos will not be able to be completely covered. Any tattoos deemed inappropriate by the Chief of Police shall be covered while the officer is on duty by the wearing of the uniform long sleeve shirt or another method approved by the Chief of Police.  

  

1009.4.3  BODY PIERCING OR ALTERATION 

Body piercing (other than earlobes) or alteration to any area of the body that is visible while on-duty or while representing the Hickory Police Department in any official capacity, that is a deviation from normal anatomical features, and that is not medically required, is prohibited. Such body alteration includes, but is not limited to: 

  1. Tongue splitting or piercing. 

  1. The complete or transdermal implantation of any material other than hair replacement (i.e., foreign objects inserted under the skin to create a design or pattern). 

  1. Abnormal shaping of the ears, eyes, nose or teeth (i.e., enlarged or stretched out holes in the earlobes). 

  1. Branding, scarification or burning to create a design or pattern. 


1009.4.4  DENTAL ORNAMENTATION 

Dental ornamentation that is for decorative purposes and that is not medically required is prohibited while on-duty or while representing the Hickory Police Department in any official capacity. Such ornamentation includes, but is not limited to: 

  1. Objects that are bonded to front teeth. 

  1. Gold, platinum or other veneers or caps used for decorative purposes. 

  1. Orthodontic appliances that are colored for decorative purposes. 

A ride-a-long is mandatory for applicants who move past the stage of an offer of Conditional employment.  Ride-a-longs are encouraged and can be approved by the recruiting sergeant. 

  • Copy of Birth Certificate 

  • Copy of Social Security Card 

  • Copy of High School Diploma or GED 

  • Copy of College Diploma or transcript if not graduated (if applicable) 

  • Copy of BLET Certificate of Graduation (if applicable) 

  • Copy of Law Enforcement Certificate (if applicable) 

  • Copy of full DD-214 (if applicable) 

  

Out-of-state applicants who are certified law enforcement officers must also submit an official curriculum from their basic law enforcement training academy which includes a topical and hourly breakdown of the training received.

Hickory Police Officers must embody a history of ethical and moral behavior because they are entrusted with the responsibility to keep our city safe from crime and disorder.  A thorough background investigation will be completed on all candidates selected for potential employment.  Candidates who have a history of unethical or immoral behavior will not be hired.  Candidate backgrounds will include but are not limited to: 

  • You must have a history of lawful conduct. 

  • Your past behavior, choices you’ve made and judgement must demonstrate positive traits that will support your candidacy for a police officer position and reflect favorably upon your character. 

  • You must possess high standards of honesty and integrity as demonstrated by your dealing with individuals and organizations.  Falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting information on any document or during the selection process will be closely scrutinized. 

  • You must respect the rights of all people and have an appreciation for the diversity that characterizes the City of Hickory.  A history of domestic violence, physical altercations, or discourteous abusive, or violent treatment of others may indicate a lack of self-discipline, unwillingness or inability to cooperate, or a disregard for the rights of others. 

  • You must have a history of making responsible choices regarding the use of drugs and alcohol.  The following are automatic disqualifiers. 

  • The unlawful sale or distribution of any controlled substance 

  • Possession or use of Marijuana or a derivative thereof within the 24 months immediately preceding the date of application, even if Marijuana usage is legal in the candidate’s home state. 

  • The use of any illegal drug while employed in any law enforcement position, or while employed in a position that carries a high level of public trust. 

  • Please call to discuss your drug history prior to applying if you feel that you may be disqualified based on drug usage. 

  • Your employment and military (if applicable) histories must demonstrate the motivation and success-orientation needed to succeed as a police officer. 

  • Your financial history records must demonstrate responsible decisions and appropriate behavior. 

  • Applicants must have a driving record that reflect their demonstrated ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in compliance with applicable traffic laws. 

  • Must be a United States citizen. 

  • Must be eligible for certification by North Carolina Training and Standards Commission.  See minimum requirements under the Hiring Process section.