Compensation and Benefits

Compensation

Compensation for new officers starts at a probationary rate of $50,032 (Grade 20) with consideration given to prior experience and education. Lateral Entry Officer Salaries are based on prior experience and education as well. Applicants hired as a lateral transfers are employed as a Police Officer II (Grade 21) which has a starting probationary rate of $52,533 and increases incrementally based on employee experience.

Kernersville Police Officers are offered competitive pay and an advantageous retirement plan. Pay scales are reviewed annually. Uniforms and equipment are provided.

Note: Financial figures above are based on current market adjustment and are subject to change.

Employee Benefits

  • Hiring incentives:
    • Bachelor’s Degree (5.0%)
    • Associate’s Degree (2.5%)
    • 5 years of law enforcement experience (2.5%)
    • 2 years of military experience (2.5%)
    • Maximum incentive of 7.5%.
  • 3% pay increase for SWAT and CNT
  • $500 FTO pay for each officer trained
  • Vacation Leave – accrual rate based on schedule/length of service
  • Sick Leave – accrual rate based on schedule
  • Paid Holidays
  • Contributory Retirement System (LGERS) – employee contributes 6% with additional employer contribution into the plan
  • 401(k) Deferred Compensation Plan Eligibility
  • 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan Eligibility
  • Medical/Hospitalization Insurance – Dependent coverage available
  • Dental Insurance – Dependent coverage available
  • Short Term Disability – Voluntary Long Term Disability available
  • Life Insurance coverage – Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance available
  • Voluntary Vision Coverage available
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Credit Union Membership Eligibility
  • Education Tuition Assistance
  • Progressive Pay Plan
  • Annual Bonus
  • Employee Birthday Gift Certificate
  • Leadership and Mentor Training

Police Officers receive a 5% Employer contribution to 401(k)

 

Other Benefits and Opportunities

Take-home cars

Kernersville Police Officers are assigned their own cars, if they live within 30 miles of the town limits, they may drive them to and from work and to off-duty employment. Officers are also granted use of the vehicle for other work related matters such as court, training, or special assignments. Officers who maintain an on-call status are not restricted by mileage.

Schedule

Newly Hired sworn officers are assigned to a patrol platoon upon completion of field training. The standard patrol schedule is in 12 hour shifts as follows: two days on, two days off, and three days on. The on and off days for the following week then switch to two days off, two days on, and three days off.

This means in a two week pay period officers will work 7 days for a total of 84 hours. There are times where officers will be required to work more than their normal assigned hours such as court appearance, training, and when the need arises due to man power or emergencies.

Employees are compensated for all documented hours worked.

Permanent Shifts

The Kernersville Police Department offers permanent day shift (Approximately 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.) and permanent night shift (Approximately 6:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.) to all newly hired police officers. In order for us to keep the town adequately covered for calls for service some officer’s on and off duty times vary but are generally close to the above times.

Specialized Units

The Kernersville Police Department offers all the career options found in larger departments, including SWAT, K-9, Traffic Enforcement, School Resource Officer, and more.