Recruitment

At Gaston County Police Department, we are committed to hiring the best and brightest candidates who are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in law enforcement. We are the only Police Department in the Carolinas to require a four-year degree. As an added bonus we hire entry level police officers prior to Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), which allows our officers to become full-time paid employees before the start of BLET. New recruits will be able to enjoy the benefits of a full-time employee while completing BLET. The Department also seeks qualified police officers who are currently certified in North Carolina as a law enforcement officer, as well as out-of-state law enforcement officers.

The Gaston County Police Department offers specialized units after completing 1 to 3 years of service, such as:

  • Animal Care and Enforcement OfficerCriminal Investigations Unit (CIU)
  • Special Investigations Unit (SIU)
  • K9
  • Emergency Response Team (ERT)
  • Hazardous Device Unit
  • School Resource Officer (SRO)
  • Crime Scene Search Unit
  • Marine Unit
  • Field Training
  • Community Coordinator

The Gaston County Police Department is comprised of three major divisions: Community Policing, Investigations, and Communications and Animal Care and Enforcement. Our officers respond to calls for service in the unincorporated areas of Gaston County. To accomplish its various public safety and law enforcement missions, the Department relies on its team of highly qualified professionals.

Position Requirements