Lateral Entry

Looking for Experienced Officers

Join the ranks of the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD). If you're a sworn law enforcement officer and you're looking to continue your law enforcement career, then look no further than the WSPD. We are seeking out highly qualified individuals who exhibit integrity, professionalism and dedication and want to bring their skills and experience to the service of the citizens of Winston-Salem.

The Winston-Salem Police Department prides itself as being an innovative and progressive agency. An agency with a mission to protect life and property by providing exceptional police services to our community in partnership with the citizens of Winston-Salem. We invite you to make a difference, to become a member of our team, the WSPD.

Pay and Benefits:

• Winston-Salem police officers enjoy competitive pay and an advantageous retirement plan.  City Council, in support of the Winston-Salem Police Department, has approved for sworn police officers to receive up to a 14.7% pay increase during Fiscal Year 2022-2023 and then an additional 2% raise every six months thereafter.
• Competitive compensation based on years of service, education and military experience
• Up to a $10,000 signing bonus
• Competitive retirement benefits
• Ability to take patrol car home within 60 miles of downtown Winston-Salem
• Uniform and equipment provided, to incude a bi-annual boot voucher
• 12 weeks per year of paid FMLA parental leave
• Tremendous off-duty opportunities with an earning potential starting at $45 per hour
• Opportunites for advancement and specialized assignments to include but not limited to: 
  • Criminal Investigations Division
  • Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
  • Forsyth County Drug Task Force
  • Traffic Enforcement Unit
  • K-9 Unit
  • Gang Unit
  • Gun Crime Reduction Unit
  • Downtown Bike Patrol
  • Park Ranger
  • DWI Task Force
  • Hazardous Device Unit
  • Training Unit
  • Recruiting Unit

Specific Qualifications for Lateral Transfers

• Must be a certified Sworn Law Enforcement Officer, excluding:
  • Campus Police 
  • Detention Officers
  • Bailiffs
  • Security Guards
  • Company Police
• Must transfer from an agency that employs 50 or more officers and must have served a majority of their career in a traditional law enforcement capacity. Officers who transfer from an agency that employs 50 or fewer officers may be eligible, but eligibility will be based on a totality of work experience and at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
• In State Transfers must have fulfilled one full year of continuous service after the completion of the Field Training phase with their current agency.  Out of State transfers require two full years of continuous service after completion of Field Training phase.