Triangle law enforcement agencies came together to host a regional hiring expo in Cary on Friday. 

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Holiday Inn and Suites in Cary. 

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At least 14 law enforcement agencies will be at NC-Raleigh Law Enforcement Hiring Expo. At least six of them are based out of the Triangle area. 

List of Triangle law enforcement agencies at the expo: 

  • Raleigh Police Department
    • State Highway Patrol
      • Cary Police Department
        • Holly Springs Police Department
          • Garner Police Department
            • RDU Airport Authority

              WRAL asked the departments listed above how many positions they are trying to fill and how they are doing on staffing. 

              Raleigh Police Department

              Raleigh Police Department said they currently have 96 vacancies, representing 11% of the total authorized staffing level. They are looking for applicants for the next Basic Law Enforcement Training in March 2027 and experienced officers for Lateral Training School in December 2026. 

              Raleigh Police say applicants who get hired before the academy start dates will receive full salary and benefits while waiting for training. 

              "This provides candidates with an opportunity to begin their careers with the Raleigh Police Department immediately while preparing for their transition into their assigned training program," Raleigh Police Department said. 

              The department said its starting salary is competitive with many law enforcement agencies across the state. Starting salary for a Raleigh police officer is $61,417, according to City of Raleigh's website.  Top pay for a Senior Police Officer is $100,500. 

              "Beyond competitive pay, we believe our greatest advantage is the combination of meaningful career opportunities and the City of Raleigh's comprehensive benefits package," Raleigh Police Department said. 

              Cary Police Department 

              Cary Police Department said it is looking to fill 29 positions, 27 sworn positions and 2 non-sworn positions, specifically lateral police officers, cadets, dispatchers and civilian staff. 

              The department said it is in a very good position staffing wise and its salaries remain competitive. Starting salary is based on an applicant's priori experience, education and training. Top pay for a Senior Police Officer sits at $105,081.60.

              Cary Police Department plans to speak with applicants about what the department stands for.

              "We will provide information about the Cary Police Department’s mission, how we partner with the community to reduce crime, and the high standards we expect from our staff," Cary Police Department said in an email to WRAL News. 

              State Highway Patrol

              North Carolina State Highway Patrol is trying to fill 353 sworn vacancies, out of their 1,975 allocated positions. They are looking for people who want to be a sworn or civilian member of SHP. 

              In July 2026, SB257 was passed into law, which boosted salaries and benefits for SHP troopers. 

              "This legislation brought about significant enhancements to employee compensation and benefits across the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP)," the agency said in a statement to WRAL News. 

              Starting salary for a sworn trooper is $63,250. With six or more years of experience, a trooper could earn more than $92,290. 

              NC-Raleigh Law Enforcement Hiring Expo hosted by Reliant will be at the Holiday Inn Suites on Dillard Drive in Cary. It starts at 11 a.m. 

              Durham Police Department said it will not be at this recruiting event, but it will be at the Durham Bulls "Touch A Truck" event on August 30 at 1 p.m. The department did not respond to WRAL's staffing request. 

              Qualifications for Employment

              • Must be 21 years old at the time of academy graduation
                • High School diploma or equivalency, college or military preferred
                  • United States citizen, or naturalized citizen
                    • Good character and moral background
                      • Licensed driver, or ability to obtain a NC Driver's License
                        • 20/20 vision, corrected vision acceptable - applicants cannot be colorblind
                          • Meet background, medical and psychological requirements

                            Application Process

                            1. Complete the Online Application
                            2. Reading Comprehension and Physical Fitness Assessment 
                            3. Polygraph Exam 
                            4. Background Investigation
                            5. Interview with command staff
                            6. Psychological Exam, Medical Exam, Drug Screening and Fingerprinting 

                            Process may differ slightly across police departments. To learn more, go to specific police department website and search for the hiring tab.