The Durham Police Department is recruiting new officers.

Although Thursday’s hiring event was previously scheduled, it comes after a series of shootings in Durham that left three people dead in a span of only 72 hours. There were five shootings in the city during that three-day period.

Other WRAL Top Stories

The police department is looking to fill hundreds of vacancies. Currently, more than 27% of Durham Police officer positions are vacant.

People who are interested can come to the police department's headquarters Thursday to find out how they can serve.

Our WRAL Investigates team looked into Durham crime trends.

They researched how many charges have been filed against people who live in Durham between 2019 and 2024. Those numbers are up 110%.

That’s why officers may be needed now more than ever.

Thursday’s hiring event begins at 6 p.m.

You can attend in person or online. Click here to register for virtual attendance. Those attending in person are asked to meet in the Durham Police Department's lobby at 602 E. Main Street at 5:45 p.m.

Here's some additional information about the DPD:

  • Starting pay for a Durham Police recruit: $51,379
    • Salary range for a Durham Police officer: $54,817 – $89,291
      • Salary range for a Senior Patrol Officer: $61,729 – $105,578

        The police department is also offering the following incentives:

        • Hiring bonus of $10,000
          • Paid training in our police academy (must be 19 1/2 years old at the start of the academy)
            • Up to $3,000 relocation incentive
              • Up to $2,000 bilingual incentive
                • Tuition reimbursement per fiscal year: $2,500 for graduate courses, $1,500 for undergraduate courses, $750 for certifications
                  • Yearly parent leave + maternity/paternity leave
                    • City paid 401K & local government retirement plan
                      • Employee Assistance Program - personal & family counseling
                        • Take-home car program
                          • Uniforms and equipment furnished
                            • Annual boot and clothing allowance
                              • Opportunities in 20+ specialized units
                                • Education incentives, 2.5% - 5% (Associates - Bachelors)
                                  • 10 days paid military leave

                                    For more information, go to durhampolicejobs.com.

                                    Related stories