Photo of the color guard in procession during the Wilmington Police Academy ceremony.
Photo of Wilmington Police Academy recruits.
Photo of officers participating in recreational activities at the Wilmington Police Academy.
Police cadets at the academy graduation ceremony
Boy kneeling next to dog in front of a WPD police vehicle
Archive photo of WPD officer standing next to his police vehicle in front of the Public Safety Building

The Wilmington Police Department is always working to recruit future police officers. Members of the Human Resources Division are responsible for administering the Wilmington Police Academy, and for conducting outreach throughout the year to share information about career opportunities with our accredited, 21st century law enforcement agency. 

Recruitment Standards and Best Practices

The department’s recruitment and hiring processes reflect a collaboration between the WPD Human Resources Division and the City of Wilmington Department of Human Resources. The WPD, which is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), follows best-practice standards set by the Commission and followed by departments throughout the United States. Those standards encompass administrative practices and procedures; equal employment opportunity and recruitment; job opportunity and publicity; and professional and legal responsibilities in the selection process. Additional elements of the recruitment process are set forth for all Delaware law enforcement agencies through State law and the Council on Police Training (COPT). The agency also works with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the National Latino Peace Officers Association regarding ongoing recruitment efforts and to share details about academy classes and career opportunities.

The Wilmington Police Department continues to lead the region in its recruitment efforts. In years past, members of the WPD command staff have participated in various initiatives around recruitment for American law enforcement agencies, including a working group with the Police Executive Research Forum which resulted in a publication, The Workforce Crisis, and What Police Agencies Are Doing About It. Our agency continues to explore innovative recruitment strategies to supplement traditional outreach methods. 

Recruitment Teams and Appearances

Under the leadership of the Human Resources Division, members of various divisions and units are members of recruitment teams, which consist of officers of all genders and racial/ethnic backgrounds. These officers received specialized training, and represent the department at various career fairs, university events and community-based programs. 

In past months and years, teams have participated in programs at various high schools, colleges and universities – including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Teams have also participated in community events with the Latin American Community Center; the William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center; the Delaware Department of Labor; and with community and faith leaders and those serving youth in Wilmington – reflecting our efforts to reach as many potential applicants as possible in our community. The department’s annual Youth Police Academy is also an opportunity to provide young men and women with information about career opportunities in law enforcement. 

Quarterly Recruitment Reports

The Wilmington Police Department issues quarterly recruitment reports, which can be accessed here:

Providing Applicants with the Tools to Succeed 

Once individuals have submit their applications, efforts are made to ensure that they have the tools to succeed in the hiring process. All applicants are required to participate in mandatory orientation sessions, which help guide them through the various stages of the process – including physical ability and written testing. Applicants who pass these tests are invited to participate in additional orientation sessions that help prepare them for the oral interview and the Chief’s interview.  

Contact the WPD Human Resources Division

While formal recruitment and Police Academy processes commence once the department’s manpower levels reach 95 percent of the overall authorized strength of 305, the agency consistently participates in recruitment efforts with the goal of reaching potential applicants with information on the many career opportunities available in policing.  

Those interested in a career with the Wilmington Police Department are encouraged to contact the WPD Human Resources Division at (302) 576-3170.

You can click here to contact the WPD Recruitment Team, and to be notified when our next hiring process begins.