Schedule

The Cornelius Police Department patrol division utilizes a Pitman style schedule-twelve hour day or night shifts with every other weekend off. The shifts are 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 6:00 am. All patrol officers are assigned to a squad and will rotate back and forth with their squad between days and nights every 28 days.

Training

The Cornelius Police Department is supportive of each individual officer’s career goals and as such, officers are encouraged to take training classes to not only meet the needs of the department, but to develop themselves professionally and personally.

Accreditation

The Cornelius Police Department has been accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) since 2004.

The purpose of CALEA accreditation is to improve the delivery of public safety services by maintaining a body of up-to-date standards. The goal of CALEA accreditation is to strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities; formalize essential management procedures; establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices; improve service delivery; solidify inter-agency cooperation and coordination; increase community and staff confidence in the agency.

Specialized Units

Career development is a priority at the Cornelius Police Department. A number of specialized opportunities exist for personnel to advance in their law enforcement careers. 

• Patrol Officer
• K-9 Officer
• Lake Patrol
• Bike Patrol
• Special Response Team (SRT)
• School Resource Officer (SRO)
• Investigations
• Vice & Narcotics
• Crime Reduction Unit
• and more

Internships

Internships are offered on a limited basis to college juniors and seniors who are interested in a career in municipal policing. Students who are interested in furthering their criminal justice education with CPD will have to pass a rigorous application. We expect all of our interns to complete a project at the end of their internship. Contact the Police Analyst for more information.