Police Officer Trainee (Q1) - Dallas Police (Civil Service)

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1. Attends a 32-week Basic Training Course at the Dallas Police Academy, which will provide classroom and field instruction in basic police procedures, techniques, and laws.
2. After passing the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Basic Peace Officer Licensing Examination, will receive additional training in Dallas Police Department specific courses including Dallas City Code (city ordinances), and other real life police situations and functions.
3. Performs other related duties, including special projects, as requested or required.
4. Regular, reliable and punctual attendance is an essential function of the job.

Applicants for trainee police officer must:

(1) be at least 19.5 years of age and not have reached 45 years of age on the date the civil service written examination is given;
(2) have demonstrated safe driving habits and be qualified to drive a motor vehicle in Texas;  
(3) for any completed military service, a designation of honorable or uncharacterized discharge as indicated on separation documents provided by the military; and
(4) meet one of the following qualifications:

(A) a minimum of 45 semester hours college credit with a C average or better from an accredited college or university;

(B) a minimum of 36 months of full time certified law enforcement experience (from date of receipt of license) with a city, county, or state law enforcement agency and be currently employed or separated from the agency for no more than four months prior to the date of application;

(C) an active, valid Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Basic Peace Officer license; or 

(D) a minimum of 36 months active service in the Armed Forces of the United States with an honorable discharge or an uncharacterized discharge as indicated on separation documents provided by the military. Applicants whose military service is no more than 10 calendar days less than 36 months are acceptable; more than 10 days less than the full 36 months requires approval from the Assistant Chief of Police over the Personnel and Support Division; or

(E) be at least 2l years of age with a minimum of a high school diploma or general education development (GED) and 36 months of full-time, consecutive            employment experience. 

• No felony or class A misdemeanor convictions
• No class B misdemeanor convictions within the last ten (10) years
• Must have valid driver's license with good driving record.
• Must possess the physical/medical health to adequately perform the duties of a Police Officer  

Once candidates pass the Civil Service process, they will be contacted and referred to the Dallas Police Department Recruiting Unit to continue the process (Physical readiness test, Document completion/verification, Polygraph, Applicant Interview Board)

Once you have been notified that you have passed the Civil Service process, you will be scheduled for in-person testing. In-person testing consists of the following steps:

• Physical Readiness Test
• Document completion/verification
• Polygraph
• Applicant Interview Board

Applicants must bring appropriate athletic training clothes (no tank tops), running shoes, small towel, snacks, and drinking water in a small bag to testing. 

Before traveling to Dallas, ensure you can pass the physical readiness test. We expect 100% effort!  The test is given in the order shown below. 

• Vertical Jump (minimum 6.5 inches) 
• Bench Press, free weights (*minimum 56% of your body weight)
• Illinois Shuttle Run (maximum time of 24.9 seconds)
• Sit-ups (minimum of 14 repetitions in 1 minute)
• 300 Meter Run (maximum time of 110 seconds)
• Push-ups (minimum of 4 repetitions)
• 1.5 Miles Run (maximum time of 19:09 minutes)

*(Current Body Weight X 0.56 = Bench Press Weight)

The polygraph examination is used to verify the truthfulness of the information provided by the applicant and to inquire about undetected crimes, illegal drug use, employment, and other relevant information.

Applicants appear in front of a board in formal business attire. Applicants are asked scenario-based questions and are graded on their appearance, communication skills, judgment, and logical reasoning.

Applicants who pass all the previous steps proceed to the background investigation. Applicants must submit a complete, detailed, and accurate Personal History Statement.  A detective conducts an extensive background investigation to include but not limited to, contacting all prior/present employers, references, co-workers, ex-spouses, family members, and schools. Also, the applicant’s residential history, record of financial responsibility, military records, driving history are investigated. Background investigations typically take two to four months to complete. Most delays are caused by the lack of reference response. Once the background investigation is completed, the applicant’s file is routed through the chain of command for review and approval. If the applicant is approved for hire, he/she a conditional offer of employment.

Once the applicant accepts the conditional offer of employment, he/she must return to Dallas to complete the below tests:

• Psychological Examination: Applicants complete two psychological written tests and are interviewed by a staff psychologist.           
• Medical Examination: The applicant’s physical and medical conditions are evaluated to ensure that he/she can function safely as a police officer.
• Drug Screening: Applicants provide samples, and these are analyzed to detect the use of illegal drugs.

Salary Range

 

The salary listed on this job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications.

City of Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.