Summary
Dallas is Growing. Grow With Us.Looking for more than just a job? The City of Dallas offers careers with purpose. With competitive benefits, growth opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.we're committed to helping you thrive while you help our city flourish. Be part of a team that's committed to service, innovation, and community.Job SummaryThis is a temporary trainee classification used to qualify and train candidates' under-filling permanent Police Officer positions. Participates in a Qualifying Training Program to learn, through formal classroom instruction, the basic police procedures, techniques, and laws required to perform the duties of a Dallas Police Officer.Job DescriptionThis is a temporary trainee classification used to qualify and train candidates' under-filling permanent Police Officer positions. Participates in a Qualifying Training Program to learn, through formal classroom instruction, the basic police procedures, techniques, and laws required to perform the duties of a Dallas Police Officer.Examples of Qualifying DocumentsCollege Transcripts/Unofficial Transcript (including required number of hours and overall GPA of 2.0 - Diplomas are not considered a qualified document) (DO NOT attach your degree certificate)Military DD214 member page 4 (if separated) and/or Statement of Service (if currently active). This must be provided for any federal military service.Statement of Service must include:Dates of serviceAnticipated separation date (must be no more than seven (7) months following application date)Anticipated discharge statusActive TCOLE Peace Officer LicenseOut of State Law Enforcement LicenseEssential FunctionsAttends 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.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.Performs other related duties, including special projects, as requested or required.Regular, reliable and punctual attendance is an essential function of the job.Minimum QualificationsApplicants for trainee police officer must: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;have demonstrated safe driving habits and be qualified to drive a motor vehicle in Texas;for any completed military service, a designation of honorable or uncharacterized discharge as indicated on separation documents provided by the military;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 21 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.Additional Department RequirementsNo felony or class A misdemeanor convictionsNo class B misdemeanor convictions within the last ten (10) yearsMust have valid driver's license with good driving record.Must possess the physical/medical health to adequately perform the duties of a Police OfficerExam DescriptionExam covers map reading, reading comprehension, prioritization, probability, vocabulary and word use, mathematics, sentence clarity, and character comparison.TIME LIMIT: Three (3) hoursPractice Test: Police Officer Trainee Practice ExamDallas Police Department ProcessPHASE IOnce 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)In-Person Testing: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 TestDocument completion/verificationPolygraphApplicant Interview BoardPrior to arriving for in-person testing, please download, complete, and print the following forms (Do not sign the forms). Out of area applicants may be asked to email a copy of these forms to ensure eligibility before traveling.The form can be found here: Preliminary Interview Form.pdfPersonal History Statement: The Personal History Statement will be used as a basis for a background investigation that will determine your eligibility for becoming an employee. The form can be found here: Personal History Statement.pdfPhysical Readiness TestApplicants 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)Document Completion/VerificationDallas Police Department personnel will verify all required supporting documents brought by the applicant. Applicants will finalize any portions of their documents that need clarification or completion before signing. Applicants will complete a pre-polygraph questionnaire in preparation for the polygraph examination.Polygraph ExaminationThe 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.Applicant Interview Board (AIB)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.Once the applicant completes the in-person testing the background investigation will begin.Background InvestigationApplicants 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.PHASE IIOnce 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 RangeThe 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Description
Dallas is Growing. Grow With Us.Looking for more than just a job? The City of Dallas offers careers with purpose. With competitive benefits, growth opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.we're committed to helping you thrive while you help our city flourish. Be part of a team that's committed to service, innovation, and community.Job SummaryThis is a temporary trainee classification used to qualify and train candidates' under-filling permanent Police Officer positions. Participates in a Qualifying Training Program to learn, through formal classroom instruction, the basic police procedures, techniques, and laws required to perform the duties of a Dallas Police Officer.Job DescriptionThis is a temporary trainee classification used to qualify and train candidates' under-filling permanent Police Officer positions. Participates in a Qualifying Training Program to learn, through formal classroom instruction, the basic police procedures, techniques, and laws required to perform the duties of a Dallas Police Officer.Examples of Qualifying DocumentsCollege Transcripts/Unofficial Transcript (including required number of hours and overall GPA of 2.0 - Diplomas are not considered a qualified document) (DO NOT attach your degree certificate)Military DD214 member page 4 (if separated) and/or Statement of Service (if currently active). This must be provided for any federal military service.Statement of Service must include:Dates of serviceAnticipated separation date (must be no more than seven (7) months following application date)Anticipated discharge statusActive TCOLE Peace Officer LicenseOut of State Law Enforcement LicenseEssential FunctionsAttends 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.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.Performs other related duties, including special projects, as requested or required.Regular, reliable and punctual attendance is an essential function of the job.Minimum QualificationsApplicants for trainee police officer must: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;have demonstrated safe driving habits and be qualified to drive a motor vehicle in Texas;for any completed military service, a designation of honorable or uncharacterized discharge as indicated on separation documents provided by the military;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 21 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.Additional Department RequirementsNo felony or class A misdemeanor convictionsNo class B misdemeanor convictions within the last ten (10) yearsMust have valid driver's license with good driving record.Must possess the physical/medical health to adequately perform the duties of a Police OfficerExam DescriptionExam covers map reading, reading comprehension, prioritization, probability, vocabulary and word use, mathematics, sentence clarity, and character comparison.TIME LIMIT: Three (3) hoursPractice Test: Police Officer Trainee Practice ExamDallas Police Department ProcessPHASE IOnce 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)In-Person Testing: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 TestDocument completion/verificationPolygraphApplicant Interview BoardPrior to arriving for in-person testing, please download, complete, and print the following forms (Do not sign the forms). Out of area applicants may be asked to email a copy of these forms to ensure eligibility before traveling.The form can be found here: Preliminary Interview Form.pdfPersonal History Statement: The Personal History Statement will be used as a basis for a background investigation that will determine your eligibility for becoming an employee. The form can be found here: Personal History Statement.pdfPhysical Readiness TestApplicants 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)Document Completion/VerificationDallas Police Department personnel will verify all required supporting documents brought by the applicant. Applicants will finalize any portions of their documents that need clarification or completion before signing. Applicants will complete a pre-polygraph questionnaire in preparation for the polygraph examination.Polygraph ExaminationThe 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.Applicant Interview Board (AIB)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.Once the applicant completes the in-person testing the background investigation will begin.Background InvestigationApplicants 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.PHASE IIOnce 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 RangeThe 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr
Government Careers
Government jobs offer stability, competitive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on your community and country.
Whether you’re starting your career or seeking new opportunities, these roles provide pathways for growth, security, and service.
Explore positions across a wide range of fields and take the first step toward a rewarding future in public service.
MORE JOBS
-
Entry-Level Customs and Border Protection Officer
- Forest Hills, New York
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Sep 07, 2026
-
Entry-Level Customs and Border Protection Officer
- Kew Gardens, New York
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Sep 07, 2026
-
National Security AI Engagement Lead
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Socket
- Sep 07, 2026
-
Lead Material Expediter - Army Equipment Turn-In
- Missoula, Montana
- Akima Infrastructure Services
- Sep 07, 2026
-
CBP Officer – Up to $60K Incentive
- Thermal, California
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Sep 07, 2026
-
Support Associate III
- El Paso, Texas
- CGI
- Sep 07, 2026