Police Officer Trainee - Dallas Police (Civil Service)

About the role

This is a temporary trainee classification used to qualify and train candidates under-filling permanent Police Officer positions. Participants engage in a Qualifying Training Program that delivers formal classroom instruction on basic police procedures, techniques, and laws required to perform the duties of a Dallas Police Officer.

Essential Functions

• Attends a 32-week Basic Training Course at the Dallas Police Academy, combining classroom and field instruction in core police procedures, techniques, and laws.
• After passing the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Basic Peace Officer Licensing Examination, receives additional training in Dallas Police Department–specific courses, including Dallas City Code and real-life police situations and functions.
• Performs other related duties, including special projects, as requested or required.
• Maintains regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• Demonstrate safe driving habits and be qualified to drive a motor vehicle in Texas.
• For any completed military service, have a designation of honorable or uncharacterized discharge as indicated on separation documents.
• Meet one of the following:
  • Minimum of 45 semester hours of college credit with a C average or better from an accredited college or university.
  • 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 currently employed or separated for no more than four months prior to the date of application.
  • An active, valid Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Basic Peace Officer license.
  • Minimum of 36 months active service in the Armed Forces of the United States with an honorable or uncharacterized discharge.
  • Applicants whose military service is no more than 10 calendar days less than 36 months are acceptable; more than 10 days less than 36 months requires approval from the Assistant Chief of Police over the Personnel and Support Division.
  • Be at least 21 years of age with a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and 36 months of full-time, consecutive employment experience.

Additional Department Requirements

• No felony or class A misdemeanor convictions.
• No class B misdemeanor convictions within the last ten years.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Physical/medical health sufficient to perform the duties of a Police Officer.

Exam Description

The civil service exam covers map reading, reading comprehension, prioritization, probability, vocabulary and word use, mathematics, sentence clarity, and character comparison. Time limit: three hours.

Process Overview

After passing the Civil Service exam, candidates proceed through the Dallas Police Department process:

• In-Person Testing: Physical Readiness Test, document completion/verification, polygraph, and Applicant Interview Board.
• Background Investigation: A detective conducts an extensive background check including prior employers, references, co-workers, family members, schools, residential history, financial responsibility, military records, and driving history; typically takes two to four months.
• Phase II: Conditional offer of employment contingent on passing psychological examination, medical examination, and drug screening.