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Applicant Processing Steps
Phase I
Civil Service exam:
The first step in becoming a Dallas Police Officer is registering for the Civil Service examination.
Apply on NEOGOV (APPLY HERE)
Applicants are required to attach qualifying document(s) to their application at the time application is submitted.
Examples of Qualifying Documents
- College Transcripts/Unofficial Transcript (DO NOT attach your degree certification)
- Active TCOLE Peace Officer License
- Military DD214 and/or Statement of Service
- Out of State Law Enforcement License
Once all information is verified candidates will be sent an email with a test link to complete the exam online
The Police Officer Trainee Exam is comprised of several modules. YOU MUST PASS EACH MODULE TO PASS THE ENTIRE TEST – SO PLEASE TAKE THIS TEST SERIOUSLY
Click Here for Civil Service Practice Exam
Exam description: Exam covers map reading, reading comprehension, prioritization, probability, vocabulary, word use, mathematics, sentence clarity, and character comparison.
Time limit: Three (3) hours
Once candidates pass the exam 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 Exam, you will be scheduled for in-person testing. In-person testing consists of the following steps:
Prior to arriving for in-person testing, please download, complete, and print the following forms (Do not sign the forms)
Preliminary Interview Form: Applicants answer a series of questions to confirm they meet the minimum requirements and have no disqualifying factors.
The form can be found here:
Personal 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:
Physical Readiness Test. 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 are able to pass the physical readiness test. We expect 100% effort! The test is given in the order shown below. 
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Vertical Jump (minimum 6.5 inches)
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Bench Press, free weights (*minimum 56% of your body weight)
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Illinois Shuttle Run (maximum time of 24.9 seconds)
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Sit-ups (minimum of 14 repetitions in 1 minute)
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300 Meter Run (maximum time of 110 seconds)
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Push-ups (minimum of 4 repetitions)
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1.5 Miles Run (maximum time of 19:09 minutes)
*(Current Body Weight X 0.56 = Benchpress Weight)
Document Completion/Verification. Dallas 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 questionaire in preperation for the polygraph examination.
Polygraph Examination. 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.
Applicant Interview Board (AIB). Applicants appear in front of a three member board in formal business attire (suit & tie). 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 Investigation. 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, and 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 is tendered a conditional offer of employment.
Phase II
Once the applicant accepts the conditional offer of employment, he/she must return to Dallas in order 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.
