Dallas Police Officer Trainee

and the job listing Expires on September 15, 2026

Dallas, TX Early Career Alumni Jobs, Experienced Alumni Jobs, Full-Time Job, Mid Career Alumni Jobs

This is a temporary trainee classification used to qualify and train candidates to fill permanent Police Officer positions. Trainees participate in a qualifying training program that combines formal classroom and field instruction in the basic police procedures, techniques, and laws required to perform the duties of a Dallas Police Officer.

On behalf of the dedicated men and women of the Dallas Police Department, thank you for taking the time to learn more about us.

Established in 1881, the Dallas Police Department is one of the largest police departments in Texas and the nation. We serve more than one million residents across 385 square miles and take pride in building a team that reflects the diverse, dynamic communities we protect.

We recruit top-tier talent and invest in our officers. With more than 100 specialized units and extensive opportunities for advancement, this is more than a job—it is a career.

This is where your future in law enforcement begins.

Daniel

C. Comeaux
Chief of Police

Police Officer Trainees attend a 40-week Basic Training Course at the Dallas Police Academy covering police procedures, techniques, applicable laws, physical conditioning, and field instruction. After passing the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Basic Peace Officer Licensing Examination, trainees receive additional instruction specific to the Dallas Police Department.

Applicants must:

• Be at least 19½ years old and under age 45 on the date of the Civil Service written examination.
• Hold a valid driver’s license, demonstrate safe driving habits, and be eligible to drive in Texas.
• Be physically and medically capable of performing the duties of a police officer.
• Have no felony or Class A misdemeanor convictions.
• Have no Class B misdemeanor convictions within the past 10 years.
• For any completed military service, a designation of honorable or uncharacterized discharge as indicated on separation documents provided by the military; and
• Meet at least one of the eligibility pathways below.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• Education:
  
  At least 45 semester hours of college credit with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Law Enforcement
  
  Experience:
  
  At least 36 months of full-time, certified law enforcement experience with a city, county, or state agency and currently employed by the agency or separated for no more than four months at the time of application.
• TCOLE License:
  An active, valid Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Basic Peace Officer license.
• Military Service:
  At least 36 months of active service in the United States Armed Forces with an honorable or uncharacterized discharge.
• Employment
  
  Experience:
  
  At least 21 years old with a high school diploma or GED and at least 36 months of consecutive, full-time employment experience.

• Complete the 40-week Dallas Police Academy Basic Training Course.
• Learn police procedures, techniques, laws, city ordinances, and responses to real-world law enforcement situations.
• Prepare for and pass the TCOLE Basic Peace Officer Licensing Examination.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Complete other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualified candidates will complete a Civil Service examination and may advance through a physical readiness test, document verification, polygraph examination, interview, background investigation, psychological examination, medical examination, and drug screening.

Applicants must attach qualifying documentation when submitting the external application:

• College applicants: A legible official or unofficial college transcript showing the required credit hours and cumulative GPA. A diploma or degree certificate does not qualify.
• Veterans: DD214 Member 4 copy.
• Active‑duty military applicants: A Statement of Service showing dates of service, anticipated separation date, and anticipated discharge status.
• Licensed officers:
  Active TCOLE Peace Officer license or applicable out-of‑state law enforcement license.

Do not attach a résumé or cover letter. Applications without the required qualifying documentation will be considered incomplete.