Frequently Asked Questions

Check the Human Resources page or the Terrell Police Department Facebook page to find the next testing date.

The Sworn Officer process is as follows:

1. Apply
2. Written and Physical Tests
3. Complete the Personal History Statement
4. Oral Interview Board and Background Investigation
5. Job Offer
6. Pass a polygraph, psychological, drug screen, and physical
7. Academy (If needed)

The Civilian Process is as follows:

1. Application
2. Preliminary interview
3. Background
4. Chief interview / Conditional job offer
5. Poly / Psych
6. Drug screen

Applicants passing the written examination with a minimum raw score of 70 will be administered a physical agility test at our on-site obstacle course. Bring appropriate clothing for physical activity.

Upon hire, qualifying applicants will be paid full-time, receive benefits, and be provided a transport vehicle while attending the Police Academy.

Lateral pay transfers are available for certified applicants. Please call Chief of Police A.D. Sansom at 469-474-2666 for more information.

No, the written test is comprised of basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills, and memory recall.

For Sworn Officers: Any use of marijuana within the last two years will result in disqualification.

For Civilian positions: The use of marijuana at any time in the past year will disqualify you.

Yes.

A Class B conviction within the last 10 years will disqualify you. Any conviction higher than a Class B will permanently disqualify you.

Academy dates are scheduled based on open enrollment availability at North Central Texas Regional Police Academy.

Yes, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) will allow you to challenge the Texas test without attending the academy again. We will prepare you for that if hired. This does take some time, so it would help to contact TCOLE and start the paperwork as soon as possible.

Sworn- A person must be at least 21 years of age by the date of commission by TCOLE as a peace officer, or 18 years of age if the applicant has received: an associate’s degree; or 60 semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university; or has received an honorable discharge from armed forces of the United States after at least two years of active service.

Civilian- Must be 18 years old

For Sworn Officers: Yes, having used any illegal narcotic at any point in your life will disqualify you.

For Civilian Positions: Yes, having used any illegal narcotic in the last 10 years will disqualify you.

The hiring process takes approximately 2 months.

For Sworn Officers: A High School Diploma or GED with 12 college credit hours is required.

For Civilian Positions: A High School Diploma or GED is required.

We work 12-hour shifts, Sunday through Tuesday or Wednesday through Friday, and every other Saturday.

Patrol; everyone starts out in Patrol.

Absolutely.

Visible tattoos on the ears, neck, head, or face area are prohibited. Officers with tattoos/branding may be required to cover them if they are unsightly, profane, or deemed inappropriate by the Chief of Police or his designee.

At this time, a well-groomed mustache, beard, goatee, and certain facial hair are permitted as determined by policy.

We currently have:

• Patrol
• K9
• Narcotics
• Criminal Investigation Department
• Traffic
• SWAT