Processing time varies from several weeks to several months depending on the position. New applications for open positions are reviewed daily. Most positions within the department require a thorough background check. If you have applied for an open position and have not been called for an initial interview, please contact the Police Department Background Investigator at 214-633-1608.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to work for the Department?

Yes. Where applicable as defined by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), an applicant must be a U.S. citizen. For other positions, to legally work in the U.S., an applicant must also provide the appropriate documentation to Human Resources and/or police department personnel who will check and verify an applicant’s status and information.

Yes. Probation is six months for all new UT Southwestern employees.

The UT Southwestern Police Department partners with several regional police training academies to offer the Basic Peace Officer Course, including but not limited to:

• Collin College Law Enforcement Academy
• North Central Texas Council of Governments Regional Police Academy
• Tarrant County College

The Department issues most of the uniforms, equipment, and classroom supplies. The cadet is required to purchase some training-related clothing such as sweat pants, shirts, T-shirts, shorts, and running shoes as specified by the academy.

Yes:

• Certification pay: Intermediate Certification - $50/month, Advanced Certification - $75/month, Master Certification - $100/month
• Hazardous duty pay - $7/month for each year of service (For example, an officer with five years' service would get $7 x 5 years = $35/month.)
• Uniforms and necessary equipment are provided
• Free uniform cleaning services
• Up to 14 paid holidays and personal days, 12 sick days accrual per year, in addition to vacation leave accrual that increases with longevity
• Lifetime annuity pension plan with a substantial employer match

In addition, the following programs and services are available to all UT Southwestern employees.

• On-site fitness center and a separate work-out room in the Police Department
• Career Development Program
• On-site Employee Assistance Program
• On-site Childcare
• Employee Discount Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Tuition Assistance Benefit Program

The basic application process is usually (but not necessarily in this order):

• Applicant applies to the Office of Human Resources (not the Police Department). Human Resources reviews applications and forwards them to the Department.
• Initial interview and contact with background investigator personnel. The applicant’s qualifications are reviewed and verified that they appear to meet the position qualifications.
• Register applicant for the entry-level police officer exam (Cadets)
• Applicant successfully completes the written examination (Cadets)
• Applicant is given several documents to complete, including but not limited to: personal history statement, pre-polygraph questionnaire, physician’s statement of release, list of required documents that must be submitted to the Department, etc.
• Physical agility test date is set up. Applicants with actual or suspected physical conditions of any nature that could be aggravated or which could endanger their health or physical welfare must present a completed physician statement of release before they will be allowed to perform the physical agility test.
• Physical agility test administered and passed
• Review of submitted document and completion of any additional required documents
• Background check
• Oral interview board
• Polygraph test
• Conditional Offer of Employment
• Psychological testing and interview
• Medical examination and drug screen
• Fingerprint submission to state and national criminal databases
• Any other applicable testing, processing, or requirements deemed necessary by the Department

If the applicant successfully completes each phase of the process, the Chief makes a recommendation to HR to extend an offer of employment.

What is the basic hiring process for the Police Telecommunicator position?

The basic application process is usually (but not necessarily in this order):

• Applicant applies to the Office of Human Resources (not the Police Department). Human Resources reviews applications and forwards them to the Department.
• Initial interview and contact with background investigator personnel. The applicant’s qualifications are reviewed and verified that they appear to meet the position qualifications.
• Register applicant for the entry-level Emergency Communications Center exam
• Applicant successfully completes the written examination
• Applicant is given several documents to complete, including but not limited to: personal history statement, pre-polygraph questionnaire, physician’s statement of release, list of required documents that must be submitted to the Department, etc.
• Physical agility test date is set up. Applicants with actual or suspected physical conditions of any nature that could be aggravated or which could endanger their health or physical welfare must present a completed physician statement of release before they will be allowed to perform the physical agility test.
• Physical agility test administered and passed
• Review of submitted document and completion of any additional required documents
• Background check
• Oral interview board
• Polygraph test
• Conditional Offer of Employment
• Psychological testing and interview
• Medical examination and drug screen
• Fingerprint submission to state and national criminal databases
• Any other applicable testing, processing, or requirements deemed necessary by the Department

What is the basic hiring process for the Public Safety Officer position?

The basic application process is usually (but not necessarily in this order):

• Applicant applies to the Office of Human Resources (not the Police Department). Human Resources reviews applications and forwards them to the Department.
• Initial interview and contact with background investigator personnel. The applicant’s qualifications are reviewed and verified that they appear to meet the position qualifications.
• Applicant is given several documents, such as the personal history statement, to complete and return within a specified period of time
• Applicant is required to submit several documents to the department including, but not limited to: birth certificate, DD-214 (if prior military service), GED or high school diploma, college transcripts, marriage license, divorce decree, or any other applicable documents
• Background checking process
• Oral interview board
• Fingerprint submission to state and national criminal databases
• Drug screen
• Any other applicable testing, processing or requirements deemed by the department as necessary

If the applicant successfully completes each phase of the process, the Chief makes a recommendation to HR personnel to extend the applicant an offer of employment.