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Entry-Level Officers

Begin Your Law Enforcement Career with the Fort Worth Police Department

Are you ready to make a difference in your community? The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) offers a unique and rewarding path for those willing to serve, protect, and lead. As an entry-level police officer, you’ll gain the training, support, and experience necessary to build a long-lasting career in law enforcement while making an immediate impact on one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas.

What to Expect as an Entry-Level Officer

Entry-level officers are the foundation of FWPD’s commitment to public safety. This role requires physical readiness, mental toughness, and a heart for community service. As a new officer, you’ll attend the Fort Worth Police Academy, where you’ll be trained in law enforcement techniques, ethical policing, cultural awareness, and more. Once you graduate, you’ll begin your patrol duties, working alongside seasoned officers to keep Fort Worth’s neighborhoods safe.

A Day in the Life at the FWPD Academy

The Fort Worth Police Academy is a rigorous but supportive environment. Trainees engage in classroom instruction, hands-on simulations, and daily physical training. You’ll learn everything from the Texas Penal Code and criminal procedures to defensive tactics and firearms training. Academy life is structured and disciplined to prepare you for the challenges and responsibilities of a policing career.

Trainees also form strong bonds with their classmates, mentors, and instructors, laying the foundation for a career built on teamwork and integrity. Learn more about being a Police Officer Trainee.

The Fort Worth Police Department holds a Civil Service test in December to fill an academy class in June. College students graduating in May should plan on taking the December Civil Service test. The Department holds a Civil Service test in June to fill an academy class starting in November.

Physical and Certification Requirements

To become an entry-level police officer, you must meet several basic requirements:

  • U.S. citizenship
  • At least 20 years of age by the time they take the Civil Service test (not older than 50)
  • High school diploma or GED (college preferred). GED requires 12 additional hours of college credit.
  • Valid driver's license
  • Ability to pass the Physical Resiliency Assessment
  • No felony or disqualifying misdemeanor convictions

You’ll also need to pass a background investigation, psychological exam, medical evaluation, and a polygraph test.

Police Trainee

We are currently accepting police trainee applications through October 14, 2025.

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Interest

JOIN FWPD

The Fort Worth Police Department holds a Civil Service test in December to fill an academy class in June. College students graduating in May should plan on taking the December Civil Service test. The Department holds a Civil Service test in June to fill an academy class starting in November.

Requirements

POLICE TRAINEE REQUIREMENT INFO
EXPLANATION OF PRA

Hiring Process:

  • 1. Complete Application on City Website
  • 2. Take Civil Service test
  • 3. Complete Personal History Book
  • 4. Physical Resiliency Assessment
  • 5. Polygraph
  • 6. Oral Board Interview
  • 7. Medical Exam
  • 8. Psychological Exam

Compensation:

VIEW PAY TABLE

Police Trainee recruits are paid $5,460/month to attend the academy. Following graduation, officers are paid $6,339/month.

Officers will be paid a 6 % shift differential for all hours worked between 6 PM and 6 AM, $60/month for an Associates Degree, $180/month for a Bachelor’s Degree, and $240/month for a Master’s Degree.

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need prior police experience to join the Fort Worth Police Department. FWPD values candidates from all walks of life, including professionals with expertise in education, social work, customer service, the military, or any other profession centered on people and service. What matters most is your character, commitment, and willingness to serve. We’ve found that many of the best candidates have:

  • A background in volunteerism or community involvement
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills
  • A calm and respectful demeanor
  • Dedication to teamwork and ethical decision-making

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you have questions, we have answers! Check out some of our FAQs

A college degree is not required, but it can strengthen your application.

The academy is 34 weeks, followed by field training.

Yes! Many of our best officers began their careers right here at FWPD with no prior experience.