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Lateral Entry Officers

Lateral Entry Opportunities with the Fort Worth Police Department

Fort Worth is a growing city, and so is the need for experienced officers ready to serve with trust and integrity. If you’re a certified peace officer with prior law enforcement experience, the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) welcomes you to apply as a lateral entry officer. We recognize the value of your knowledge and offer a seamless transition, accelerated advancement opportunities, and the support of a department deeply committed to professional excellence.

Who Qualifies as a Lateral Entry Officer?

Lateral candidates are certified peace officers with at least two years of full-time law enforcement experience. You must have worked in a patrol or comparable enforcement capacity and hold current certification through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) or be eligible to obtain one through reciprocity.

The Fort Worth Police Department does accept lateral applicants from out-of-state, as well as military police officers, and will assist those officers with obtaining TCOLE certification as part of our lateral academy.

Minimum requirements include: Lateral officers must have 2 years of experience handling all types of police calls at a local, county, or state law enforcement agency with at least 30 sworn officers. Officers from agencies with less than 30 sworn officers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Lateral officers are not required to take the PRA. Please reference the bottom of the linked document for a description of the PAT.

Transfer Process and Onboarding

Once accepted into the FWPD as a lateral entry officer, you'll undergo an abbreviated academy orientation to familiarize yourself with Fort Worth's departmental policies, community values, and expectations.

We respect that you've already completed training and work to make your onboarding as efficient and valuable as possible.

Promotion and Career Growth

Lateral officers with FWPD are eligible to take the Corporal exam after just two years of service. This accelerated timeline reflects our respect for your prior experience and our investment in your continued career growth. Beyond Corporal, lateral officers have opportunities to move into specialized units, leadership positions, or other areas of departmental service, depending on qualifications and interest.

Background Check and Disqualifications:

All applicants must pass a thorough background investigation. Disqualifiers include, but are not limited to:

  • Felony or certain misdemeanor convictions
  • History of drug abuse
  • Dishonorable discharge from military service
  • Unresolved financial issues or poor credit
  • Deceptive practices or omissions during the hiring process

Applicants will also undergo a polygraph exam, psychological evaluation, medical exam, and physical assessment.

Hiring Process:

  • 1. Complete application on City website. Lateral officers do not take a civil service test.
  • 2. Background investigator will contact applicant to issue PHB
  • 3. Fort Worth PD will assist applicant with TCOLE lateral application process.
  • 4. Polygraph
  • 5. Oral Board interview
  • 6. Physical Assessment Test
  • 7. Medical Exam
  • 8. Psychological Exam

Compensation:

Lateral officers with 2-5 years of experience will be compensated at Step 3 and those with 6 or more years of experience will be compensated at Step 4. 
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.
VIEW PAY TABLE PDF

The Fort Worth Difference:

Who Makes a Great FWPD Officer?

At the FWPD, we’re not just hiring resumes; we’re hiring leaders, role models, and public servants. The most successful FWPD officers are those with a heart for service and a history of community involvement. Whether you’ve mentored youth, volunteered locally, or consistently gone above and beyond in your current role, we want officers who reflect Fort Worth’s diverse, inclusive, and proactive spirit. Qualities we look for include:

  • Strong ethical foundation
  • Cultural awareness and communication skills
  • Calm decision-making under pressure
  • Dedication to neighborhood-based policing
  • Passion for protecting and serving all citizens

Contact a Recruiter or Start Your Application

Are you ready to bring your skills to Fort Worth and join a department committed to making a difference? Submit your application as a Lateral Officer online. However, if you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact a recruiter.