Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about what it takes to become a Fort Worth Police Officer? Whether you’re just starting your career, making a lateral move, or exploring a new path in law enforcement, we’ve answered the most common questions we hear from applicants. Browse below to learn more about hiring, training, benefits, and what makes Fort Worth one of the most supportive places to wear the badge.
Hiring and Eligibility
Learn what it takes to qualify, how long the process takes, and what to expect before and after applying.
Academy and Training
How Long Is the Police Academy?
The academy lasts 34 weeks, including classroom learning, physical training, and scenario-based exercises.
Are Police Trainees Paid During the Academy?
Yes. Police Trainees earn $65,520 annually with full benefits while in the academy.
What Is the Hiring Process?
- Complete Application on City Website
- Take the Civil Service Test
- Complete Personal History Book
- Physical Resiliency Assessment
- Polygraph Examination
- Oral Board Interview
- Medical Exam
- Psychological Exam
What Are the Requirements to Become a Police Officer in Fort Worth?
- Be at least 21 years old by the date of academy entrance
- Hold a high school diploma or GED (college credit preferred)
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Have no felony or disqualifying misdemeanor convictions
- Meet the physical and psychological standards of the department
What Disqualifies Someone from Joining the Academy?
- Felony convictions or convictions of a Class A Misdemeanor or higher
- History of drug use or substance abuse
- Domestic violence convictions
- Dishonorable discharge from military service
- Falsifying information during the hiring process
- Poor employment history or references
- Active probation or unresolved legal issues
What Can I Do While Waiting on the Next Step?
Lateral Entry and Certification
Get clarity on what to expect at the FWPD Police Academy, including hours, pay, and length of training.
How Long Is the Lateral Academy?
Out-of-state lateral officers will receive all eight of the classes that the State of Texas requires in order to lateral from out-of-state over the course of 8 weeks.
In-state officers will then join those out-of-state officers for an 8 week lateral academy.
Are Lateral Officers Paid During the Academy?
Lateral officers with 2-5 years of experience will be paid at Step 3 on the pay table, and lateral officers with 6 years of experience will be paid at Step 4.
What Are the Hours of the Academy?
Generally, 6:30 AM to 3:30 PM, though times may vary depending on the training schedule.
Do You Provide Housing During the Academy?
How is Vacation and Sick Leave Handled During the Academy?
Pay, Retirement, and Benefits
Does the City of Fort Worth Offer benefits?
Are Retirees Offered Medical Benefits?
What Percent of Your Salary Do You Receive at Retirement?
Officers earn 2.5% of their salary per year of service. After 25 years, they are eligible to retire with full benefits
Day-to-Day Operations
Does the Department Offer Take-Home Vehicles?
Does the Department Assign Patrol Cars?
Is Two-Person Riding Mandatory?
No. FWPD uses one-officer patrols by default, but two-person units can be authorized with supervisor approval.
How Long Must I Wait to Join a Specialized Unit?
Uniform, Grooming, and Appearance
Are Officers Allowed to Have Facial Hair?
Yes. Mustaches and beards are permitted if they are neatly groomed.
What Is the Tattoo Policy?
The policy below is part our General Orders in relation to body art.
If you have any body art in those mentioned prohibited areas, they must be removed.
General order 501.01 – V
V. Body Art TBP 2.13
The Fort Worth Police Department is a professional organization that has a responsibility to avoid offending or appearing unprofessional before the diverse public we serve. For this reason, the Department prohibits the display of tattoos/body art that are profane, demeaning, patently offensive, give the appearance of a preference or bias to the public or other members of the
Department or that contain messages that may be disruptive in the workplace or impact productivity. For the purpose of this General Order, the term tattoo and body art shall have the
same meaning and guidelines.
1. Body Art Locations
a. Visible tattoos, brands or other body art are prohibited in the following locations on
the body:
(1) On the head, face, neck, or scalp to include inside the eyelids, mouth and ears,
and
(2) On the hands, fingers, or wrists (below the wrist bone).
2. Unauthorized Body Art – The following body art is prohibited, regardless of visibility:
a. Extremist – Body art affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist
philosophies, organizations, or activities, including those advocating racial, gender,
ethnic, sexual orientation hatred or intolerance, or illegal discrimination based on
race, color, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin and/or
tattoos advocating violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights
under the U.S. Constitution, and Federal or State law.
b. Indecent – Body art grossly offensive to modesty, decency, propriety, or
professionalism, including but not limited to, vulgar images, nudity, or sexually
implicit images, words, or phrases.
c. Sexist – Body art advocating a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based
on gender.
d. Racist – Body art advocating a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based
on race, ethnicity, or national origin.
e. Contrary to the purpose of law enforcement – Depictions symbolizing or indicative
of alcohol or narcotics, illegal or gang-related activity, or symbols suggestive of
activity that undermines the purpose of law enforcement.