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Understanding the FWPD Background Check Process

When serving a community like Fort Worth, the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) values your character as much as your skill.

That’s why our background check process is a critical step in the hiring journey. It’s not about finding perfection. It’s about ensuring every candidate has the integrity, judgment, and accountability to wear the badge.

If you’re applying to become an officer with FWPD, here’s what you need to know about how the background check works, what it covers, and how it reflects the department’s commitment to fairness and transparency.

Why Background Checks Matter

Every officer in uniform carries the weight of public trust. From the beginning, FWPD focuses on selecting candidates who will uphold that trust in every interaction. The background check ensures you meet the department’s high ethical standards and legal requirements before hiring.

The goal isn’t to eliminate candidates for minor mistakes in their past. It’s about identifying patterns, verifying facts, and ensuring that applicants are honest and capable of making sound decisions under pressure.

What the Process Looks Like

Once you’ve completed the civil service test, personal history statement, and initial screenings, you’ll begin the background investigation phase. This typically occurs midway through the hiring process and is led by experienced FWPD background investigators. The investigation includes:
  • Interviews with past employers, coworkers, neighbors, and personal references
  • Social media and digital footprint review
  • Verification of your education, certifications, and military service, if applicable
  • A comprehensive review of your employment history
  • Checks of your criminal and traffic records
  • Review of credit history and financial responsibility
It’s a detailed and structured process, designed to paint a complete picture of who you are in real life.

Honesty Is Key

One of the most common mistakes candidates make is withholding information or providing incomplete answers. Honesty goes a long way. It’s often not a past mistake that disqualifies a candidate, but the attempt to cover it up. FWPD respects transparency and encourages applicants to be upfront about any issues in their past. You may still be a strong candidate if you’ve learned from a poor decision, taken steps to improve, and can show accountability.

What Can Disqualify You?

While FWPD evaluates each candidate individually, there are a few clear disqualifiers:
  • Felony convictions
  • Dishonorable discharge from military service
  • History of domestic violence
  • Ongoing drug use or addiction
  • Falsifying information during the hiring process
These standards ensure that only those truly ready to serve and protect make it through.

Timelines and Next Steps

Background investigation will take several months, and includes a polygraph exam, oral board interview, and medical and psychological evaluation.

Depending on how quickly references respond and how complex the applicant’s history is. After completion, candidates who pass this phase will move on to the polygraph exam, oral board interview, and medical and psychological evaluations.

Serving Fort Worth Starts Here

The FWPD’s background check isn’t meant to intimidate but to affirm. The Fort Worth Police Department proudly upholds a process that reflects the community’s values. If you’re ready to be part of a team prioritizing integrity and professionalism, it’s time to take the next step.

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