Police Officer Application and Testing

The Grand Prairie Police Department is seeking dedicated, community-oriented individuals to join our team. Here's how you can start your journey:

Application Process

  1. Review Requirements:
    Ensure you meet the education requirements:
    • Bachelor's degree, or
    • 3 years active military experience, or
    • 2 years sworn police officer experience.

    Review the full list of requirements to ensure eligibility.

  2. Complete the Application Process:
    • Click "Apply Now" to be taken to another site where you can submit your application.
  3. Submit Required Documentation:
    • Military Applicants: Ensure your Form DD-214 is submitted by the application deadline to receive additional test score points, provided the DD-214 reflects an honorable discharge.
  4. Bring Personal History Statement:
  5. Complete the Testing Process:
    • Written Exam
    • Physical Test
    • We will be conducting Oral Review interviews immediately following for applicants who pass both the written and physical portions.
  6. Complete Final Evaluations:
    • Undergo a series of assessments, including a panel interview, background investigation, polygraph exam, psychological evaluation, drug testing, and medical examination.

Apply Now


Upcoming Test

Check back soon for upcoming dates.


Get Notified for Future Police Officer Opportunities

Missed the latest testing date? No worries—fill out the interest form below, and a recruiting officer will reach out to you with information on future testing dates and opportunities to join the Grand Prairie Police Department.

Click here to view form.


Documentation and Testing Process 

Detailed qualifications can be found on our Police Officer Qualifications page.

Please contact our Police Recruiting Department for more details at: pdrecruiting@gptx.org.

Documentation

Personal History Statement

Please print the Personal History Statement(PDF, 2MB)  and bring a completed, signed copy with you to the test site.

All applicants must provide the following documentation at time of application:

  • Birth Certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Form DD-214 - Applicants with military service will have 5 points added to their passing raw test score provided they submit a DD-214 reflecting an honorable discharge.

If you have trouble uploading or submitting documentation, please contact the Human Resources Department at 972-237-8192.

Testing Process

Screening for minimum qualifications

On the day of the Civil Service Exam, we will conduct the following:

  • A written test designed to evaluate knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position of police officer. You are not expected to know police rules, regulations or procedures, but rather reason and think like a police officer. The test structure consists of 160 multiple choice questions drawing general reading comprehension, spelling, grammar and memorization.
  • 1.5 mile run (15:26) for all applicants who pass the written exam
  • 300 meter run within 62 seconds
  • 26 push-ups with no time limit
  • 30 sit-ups within 60 seconds

Testing to be conducted later:

  • Panel interview
  • Character/background* investigation including photography and finger printing
  • Polygraph examination
  • Psychological evaluation
  • Drug testing
  • Medical examination

Applicants who are not certified as Texas peace officers are required to complete the Grand Prairie Police Academy. Upon successful completion, police recruits will be assigned to the patrol division for 17 weeks of field training.

The personnel officer guides the Police Officer candidate through each step of the testing process – from the initial written exam, to the final interview with the Chief of Police. During the selection process the personnel officer will be the most important person in the department to the applicant. The personnel officer will set appointments for review boards, psychological testing, polygraph examination, medical examination, and conduct the extensive background investigation into the applicants past.

*Other documents that will be needed for the background include a copy of Driver’s License, Social Security Card, High School Diploma, and College Transcripts (if applicable)