Q: Do you take lateral transfers or have a modified academy for certified police officers?

Per local ordinance, we give "Prior Service Credit" to qualified peace officers up to seven years service, for both in-state or out-of-state officers. This only applies if there is less than 180 days break in service and only applies for the time period that you are enforcing laws with arrest powers. This is a new change in the local ordinance. Please contact a recruiter for more information on this program. Officers from out-of-state should refer to our "out of state peace officer" tab for more information on the requirements to become licensed in Texas. Officers already certified in Texas will be evaluated based on their performance in the training program and have the opportunity for an accelerated field training program. 

Yes and no. You must submit certain documents to prove eligibility to take the civil service test. If you make a 70 on the test, we will give you other documents to be completed.

No. Documents must be the original or a certified copy. However, if you bring the originals to the recruiting office, we will make certified copies and return the original documents.

Q: Is there a study guide for the Civil Service Test?

Yes, the link for the testing materials is: POA, Cognitive Series Study Guide (Online) – Public Safety Compass

Applications are only available when the City of Tyler Human Resources Department announces a civil service test date. Applications are normally accepted when the position is posted.

The eligibility list from which we hire is good for six months, or until it is exhausted. The expected duration of the selection process, from the moment we reach an applicant’s name until official notification of hire, is approximately two months.

It depends, but normally three trips. Once for the entrance exam, a second trip for your pre-employment testing and the third trip for your oral interview board.

No. There are no waivers allowed at any time.

The number of cadets hired will depend on the number of positions available.

This varies. The Tyler Police Department has its own academy, but we also use local area academies, depending on our needs.

This will depend on the time of the last usage of marijuana or drugs/narcotics. Information regarding a person’s background is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Honesty and integrity are important values found in Tyler police officers. If you are found omitting important information or being deceptive, you may be disqualified from the hiring process. You must successfully complete a background investigation, which includes submitting to a polygraph exam in order to continue in the hiring process.

Yes. Ride outs are required as part of the hiring process. This is scheduled at the time we get to your name on the eligibility list.

No. Tyler police officers do not have residency requirements.

Yes. Officers may openly display tattoos (deemed acceptable) except on the neck, face or any portion of the hands.

No. All applicants must have at least 30 hours of college credit from an accepted school at the time of application, unless they have three years of military service or two years as a police officer.

At this time, we are authorized at a full strength of 204 police officers.

No, cadets do not live at the academy. The work hours will normally be Monday to Friday from 0700 to 1600 hours, but are subject to change.

The academy will last 21-22 weeks approximately.

That will depend on the reason for the disqualification. The City of Tyler civil service rules dictate the period for disqualifiers.

No. Internships are voluntary, non-paid positions. For further information, visit our College Intern Program page.

New officers are assigned to various police training officers for at least 18 weeks for one-to-one training. You will be assigned to a patrol shift and will have the same schedule as the police training officer you are assigned.

Contact the background investigator assigned to you.

Applicants should wear the appropriate style of clothing based on the appointment. The wearing of cut-off shirts, torn or faded clothing, gym attire, flip-flops, sandals, or shorts does not show the professional appearance that we look for in our applicants.

Please refer to the Recruiting Unit Web Page.

No. Local civil service rules require that military service must be characterized as “Honorable”.

Yes. As per new TCOLE rules, you may apply to the Tyler Police Department with a general discharge under honorable conditions.

Yes. There are numerous other benefits that are paid in addition to the base salary listed on our website. These include shift differential, assignment pay, clothing allowance and many others. (see salary tab for more details).

If eligible, veterans can receive military benefits, which include the G.I. Bill incentives that you make for the first 11 to 12 months.