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Police Recruiting

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1. What is done on the testing day?

The written exam (civil service test) is administered at 8 a.m. We recommend arriving early to park and check in. There is no admittance after 8 a.m. The fitness test starts after you finish the civil service exam. Applicants that pass both the written exam and fitness will be given a Personal History Statement (PHS) form at the end of testing.

2. When is the application (Personal History Statement) due?

The PHS will be due 10 days after the exam date. It can be returned in-person or mailed as long as it is received by the due date before 5 p.m. or postmarked before that date for out of area applicants.

3. What is on the civil service test?

The civil service test covers reading comprehension, memory skills and map reading. It is 200 questions with multiple choice answers. The department does not offer a test specific study guide; however, applicants who want additional information on a civil service exam can obtain a study guide book at most libraries or bookstores.

4. What is the attire for the testing day?

Applicants can wear fitness clothes to the civil service test and the fitness test. A locker room is available to change if needed.

5. What should I bring on the test day?

Applicants should bring two #2 pencils and a picture ID card (state or military ID) to check in for the test. Applicants do not need to bring any documents on the test day, except a military DD214 for those applicants who wish to receive five extra veterans preference points. Veterans preference points will not be awarded unless the DD214 is shown during check-in. We also recommend all applicants bring a light lunch and plenty to drink to stay hydrated during the fitness test.

6. How many applicants are registered for the test?

This will range from about 175 to 200 applicants per test, on average.

7. How many openings are there?

The eligibility list generated from each test will be used to fill our normal attrition openings. The number of openings will vary depending on the amount of retirements occurring each year.

8. When does the academy start?

Irving Police Department has training classes that begin every two to three months. However, the department can set a start date for someone as soon as their application is processed.

9. What is the processing time?

The processing time will depend on how many openings are available. This could be anywhere from 30 days to two months.

10. Do I need a criminal justice degree or my 60 hours in criminal justice?

No, Irving Police accepts any classes from a regionally accredited school. A regional accreditation would be from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) or its equivalent. Most state colleges and community colleges have a regional accreditation.

11. What shifts do patrol officer’s work?

Irving patrol officers work 12-hour shifts. IPD has two day shifts and two night shifts:

• 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

12. What days off do patrol officers have?

Patrol officers have three days off one week and four days off the next week, with one of their shifts being an eight-hour day. Some of the officers have Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday off or Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday off.

13. When do the benefits start?

Benefits start accruing on the first day of work. Time off, however, is not authorized during the first six months of employment based on the applicant’s training schedule.

14. What areas are the main disqualifiers for applicants?

Disqualifying events include (listed in descending order):

1. Deception
2. Work History
3. Recent Criminal Activities
4. Excessive Drug Usage
5. Poor Educational Performance
6. Poor Credit History
7. Incomplete Application
8. Poor Driving Record

15. I am in the military now. When should I apply?

Irving Police will need an official DD214 in order to complete a background process and complete the hiring process. Applicants need to take the police test that is closest to when they have their official DD214. The official DD214 is needed within 30 days after taking a police test in order to complete the background process. The department recommends military applicants apply when they are in a position to start work. The city cannot hold any position until the end of an enlistment period.

16. Does my DD214 need to show honorable discharge?

No, other types of discharges are accepted, as long as it is not less than honorable conditions including, specifically:

• Under other than honorable conditions
• Bad conduct
• Dishonorable or any other characterization of service indicating bad character

17. What is the police academy like?

The police academy hours are generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The training curriculum is an adult education program. Most of the training is classroom training with some fitness activities. This training is not similar to military boot camp.

18. What is the academy training for a Lateral Police Officer?

Out-of-state police officers will attend Irving's full police academy to obtain their TCOLE certification. The basic police academy is at a regional training facility. This is a six-month academy that runs Monday through Friday, and the officers will receive full pay throughout the academy. They may be eligible for a reduced field training program.

19. Do you have a hotel to recommend?

There are several hotels in Irving where applicants can stay during the testing process. All hotel costs are the applicant’s responsibility.

Irving Police has an agreement with the La Quinta Inn & Suites Dallas-Las Colinas, located at 4225 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75038, for a discounted rate for its applicants.  This hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service to the testing location. Please contact the hotel directly for reservations at (972) 261-4900 or online at WyndhamHotels.com/LaQuinta and mention the "Irving Police Testing Rate" when booking a reservation for the testing weekend.