Waco Police Department - Selection Process
Preliminary Application
Complete a Preliminary Application & Physical Ability Waiver of Liability form (please complete by hand using black ink). Attach a Military DD-214 long form (Member 4), if applicable.
Applicants must have a Preliminary Application on file in the Waco Police Department to be allowed to take the Civil Service Entrance Exam.
Civil Service Examination
The Civil Service exam consists of 100 multiple-choice test questions, which measure the basic writing skills and reading comprehension required for law enforcement officers. There are 50 writing skills questions and 50 reading comprehension questions on the test. The examination has a 75-minute time limit.
Attention Applicants with Prior Military Experience
You may qualify for Veterans points on the Civil Service exam. Civil Service Law states that an additional five (5) points shall be added to the examination grade of an applicant who served in the United States armed forces, received an honorable discharge and made a passing grade on the examination. A DD-214 Long Form (Member 4 copy) is required as proof of your veteran status, if applicable. We must receive your DD-214 Member 4 copy before Civil Service test date in order to receive your veterans points. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Physical Fitness Assessment Test
Applicants who successfully complete the Written Civil Service Examination are also required to successfully complete a Physical Fitness Assessment test. This pass/fail test is the same for all applicants, without regard to age or gender. The Physical Fitness Assessment test will be conducted on the same day following the passing of the written Civil Service Exam. For additional information related to the Physical Fitness Assessment Test.
Background Packet
Complete a City of Waco police employment application and a Waco Police Applicant Personal History Application attaching all verifying documents.
- Birth Certificate
- High School Transcript (Certified copy) or
- G.E.D. Certificate
- College Transcript (Certified copy)
- Eye Doctor's Statement (If you wear glasses or contacts)
- Military DD-214 Member 4 copy
Background Investigation including a polygraph exam.
A complete background investigation is conducted into the applicant's general personal reputation, education, military history, driving record, arrest record, drug usage, employment history, special qualifications and skills.
Polygraph examinations are conducted by a licensed polygraph examiner approved/selected by the Waco Police Department. The sole purpose of examination is to verify the applicant's truthfulness.
Psychological Examination
A licensed psychologist or psychiatrist approved/selected by the Waco Police Department must certify Applicants. The evaluation will determine if the applicant's psychological and emotional health is appropriate to the duties and functions of a professional police officer.
Oral Interview Board
The Oral Interview Board is normally comprised of six board members, which includes the three Assistant Chiefs and three additional officers. The Oral Interview Board interviews candidates who successfully complete other parts of the selection procedure and objectively evaluate each candidate on six job-related dimensions: appearance, situational reasoning, interpersonal skills, oral communications, dependability and initiative.
Interview with Chief of Police
Applicants who successfully complete the Oral Board Interview and are selected to proceed in the hiring process will meet with the Chief of Police, who will make the final selection.
Complete Physical Examination
Applicants must be certified by a licensed physician approved/selected by the City of Waco. Applicants must be declared physically sound and free from defect, which may adversely affect the performance of the duties of a police officer.
