Selection Process

Preliminary Application

Applicants must have a Preliminary Application on file in the Waco Police Department to be allowed to take the Civil Service Entrance Exam. Preliminary Applications can be accessed through the City of Waco Job Portal. Applications will not be accepted after the due date.

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. The minimum passing grade on the examination is 70 percent. An applicant must pass the examination to be placed on an eligibility list.

Attention Applicants with Prior Military Experience

An applicant may qualify for Veterans points on the Civil Service exam. Civil Service rules 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. In addition, Local Civil Service Rules states that the applicant must have served for at least one year and must produce proof that the applicant received an Honorable Discharge. 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) by the posted deadline for Background Packet in order to receive your veterans’ points. .

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. All Background Packets need to be turned into the Waco Police Department Personnel Office.

  • Birth Certificate (Certified copy)
  • 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 for the Waco Police Department.

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.