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Frequently asked Questions about the Dallas Police Reserves

How often do I have to work?

Reserve officers commit to working at least 2 eight-hourshifts per month. They also work special assignments throughout the year,including Texas/OU Night, the State Fair, and parades throughout the city. Youwill spend approximately 1,000 hours in training to become a Texas Certified Peace Officer over the period of one year. Classes are  currently being held Monday-Friday 6PM-10PM.  After training is completed, DPD will have invested over two thousand dollars on each recruit and expects agood faith commitment of at least two years of service.

What does it cost to be a Reserve Officer?

All equipment, uniforms and training are provided at no cost by DPD to reserve officers.

What qualifications do I need?

To be considered for the Dallas Police Department Reserve Battalion you must:

  1. Be a U. S. citizen.

   2. Be at least 21 years of age with 45 hours from an accredited college (19½  to under 21 years-of-age (60 hours from an accredited college - minimum 2.0 GPA)

   3. Have a valid driver's license.

   4. Must not admit to,  nor have been convicted of, or placed on deferred adjudication for any felony or Class A misdemeanor.

   5. Must not admit to, nor have been convicted of 4 or more Class C misdemeanors in the last 10 years and none within the last 12 months.

   6. Must not have been convicted of, or placed on deferred adjudication for a Class B misdemeanor within the last 10years, or admit to the commission of a Class B misdemeanor within the last 5 years.

   7. Must not have been convicted of three (3) or more hazardous traffic violations in the last twenty-four (24) months

   8. No pending traffic citations or court cases

   9. Must have an honorable discharge from a military service as stipulated on a DD214, if applicable.

  10. Pass the DPD Physical Fitness test

  11. Vision must be no worse than 20/100 in either eye, correctableto 20/20 in both eyes.

College credit requirement waived for:

**Military Personnel 3 years active service and an honorable dischargeas stipulated on a DD214..

What happens when I apply?

              1. Preliminary Interview---You will be asked about your driving history and any criminal record or illegal drug use. We will discuss with you any questions you may have regarding the application process, time required for training, etc.
              2. Applicant Interview Board---You will be given an oral interview before a board of both full-time and reserve police officers, during which you will be interviewed on a variety of police and non-police topics.
              3. Polygraph Examination---Determines the validity of the answers given on previous questionnaires and interviews.
              4. Background Investigation---Checks your work record, your background and the opinions and statements of people you list as references. You must also complete a personal history statement provided by the department.
              5. Psychological Examination---Includes a three-hour written exam and an interview with a psychologist.
              6. Medical Examination---Includes a physical exam and urinalysis.

What is the Training?

              1. Time Requirements---You will receive approximately 1,000 hours of training over a one-year period.
              2. Phase One---Classroom training on law enforcement necessary to receive your state certification.  You will receive the Basic Peace Officer Certificate issued by the Texas Commission On Law Enforcement.
              3. Phase Two---Training while working as an officer with a DPD Field Training Officer.  This will last 6 months.

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