THE ALLEN POLICE DEPARTMENT - HIRING PROCESS
Once an application has been received, you will be emailed directions on completing the Personal History Statement and Preliminary Interview packet. You will have 14 days to submit the Personal History Statement and Preliminary Interview packet. Those selected to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted to schedule the written exam and physical assessment.
Each of the following steps must be successfully completed prior to your appointment as a Police Officer:
Entrance Examination
The entrance examination is a four-part examination, which consists of reading comprehension, basic arithmetic, spelling/grammar and writing skills. A score of 70 or higher must be achieved in order to pass the examination and proceed in the process.
Study guides for the examination are available. The cost for the study guide is $15.00. The written exam covers mathematical reasoning, writing ability, situational judgment/human relations and reasoning/analyzing. You must score 70% or above to pass. http://www.fpsi.com/product/pact-orientation-guide/.
Physical Assessment
The physical assessment attempts to measure whether the applicant is fit for duty as a police officer. Applicants who pass the written exam will move forward to the fitness test, which consists of the following:
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1.5 Mile 15:26
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300 Meter 62 seconds
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Push-Ups 26 no time limit
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Sit-Ups 30 in 60 seconds
You must pass each element of the fitness test to move forward to the next phase
Background Investigation
An extensive check of criminal, driving, employment records, education, and credit references will be conducted as well as verification of character references.
Interview Board
The applicant will be interviewed in the areas of their general background, current and past employment, prior police experience, criminal history, traffic record and military service. The applicant is also given situational reasoning scenarios and evaluated on those responses. During this interview, the applicant is evaluated in the areas of professionalism, dependability, reaction to pressure and situational reasoning ability, along with interpersonal and oral communication.
Polygraph Examination
The department's polygraph examiner is licensed by the state and conducts the examinations within the state guidelines. The results of the examinations will be regularly reviewed to ensure that polygraph procedures are fair, impartial and that all applicants are given adequate opportunity to resolve areas of deception through every reasonable means. The ultimate decision to employ remains with the Chief of Police.
Psychological Examination
The applicant is assessed for their psychological suitability for law enforcement work. The applicant is evaluated for hypersensitivity, impulsiveness, and frustration tolerance, as well as attributes such as achievement, flexibility, sensitivity, maturity, intelligence, somatic concerns, mood, social adjustment, anxiety, emotional control, dominance, moral-ethical behavior, impression formation and attitudes. An applicant must receive a rating of 4.0 or above to pass the psychological examination.
Physical Examination and Drug Screen
A police officer is responsible for preservation of the public peace, the protection of life, liberty, and property, the prevention of crime, the arrest and prosecution of violators of State Law and City Ordinances. The work environment includes vehicle patrol and in some instances foot patrol. Therefore, applicants are evaluated for their ability to perform the specific job requirements, specifically: lifting, running, bending, and walking. Hearing and eyesight are also tested.
Once an applicant has successfully passed each of the previous phases, they will then be scheduled for an interview with the Chief of Police or his designee.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICE OFFICER-
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age;
- Applicant must be a citizen of the United States;
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Applicant must read, write, and fluently speak the English language;
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Applicant must meet one of the educational requirements;
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Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.0 or higher or
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4 years of active-duty Military experience with an honorable discharge or
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Current Allen PD employee with at least 2 years civilian experience with 30 college credits and GPA of 2.0 or higher
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Have been honorably discharged from any and all active duty military service or provide proof of acceptable military re-enlistment eligibility if prior service is uncharacterized;
- Must have current and valid motor vehicle operator's license;
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Not have been convicted of or received deferred adjudication for any offense of family violence;
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Not have been on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order;
- Not have ever been convicted of an offense above the grade of a Class B misdemeanor
- Not have been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years
- Not have any criminal charges pending or under indictment for any criminal offense; Not be currently on court-ordered community service or probation for any criminal offense;
- Not have excessive traffic tickets or accidents;
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Not have had a license issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement revoked or suspended;
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Be of good moral character
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Must be able to work shift work, holidays and weekends
- Must have the ability to read and comprehend training materials, departmental policy, rules, regulations, laws and ordinances;
- Must have the ability to establish effective working relationship with other employees, law enforcement agencies and the public;
- Must have the ability to learn the use and care of firearms and specialized equipment;
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Must possess 20/20 vision, either corrected or uncorrected or uncorrected in each eye, unless vision is corrected by the use of contact lenses which must be worn on duty and/or during all law enforcement related activities. Must be free of dichromatic color blindness, night blindness and any other visual deficiencies or limitations.
- Must possess hearing that cannot exceed an average hearing loss of 25 decibels (ANSI) at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hertz; cannot exceed a single reading of 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, 3000 Hertz; cannot exceed a single reading of 35 decibels at 500 Hertz; and cannot exceed a single reading of 45 decibels at 4000 Hertz.
Ineligibility and Disqualifiers List:
The following conditions may result in an applicant being permanently disqualified or deemed ineligible for hire for a specific period of time. These standards are established in accordance with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and include, but are not limited to, the circumstances listed below.
Ineligibility Criteria
1. Non-U.S. Citizenship
Applicants who are not citizens of the United States are ineligible for hire. Eligibility may be reconsidered upon lawful acquisition of U.S. citizenship in accordance with federal and state laws.
2. Class B Misdemeanor Convictions or Admissions
Applicants who have been convicted of, or admitted to, conduct that constitutes a Class B misdemeanor under state law or its federal or UCMJ equivalent within the last ten (10) years will be temporarily disqualified. Offenses involving moral turpitude may result in permanent disqualification and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Note: A person is considered convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or a felony if a court has entered a finding of guilt or the individual has entered a plea of guilty, regardless of whether:
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The sentence was probated or deferred,
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The case was later dismissed,
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The person was released from penalties or disabilities, or
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A pardon was granted (unless for proof of innocence).
3. Felony or Class A Misdemeanor Convictions or Admissions
Any conviction or admission to conduct constituting a Class A misdemeanor or a felony under state, federal, or UCMJ law results in permanent disqualification. Applicants with pending criminal charges for any offense are ineligible for employment consideration.
4. DWI/DUI Convictions
An applicant convicted of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within ten (10) years preceding the application date, or during the hiring process, will be temporarily disqualified. Eligibility may be restored once ten years have passed from the date of conviction.
5. Court-Ordered Community Supervision or Probation
Applicants who have been on court-ordered community supervision or probation for an offense above a Class B misdemeanor at any time, or for a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten (10) years, are temporarily disqualified. Eligibility resumes after the ten-year period has expired from the date of the court order.
6. English Language Proficiency
Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Ineligibility remains in effect until this requirement is met.
7. Inability to Perform Essential Job Functions
Applicants who are unable to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, are ineligible until they meet the required functional standards of the role.
8. Failure to Obtain a Texas Driver’s License
Applicants must be able to obtain a Texas driver’s license within the timeframe specified by the Texas Transportation Code. Ineligibility remains until this requirement is satisfied.
Disqualifying Criteria
These conditions may result in either temporary or permanent disqualification. Final determinations will be made by the Chief of Police or an authorized designee.
1. Illegal Drug Use and Substance Abuse
Applicants who have admitted to using marijuana or any derivative within the last three (3) years are temporarily disqualified.
Applicants who have abused legally obtained prescription medications or used prescription medications prescribed to another person may be either temporarily or permanently disqualified. These cases are reviewed individually, with consideration given to the circumstances and frequency of misuse.
Applicants who have unlawfully used or possessed any felony-level controlled substance under the Texas Controlled Substances Act—including, but not limited to, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and THC oil/vape products—will be permanently disqualified. If the use occurred before the applicant’s 25th birthday, a waiting period of ten (10) years from the last use is required. For example, an individual who used cocaine at age 20 would be eligible to apply at age 30.
Applicants with a history of inhaling solvents, paints, or similar products after age 17 will be disqualified. Limited use as a juvenile (once or twice) may be considered acceptable.
Applicants who have used illegal anabolic steroids after 1991 will be disqualified.
2. Driving Record
Applicants will be temporarily disqualified if they have more than three (3) moving violations or preventable accidents within the preceding thirty-six (36) months, or if they have a conviction for reckless driving within the preceding sixty (60) months.
Additional disqualifying factors may include lesser but serious driving violations that demonstrate unsafe driving habits inconsistent with the operation of emergency vehicles and which present liability concerns. Reapplication may be considered once the applicant’s driving history meets acceptable standards.
3. Employment Dismissal or Misconduct
Applicants who have been dismissed or have resigned in lieu of dismissal due to inefficiency, delinquency, or misconduct will be permanently disqualified. Each case is reviewed individually for final determination.
Tattoo Policy:
Tattoos may be visible on the arms, but each must be approved prior to wearing short sleeves while in uniform. Tattoos that are not approved must be covered with long sleeves; the use of bandages, covers, or wraps to conceal tattoos is not permitted. Tattoos are not allowed on the hands, neck, face, or head. To review the complete tattoo policy, please visit the department’s official website.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as needed.
