The El Paso Police Department has a history going back 120 years. It is the responsibility of the police officer in El Paso, TX to protect the citizens and safeguard property. They are also required to enforce law and work in partnership to enhance the living of the community. To become a police officer in El Paso the minimum age requirement is 19 years old at the time of application submission. Applicants are also required to have 12 college credit hours from a university that is accredited by any of the following:

Featured Programs and Schools

  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
  • Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
  • North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
  • International College or University.

College credit hours can be waivered for applicants who have prior military experience.

Educational Requirements At least 12 college credit hours or equivalent
Experience/Training Training from Police Academy, Moderate on-the-job training
Key Skills Assertiveness, Bravery, Written & Oral Communication, Community Understanding, Teamwork, Adaptability, Attention to Detail
Annual Mean Wage – US (2021) $70,750 (Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers)
Annual Mean Salary – Texas (2021) $66,890 (Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers)
Job Outlook – Texas (2020-2030) 13% (Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) and O*Net Online

Requirements to Become a Police Officer in El Paso

To become a police officer in El Paso, it is important to take into account all the basic requirements. To be eligible to apply, an applicant must complete the following steps:

  • Be of minimum 19 years of age. By the time they join the police academy, the age of the candidate must be at least 21 years.
  • After completion of high school, an applicant must have 12 college credit hours from an accredited university.
  • Anyone with two years of military service experience can be exempted from 12 college credits hours requirement.
  • It is mandatory for an applicant to be a US citizen and have a valid driver’s license.
  • An applicant needs to carry proof of liability insurance.
  • Just like all the other states, to be eligible for police academy, it is mandatory to have a clean record that includes no prior criminal offense, no violation of law (traffic and criminal), and no pending credit.
  • Once the applicant has submitted valid forms, the next step is to appear for written examination, clear a job stimulation test that includes completing 180-foot course in 39 seconds or less, and complete the designed course while wearing bulletproof vest and radio.
  • Wall climb, body drag, and 500-yard run must also be completed within the allotted time.
  • All those applicants who successfully clear the written exam and pass job stimulation are required to meet the requirements of comprehensive background check and polygraph examination.
  • Next, a panel of Police Commander, Police Lieutenant, Police Sergeant, and Police Officer or Detective conducts an oral interview.
  • All those candidates who pass the interview have to appear for a scheduled medical examination and drug test. A psychological evaluation is also carried out.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Police Officer in El Paso?

The process is generally long and the hiring process may take several months to complete. The candidate is advised to keep a check on the city’s website page to stay updated regarding job postings and test announcements.

Once the vacancy opens, the website will display the test information. Individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as the vacancy opens up because the position closes when a predetermined number of qualified applications have been received. Candidates will be expected to appear for the written exam and the job simulation test. Those who attain a passing score will then progress to the next stage.

They will be expected to undergo a thorough screening process which will involve reference checks, criminal history checks and employment verification. They will also have to undergo an interview process, a medical check, a psychological test and a drug examination. After clearing all these stages, the candidate will be sent to the training academy to learn about various aspects of the job. After the completion of the program, the recruits are required to complete the probationary period.

Salary of Police Officers in El Paso

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021), the annual mean wage of police officers in the state of Texas is $66,890. Other than this there are other financial benefits as well that include paid holiday and sick leaves, take home care program, tuition reimbursement for college, retirement package, and yearly longevity pay. There is additional incentive pay for police officers who have an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or are bilingual.

Career Outlook of Police Officer in El Paso, Texas

The job prospects for police officers in Texas are promising considering the law-and-order situation, and also due to the deep history of the police department. According to data from O*NET Online, the state of Texas has a projected 13% growth for police and sheriff’s patrol officers between 2020 and 2030. By 2030, the projected employment for police officers in the state is 65,470 employees. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021), Texas is at number two in the list of states with the highest employment in the country. Below are the states with highest employment level in Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer

State Employment 
California 70,050
Texas 60,440
New York 49,910
Florida 45,360
Illinois 30,640

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)

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