Eligibility

Chief Jones Posing with New Officer

To be eligible for employment at Arlington PD, you must:

  • Be a citizen of the United States.

  • Be 21 years of age or older. 

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of post-secondary education as certified through a commission on higher education of a regional educational agency for colleges and universities recognized by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement -- OR -- four years of active-duty military experience with an honorable discharge -- OR --  60 hours of college credit with two continuous years as a City of Arlington employee -- OR -- 60 hours of college credit with the completion of the Arlington PD Hometown Recruiting Program. For applicants who are already certified peace officers, please see our Lateral Transfer Academy page for eligibility requirements.
  • Have no felony or class A misdemeanor convictions; including deferred adjudications.

  • Have no misdemeanor convictions, including deferred adjudications, above the grade of class C within the past 10 years.

  • Not be on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of class C misdemeanor.

  • Have no family members working for APD.

  • Be of good character and have a stable school, work, and driving record.

  • Have no DWI convictions within the past 10 years.

  • Read, write, and speak the English language.

  • Possess 20/20 vision, either corrected or uncorrected in each eye. Uncorrected vision cannot exceed 20/100 in each eye unless vision is corrected by the use of contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses which must be worn on duty and / or during all enforcement related activities. Must also be free of dichromatic color blindness, night blindness, and any other visual deficiencies or limitations.

  • Have no hearing loss greater than 45 decibels at 4000 hertz.

  • Be able to pass a physical exam as determined by a physician.

  • Have no tattoos on the neck, face, or hands except for one wedding band.

An associates degree is required for officers seeking the rank of Corporal. A bachelor's degree is required for officers who wish to promote to the rank of Sergeant.