FAQs

General Questions

What is the EPPD tattoo policy?

All police department personnel must maintain standards of appearance that project a professional image to the public and are appropriate to the general work environment. The display of any tattoo, regardless of its depiction or physical location, is prohibited.

Can I become a police officer if I am color-blind?

Yes, during the hiring process you will undergo a medical examination to determine your suitability.

If I had a DWI years ago, can I still join EPPD?

Every situation is different and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Are males allowed to wear beards or goatees?

Male Recruits - Facial hair will not be allowed while attending the Academy and recruits will be neatly shaven on a daily basis.Officers may be permitted to maintain approved styles of facial hair to include a mustache, Goatee, and a Natural beard.

Do you have a maximum age limit?

We do not have a maximum age limit to join EPPD.

Can I apply if I am a resident (non-citizen) of the United States?

No, in order to join EPPD you must be a U.S. citizen or naturalized citizen per TCOLE.

How soon may I promote to Detective status, transfer to SWAT, and so on?

Different units have different requirements for transfer or promotion. You will have to complete your one-year probationary period.

If I have a special trade or degree, can I get a better position or make more money?

Officers that have an Associate’s Degree granted by an accredited college or university will be payed the sum of $75.00 per month.Officers that have a Bachelor’s Degree granted by an accredited college or university will be payed the sum of $175.00 per month.Officers that have a Master’s Degree granted by an accredited college or university will be payed the sum of $200.00 per month.In order to receive this pay, the degree must be in law enforcement related studies.

Do females work unaccompanied?

All officers may be required to work alone at various shifts of the day.

Can I join a specialized unit (such as Narcotics, Gangs, etc.) and bypass patrol?

There is no option to bypass patrol, regardless of any previous experience you may have. You may transfer or promote after patrol. There will be different seniority requirements depending on the unit you wish to go to.

If I have experience, (e.g. military K-9) can I start directly on a K-9, SWAT, etc. unit instead of patrol?

You may not bypass patrol, regardless of your previous experience. You may transfer or promote after patrol. Depending on the unit you wish to go to, there will be different seniority requirements for joining.

If I had a prior arrest, how will it affect me in the hiring process?

Each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need to be a certain height to join EPPD?

EPPD has no height requirement.

How can I promote?

Promotions to the rank of detective, sergeant and above are made from eligibility lists determined by promotional examinations, assessment centers, and seniority. After 4 years of service, an officer is eligible to promote to the rank of Detective.

Will the department allow me to attend school?

Upon successful completion of the probationary period, officers are encouraged to attend a college or university accredited by TCOLE (Texas Commission of Law Enforcement). It is mandatory for an officer to have at least 45 credit hours after 3 years in the department.

Will I have to sign a contract binding me to serve for a certain number of years?

There is currently no contract of employment requiring commitment to the El Paso Police Department.

If I completed a polygraph with another agency, will I still have to take one with your department?

Yes, you will still be required to complete a polygraph as part of the application process.

May I still apply to EPPD if I lived in a state with legalized marijuana and used it legally there?

Each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

What is the department’s drug policy?

Applicants are highly encouraged to disclose all drug use during the submission of their Personal History Statement (PHS). Drug use is not necessarily an automatic disqualifying factor.

Would I have to disclose expunged incidents to apply to EPPD?

Please speak with your attorney for legal advice regarding your case.

Do you hire Lateral Police Officers?

Yes, we are currently hiring for Lateral Police Officer.

How long does the Application Process usually take?

The application process usually takes from 3 to 6 months.

Can I apply if I don’t live in the United States?

Applicants must reside within the U.S. and meet El Paso Police Department pre-appointment standards including a rigid background investigation, and a comprehensive medical/psychological examination with drug screening.

Academy Questions

Can I wear makeup in the academy?

The use of make-up is prohibited while attending the academy. Upon graduation make-up, if worn, will be conservatively applied in shades complementary to natural skin tones. The wearing of false eyelashes is prohibited.

What if I already have tattoos before I joined the department? Do I have to cover my tattoos in the academy?

Employees who have obtained tattoos prior to the effective date of this order must conceal the tattoos to the greatest extent practical by use of the authorized uniform, a naturally colored concealing device, or clothing items.

How short does my hair have to be while I attend the academy?

Male Hair- Haircuts will be cut extremely short to a “0” and even. No bowl cuts or block cuts are allowed. Hair color and style will be of a natural appearance for both male and female recruits. Color streaking/highlights, spiked hairstyles, and hair gels and sprays will not be allowed. Female Hair – Hair will be worn neatly pulled back away from the face and ears and secured in a bun using blue or black hair ties or barrettes. Hair shall not impede the proper wear of the uniform cap. Hair must not cover any portion of the ear or touch the shirt collar. Hair color and style will be of a natural appearance for both male and female recruits. Color streaking/highlights, spiked hairstyles, and hair gels and sprays will not be allowed.

What do I need to buy if I am accepted into the academy? Do I need to buy a gun?

Upon acceptance to the academy, you will be given a list of items that you will need to purchase. Please do not buy a firearm until you are in the academy. The academy staff will advise you as to what type of gun you will be allowed to carry per policy. The Training Director may further restrict the choices of handguns for recruits, transition courses, and lateral hires.

Can I still work another job or attend school/college while in the academy?

You may not work or attend school while in the academy or during your probationary period.

May I have weekends and holidays off while attending the academy?

During your time in the academy, your schedule will usually allow for weekends and holidays off, but this is subject to change due to various training. Upon completion of the academy, your days off will rotate and may change as determined by the needs of the department.

Are female recruits required to do the same physical training as their male counterparts?

All recruits must complete the same physical training while attending the academy.

How long does the academy last?

The academy lasts for a duration of 11 months, or 43 weeks.

How much will my pay be while attending the academy?

$19.35/Hour.

Is the police academy a live-in academy like DPS or TDCJ?

EPPD academy is not a live-in academy.

Do I have to live at the academy for the entire 11 months?

You will not reside at the academy.

If I complete the academy, can I go work in my home state?

No; upon completion of the Academy, you will have obtained a Peace Officer License for the State of Texas. Each state has varying requirements that may not apply to your home state.

What will my hours be while attending the academy?

While you are in the academy, your schedule will vary but you will usually work an 8-hour day with an unpaid 30-minute lunch.

How much do I have to pay to enter the academy?

There is no fee for attending the El Paso Police Academy other than the money required for purchasing various equipment. While attending the Academy, you will receive $17.85 an hour.

What happens after I graduate from the Academy?

You will be working as a police officer for the EPPD. You will enter a 1-year probation period where you will be assigned to different Field Training Officers.

Military Questions

With my military experience, will I earn extra money in the EPPD? or can my military time go towards my EPPD retirement?

The Veterans Administration recognizes the El Paso Police Department Training Academy and Field Training Program as programs of higher learning. Military veterans and/or their dependants who are eligible to receive VA education benefits may receive 100% of their VA education benefits while attending the eleven (11) month training academy. Upon graduation from the Training Academy, officers enter the one (1) year Field Training program. Military veterans and/or dependants enrolled the Field Training Program are eligible to receive 65% of their VA education benefits during the first six (6) months of training and 55% the remaining six (6) months. Your military time will not go towards your EPPD retirement.

Can I still join EPPD if I have PTSD?

Yes, during the hiring process you will be administered a medical and psychological test to determine your suitability.

If I had a “Top Secret Security Clearance” in the military, will I still have to undergo a background check for EPPD?

Yes, all police applicants will receive a complete background check.

Are there any waivers for Active Duty Military?

No, there are no waivers at this time.

How much can my VA education benefits pay me while attending the Police Training Academy?

Please visit the Veterans Affairs GI Bill Comparison Tool website and find out how much the VA may pay you while attending the Police Academy.

Does the Police Academy Training provide college/university credit hours?

Upon successful completion of the Basic Peace Officer Course in the El Paso Police Training Academy, the police trainee can earn up to 18 to 30 college credit hours depending on where they decide to attend college/university.

If I served in the military as a legal resident, can I join the EPPD?

Honorably Discharged Legal Permanent Residents – Texas Senate Bill 252 allows Legal Permanent Residents who are honorably discharged from the US Military with at least two years of service to be peace officers.
Applicants must reside within the U.S. and meet El Paso Police Department pre-appointment standards including a rigid background investigation, and a comprehensive medical/psychological examination with drug screening.