Lateral Police Officer

Minimum Requirements

You must meet all minimum requirements to be eligible to apply as a Lateral Police Officer.

• You must currently be employed as a peace officer, full-time by a state, county, or municipal police, college or school police department or Sheriff’s department, or Constable as a law enforcement officer, or
• Retired police officers or police officers separated as a result of a layoff, must apply within one (1) year of separation.
• A minimum of 3 years of Patrol Duty while employed full-time by a state, county or, municipal police, college or school police department, or Sheriff’s department or Constable.
• Time served as a reserve officer or other type of unpaid peace officer will not count towards the 3 years of patrol duty while employed by a state, county, or municipal police, college or school police department, or Sheriff’s department or Constable.
• The experience accumulated as a deputy, detention officer, jailer, or officer employed at a correctional facility. District Attorney’s office, or as a Federal or Military Police Officer is not applicable experience.
• Must have a Texas Peace Officer License by start of the Academy.
• Out of State applicants are required to obtain their TCOLE license before the start of the Academy. For more information visit the
  Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Website »
• U.S high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
• U.S. citizen or naturalized citizen.
• 12 college credit hours from an accredited university at the time of application.
• College or University must be accredited by one of the following:
• The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or an International College or University evaluated and accepted by a United States accredited college or university.
  Check if your college or university is accredited by the above listed HERE »
• Military veterans, the 12 college credits hours can be waived if you have a least 2 years of prior Active military service (Reserve time excluded) and has never received a dishonorable discharge.
• Current and valid driver’s license, proof of liability insurance And;
• Not having been convicted of any combination of three (3) or more moving violations and/or motor vehicle accidents at fault in the preceding 36 months.
• Not currently under indictment for any criminal offense; cannot currently be on probation or parole.
• Not have been convicted of any type of family violence at any time.
• Stable credit history.
• Be of good moral character with a stable family background.

Questions? Email EPPDRecruiting@elpasotexas.gov