Minimum Requirements
You must meet all minimum requirements to be eligible to apply. You may still submit an official application or contact one of our recruiters for additional information.
- No prior law enforcement experience or training is required.
- At least 19-1/2 years old at the time of Application (must be 21 years old by date of graduation from the EPPD training academy) / No maximum age cap.
- 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.
Application Process
Click on each section for information
SUBMIT ON LINE APPLICATION
If you have met the minimum requirements:
- Click on Now Hiring; this will take you to the City of El Paso Careers website powered by NEOGOV.
- Once on the City of El Paso Careers website click on Police Trainee; then click the Apply tab on the upper right side.
- Create a NEOGOV account to apply for the Police Trainee position (If you already have an account login, do not create another NEOGOV account).
- On your individual NEOGOV account, you have access to view your status information regarding your application. You will be able to view the following status information during each step in the process.
- Applicant will receive an email from a “@elpasotexas.gov” account with either of the below notice:
- Qualified Applicants- those who meet the minimum requirements will be scheduled to take the written examination.
-OR-
- Disqualified Applicants- those applicants who do NOT meet the minimum requirements. Applicants may call PD HR (915-212-4319) and request the reason for the disqualification notice when it is received.
* Keep in mind this is a hiring process and applicants will receive an email after the application DEADLINE.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION
Three Frontline National™ Test Components
- Frontline National™ Situational Judgment and Human Relations Video Test - a multiple-choice test that portrays situations commonly faced in law enforcement. Candidates are required to analyze situations and make quick judgments about how to respond.
- Frontline National™ Written Report Writing Video-Based Test - a multiple-choice test that assesses the candidate’s ability to factually and logically report situational events.
- Frontline National™ Reading Test, a multiple-choice Test – measures a candidate’s competency to read at the level of common written materials provided on the job.
Written examinations are sent out and graded by the Ergo metrics Company. All passing applicants will receive an email from an “@elpasotexas.gov account,” inviting them to the next step.
Additional information about the written examination.
Once the applicant receives a passing score, the applicant moves onto the next step, which is the job simulation test.
JOB SIMULATION
Pursuit Agility Course
Objective: To complete the 180 foot course in 39 seconds or less. The work sample simulates a short distance foot pursuit that might occur in the parking lot of an office complex or shopping center. The test requires that the applicant make frequent changes in direction while running as fast as possible.
The distance around the pursuit course is 180 feet. Before the applicant enters the course, they must run as quickly as possible around the course. Once they enter the course, they will scale a three-foot wall and jump over three 18-inch barriers. The distance the applicant will run inside the course is 150 feet. Applicants will be required to wear a bullet resistant vest and carry a police radio while completing the course.
Wall Climb
Objective: To run a 25 yard course, scale a six-foot wall and run five yards to the finish line in 17 seconds or less. This work sample simulates a situation in which an applicant must scale a six-foot wall during a pursuit. The applicant will be required to run 25 yards up to a wall, scale the wall, and run five yards to the finish line. The applicant may use any method to get over the wall. However, the applicant may not use the side supports in any manner to get over the wall.
Body Drag
Objective: To drag a 185 pound dummy a distance of 30 feet in 16 seconds or less. This work sample simulates dragging a wounded officer or citizen to safety for a distance of 30 feet. The applicant will be required to drag a 185-lbs dummy that is lying face up on the ground. The applicant is to drag the dummy by back peddling as quickly as possible for a total of 30 feet. The time it takes to drag the dummy will be recorded. The time ends when the dummy’s feet crosses the finish line.
500-yard run
Objective: To complete the 500-yard pursuit run in 152 seconds or less. The work sample simulates a medium distance pursuit. The exam consists of the applicant running 500 yards while wearing a bullet resistant vest carrying a police radio. When taking the exam, the applicant should pace themselves by running at about 2/4 speed. Applicants should not try to sprint the entire distance.
Applicants have two opportunities to successfully complete the Job Simulation test. Applicants are afforded a practice session before each test session. Information regarding each session will be forwarded to the email provided by the applicant.
Applicants will be advised if they PASS or FAIL at the Job Simulation site.
COMPREHENSIVE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Applicants that successfully pass the entrance examination and the job simulation are emailed a link that contains the Comprehensive Background Investigation Statement (CBIS).
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
All qualified candidates will be scheduled to take a polygraph examination. A licensed Polygraph Examiner will advise the candidate after the examination if they pass or failed the examination. A Background Investigation will continue for Applicants who pass their Polygraph Examination.
STRUCTURED ORAL INTERVIEW
An interview board consists of a Police Commander, Police Lieutenant, Police Sergeant, Police Officer/Detective and a representative from EPPD Human Resources. A pass/fail notification will be issued upon conclusion of the oral interview.
MEDICAL/PHYSICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
- Candidates that successfully pass the interview board are scheduled to take a medical examination and drug test.
- A psychological examination will also be scheduled.