HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?
Expect the entire hiring process, from the date Personal History Statement (PHS) is submitted to receiving a conditional job offer, to last approximately 12 - 16 weeks. This is a general timeline and individual cases may vary considerably depending on the applicant.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MAKE A FALSE STATEMENT DURING THE PROCESS?
Any false statement of any material fact (including educational and employment records) or any deception or fraud in any part of the selection or appointment process will be grounds for PERMANENT disqualification.
WHAT IF I RECENTLY RECEIVED A CITATION FOR SPEEDING, USED DRUGS, CHANGED JOBS, OR HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A MISDEMEANOR?
If there are any changes you need to report after completing your PHS, please contact a background investigator at (972) 973-3462 for instructions on how to include it in your file.
WHAT IS THE GROOMING /TATTOO POLICY?
Facial hair is permitted for on-duty officers in uniform with the approval of the Chief of Police. All facial hair shall be clean, neatly trimmed and will present a professional appearance. Approval to wear beards, moustaches and goatees may be withdrawn by the Chief at any time.
Personnel are prohibited from exhibiting any visible tattoos, body art, sub-dermal implants or branding.
WHAT KIND OF MILITARY DISCHARGE IS REQUIRED?
A military discharge under anything less than honorable circumstances is an automatic disqualifier. Applicants with military experience must have either an Honorable or General discharge (under honorable circumstances) from the military.
ARE YOU CIVIL SERVICE?
No, DFW Airport is a private entity.
IS THERE A MAXIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT?
You must be at least 21 years old at the time of application to be eligible. There is no maximum age limit for employment with DFW Airport Police. All applicants must successfully complete each step of the hiring process to be considered for employment.
DOES THE DEPARTMENT ACCEPT LATERAL TRANSFERS?
Yes. Upon approval of the Oral Board, Experienced (Lateral) Officers may move up one step in the Step Plan for every two (2) years of experience, up to Step 4.
WHAT IS YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN? ARE YOU PART OF TMRS?
DFW Airport Police Officers participate in a guaranteed pension plan. DFW Airport maintains a private retirement plan that is not affiliated with TMRS or any other retirement system. Lateral officers will not be able to roll previous TMRS contributions into the DFW plan but may be able to do a rollover to a qualified retirement account. Check with your financial planner for guidance.
Officers make a mandatory 7% contribution from each paycheck toward their retirement. Officers are vested in the plan after 5 years of service and may retire with full pension benefits after 25 years of service or under the 80 point plan. The 80 point plan is the sum of an officer’s age and years of service. For example, if an officer begins work at age 50 and works until age 65, he/she would be able to retire with full pension benefits even though he/she only worked 15 years. (Age 65 + 15 years = 80 points)
AS AN EXPERIENCED OFFICER, WILL I HAVE TO ATTEND THE ACADEMY AGAIN?
Upon approval of the Oral Board, police officers with experience in the State of Texas will not be required to attend an academy. All out of state officers must attend the academy, regardless of whether they successfully challenge the TCOLE exam. However, experienced officers may still earn a higher rate of pay during the police academy if they are approved as a Lateral Officer.
I LIVE OUT OF STATE. HOW MANY TRIPS CAN I EXPECT TO MAKE TO TEXAS?
We require a minimum of 2 trips to the area to complete the steps of the hiring process. We will try our best to maximize each visit by including as many requirements as possible during each trip. However, you may potentially have to make additional trips depending on the availability of the applicant and DFW Airport Police Personnel.
DO YOU OFFER RELOCATION ASSISTANCE?
No. It will be at your expense to relocate to the DFW area.
ARE DFW AIRPORT POLICE OFFICERS FEDERAL OFFICERS?
No. We are Peace Officers certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
DO I HAVE TO BE TCOLE CERTIFIED TO APPLY?
No. We will send you to a Police Academy where you will obtain the necessary certification to become licensed in the state of Texas.
DO YOU OFFER INTERNSHIPS?
No, currently we do not offer internships.
WHERE IS THE ACADEMY LOCATED?
We currently send all police recruits to the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Police Academy in Arlington, TX.
HOW LONG IS THE POLICE ACADEMY?
The police academy is approximately six months long.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE PHYSICALLY FOR THE PAT?
The Physical Ability Test (PAT) is designed to test overall strength, agility and fitness conditioning. It consists of lifting and running. General strength and cardio training should be accomplished BEFORE you attempt the test. It is recommended that you immediately begin and maintain a fitness program in preparation to run this obstacle course.
Watch here to see a video detailing the PAT:
HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN TRANSER INTO A SPECIALIZED DIVISION?
Opportunities for lateral transfers into a specialized position (except Detective) are available after you spend 2 years as a patrol officer. You may test for Detective and Sergeant positions after 3 years as a patrol officer.
DO YOU HAVE A “RIDE ALONG” PROGRAM?
Yes. We believe participating in a ride along is one of the best ways to gain insight on what we do as Airport Police Officers. Please contact a recruiter at 972-973-3462 or [email protected] for more information.
Please provide at least 48 hours advance notice.
Dress in business casual. Supervisors will ensure the rider is properly dressed and presents a suitable appearance.
A Release and Waiver of Liability form will be provided and must be signed and notarized before you can participate in the program.
DO I HAVE TO PURCHASE MY OWN EQUIPMENT?
No. We will provide you with all uniforms, weapons, and duty gear necessary for you to function as a police officer. You are only responsible for purchasing your own footwear, which must meet Department standards.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM DISCONTINUED DURING THE HIRING PROCESS?
Any applicant who is discontinued is required to wait a period of 6 months before they are eligible to reapply. There are permanent disqualifiers which will prevent an applicant from ever being able to apply again.
WILL I BE NOTIFIED ABOUT THE STATUS OF MY APPLICATION?
Once we receive your PHS, it is reviewed by background investigators. Once a determination has been made whether or not you will continue, you will receive an email from us either inviting you to participate in the PAT and Written Test, or advising you your application has been discontinued.
HOW LONG IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
The application process is approximately three to six months. This is a general timeline and individual cases may vary considerably depending on the applicant.
WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS?
Thirty hours of college credits from an accredited college or university. Two years of active military service. Two years of experience as a paid full-time firefighter.
DOES THE DEPARTMENT ACCEPT LATERAL TRANSFERS?
Yes. Upon approval of the Oral Board, Experienced (Lateral) Firefighters may move up one step in the Step Plan for every two (2) years of experience, up to Step 4.
WHAT IS YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN? ARE YOU PART OF TMRS?
DFW Airport Firefighters participate in a guaranteed pension plan. DFW Airport maintains a private retirement plan that is not affiliated with TMRS or any other retirement system. Lateral firefighters will not be able to roll previous TMRS contributions into the DFW plan but may be able to do a rollover to a qualified retirement account. Check with your financial planner for guidance.
Firefighters make a mandatory 7% contribution from each paycheck toward their retirement. Firefighters are vested in the plan after 5 years of service and may retire with full pension benefits after 25 years of service or under the 80 point plan. The 80 point plan is the sum of an officer’s age and years of service. For example, if an firefighter begins work at age 50 and works until age 65, he/she would be able to retire with full pension benefits even though he/she only worked 15 years. (Age 65 + 15 years = 80 points)
DO I HAVE TO BE FULLY CERTIFIED IN ALL THREE REQUIRED DISCIPLINES PRIOR TO APPLYING?
No. Once you meet the minimum requirements for employment, all required training will be provided at no cost to the applicant.
HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE ORDER IN WHICH APPLICANTS ARE PROCESSED?
The order is determined by the applicant’s test score. Starting with the highest test score and progressing through the list.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM PASSING SCORE ON THE WRITTEN EXAM?
The minimum passing score is 70%.
WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR A POSITION WITH YOUR DEPARTMENT?
Online applications are accepted in January and June each calendar year, unless applicants are not going to be needed.
WHAT TYPE OF WRITTEN TEST DOES THE APPLICANT TAKE?
The test is a computer-based general knowledge test. Administered by Human Resources (HR).
IF I HAVE BEEN ARRESTED, CAN I STILL APPLY?
Yes. The details of the arrests will determine whether your application is processed or discontinued.
DO I HAVE TO GO TO PARAMEDIC SCHOOL PRIOR TO APPLYING?
No.
WILL I RECEIVE INCENTIVE PAY FOR PRIOR PUBLIC SAFETY CERTIFICATIONS OR FOR MY ABILITY TO SPEAK A FOREIGN LANGUAGE?
No.
ONCE I MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY REQUIRED TRAINING.
No. All required training is paid for by the department.
HOW LONG IS THE FIRE ACADEMY?
The fire academy is approximately four months.
DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE ALL REQUESTED INFORMATION IN THE PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT (PHS)?
Yes. An incomplete PHS will not be processed.
WHAT IF MY PERSONAL REFERENCES REFUSE TO PROVIDE THEIR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
You are encouraged to use a personal reference who will be an advocate for you. Please remember that an incomplete PHS will not be processed.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT MY PHS?
You have 14 calendar days to submit your Personal History Statement (PHS). You will be sent the Personal History Statement upon completing the application and passing the prequalification questions.
IF I AM DISCONTINUED FROM THE APPLICATION PROCESS, AM I ELIGIBLE TO REAPPLY? IF SO, WHEN?
Yes. You are eligible to re-apply, however, your application may or may not be processed, depending upon the reason you were discontinued.
DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION HAVE A LATERAL ENTRY HIRING PROGRAM?
Yes. A lateral firefighter is eligible for a starting salary based on size of department and years of service.
WHAT IS MY APPLICATION STATUS?
Your application will remain active, until notified otherwise.
WHAT ARE THE AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS?
The automatic disqualifiers are classified in three categories: Drug usage. Driving Record. Criminal activity.
WHAT IF I CANNOT OBTAIN THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IN THE TIME REQUIRED?
An extension may be granted if our office is contacted prior to the expiration date, and circumstances for failing to comply are beyond your control.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A JOB WITH THE DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BOARD?
Navigate to http://www.dfwairport.com/careers. Select the job that interests you. Click on either of “Apply” button at the top and bottom of each job posting. Read carefully and follow through to the end of the application process. When you see a large green checkmark displayed, you will know that you are done.
HOW CAN I UPDATE MY PERSONAL INFORMATION (EMAIL ADDRESS, PHYSICAL ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER)?
Each application is independent. Just reapply for the job and input the correct information the second time.
DO I HAVE TO APPLY TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A JOB OPENING(S)?
Yes. Applications must be submitted to be considered for the job opening(s).
IS THERE A LIMIT TO WHEN I CAN APPLY?
Applications can be submitted if the Job Opening is still posted.
CAN I MAKE EDITS/CHANGES TO AN APPLICATION THAT IS SUBMITTED?
No. Submitted applications cannot be edited.
CAN I SAVE THE APPLICATION AND COME BACK TO FINISH?
At any point during the application process, you can select Continue Later to save the information you have entered. An E-mail will be sent to you with a link, so you can pick up where you left off. Applications must be submitted by the posting close date to be considered.
HOW CAN I ACCESS AN APPLICATION THAT I SAVED BUT DID NOT SUBMIT?
From the link in the E-mail referenced above.
WHAT IF I APPLY FOR A JOB, BUT I AM NO LONGER INTERESTED?
Notify the recruiter who contacts you of your desire to withdraw from the selection process.
ARE THE SCREENING QUESTIONS REQUIRED?
The screening questions are required to be considered for any police or fire position. Your eligibility is based on the responses provided to these screening questions.
DO I HAVE TO APPLY FOR BOTH POLICE AND FIRE IF I AM INTERESTED IN BOTH?
To be considered for both Police and Fire position, you will need to apply for both positions.