The selection process for a Cadet or Probationary Police Officer position in the Pearland Police department is a series of steps designed to ensure each person considered has the requisite skills, background, and stability necessary to become a Police Officer. Each step has been scrutinized to ensure all criteria reviewed constitute a bona fide occupational qualification.

Further, the Pearland Police Department adheres to the standards of a nondiscriminatory employer and as such will make no decision based on race, sex, religion, or physical impairments, which do not present an adverse impact on an applicant’s ability to perform the required tasks. As you proceed through the steps, please make sure you complete each in sequence. Failure to follow instructions may be reason for termination from the process. Prior to beginning, review each step to ensure yourself that you will be able to complete the process successfully.

Process Step One: Meeting Basic Requirements

Review each of the basic requirements for the position of Probationary Police Officer in the Pearland Police Department. If you do not meet or exceed each of these, then your process will be terminated.

Step Two: Civil Service Exam

Civil Service protects Pearland Police Officers; therefore, it is mandatory that each registered applicant pass a written test determined by the Civil Service Commission. The Director of Civil Service, or their designee, will administer the test. All applicants must make a minimum score of 70 to pass. Those who successfully pass the written exam will proceed to step three. Applicants who meet certain military requirements will receive 5 points added to their score, which must be a minimum of 70 prior to the addition of points.

Test registrants can access our helpful National Police Select Test™ Candidate Orientation Guide for additional information regarding the Entry Exam. 

The Physical Agility Test is given to applicants who successfully pass the written exam. The Physical Agility test is mandatory and will be administered one time only on the same day as the written exam. The Police Department test coordinator will determine the order of the test. The Physical Agility Test consists of the following six events:

1. 1. Six-foot wall: Simulation of crossing a 6’ privacy fence. Applicant will be required to cross over a six-foot wall. Qualifying time: Twenty (20) seconds.
   2. Obstacle Course: Simulation of foot pursuit/reaching a person in danger. There will be an 800-foot course, with applicant being required to make a 5'3" running jump and pass over two 3'6" barricades. Qualifying Maximum Time: 60 seconds.
   3. Body Transport: Simulation of activity necessary to move an unconscious person to a place of safety. Required to move a life size “dummy” of approximately one hundred seventy (170) pounds in weight, a distance of seventy-five (75) feet. Qualifying Maximum Time: Thirty (30) seconds.
   4. Vehicle Push: Test ability to bodily move a disabled vehicle from a traffic lane. Push a mid-sized motor vehicle a distance of thirty (30) feet. Qualifying Maximum Time: Twenty (20) seconds.
   5. Stairway Run: Test physical ability to transverse a stairway, ascent and descend a flight of stairs (approx. 20 steps), a total of three (3) times. Qualifying Maximum Time: Thirty (30) seconds.
   6. Quarter Mile Run: Simulation of a long-distance foot pursuit. Run one quarter (1/4) mile including turns. Qualifying Maximum Time: Two (2) minutes

All physical agility events are pass/fail. Applicants will be given up to three opportunities, total, to pass the series of events. The physical agility test coordinator can provide additional information on the date of the test.

Step Four: Personal History Statement

Personal History Statements will be distributed to individuals who successfully pass the civil service exam and the physical agility tests. The Pearland Police Department Personal History Statement will need to be completed in the timeframe dictated. Applicants will be required to have all required documents as outlined, prior to returning the application.

If you do not have a particular piece of information requested due to the processing requirements of the provider, then include an explanation as to why the information is not included and when the information can be expected. If you receive documentation after the packet is turned in, then it should be brought (or mailed) to the Police Department as soon as possible to the attention of Sergeant Neal. This application must be returned to the Administrative Services Sergeant by the designated due date. Failure to respond as instructed may result in termination of the process.

The personal history statement will be assigned to an investigator, who may require a personal interview to discuss any item contained within the personal history statement. An extensive background investigation will be conducted to determine the suitability for each applicant. Applicants warranting further consideration will be scheduled for the next step as positions permit.

Here is a list of common employment disqualifiers. 

The applicant will be scheduled for a polygraph examination. Failure may or may not terminate the process dependent upon the factors indicated.

Step Six: Interview Panel

Applicants meeting minimum standards, as determined by investigators, will be interviewed by a Selection Board to determine their suitability for employment as a Cadet or Probationary Police Officer. Applicants who successfully complete this step will be forwarded to the Civil Service Director with a recommendation for a conditional offer of employment contingent upon successful completion of the remaining steps.

The applicant will be scheduled for, and administered, a psychological evaluation by a licensed practitioner appointed by the Civil Service Commission. This step is a licensing requirement of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. The applicant must receive a positive recommendation from the examiner.

The applicant will be scheduled for a medical physical to determine that the applicant is physically able to perform the tasks required of a Cadet or Probationary Police Officer. The drug testing determines that there is no trace of illegal drug abuse. This step is a licensing requirement of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

Applicants who are not certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement are enrolled in a Basic Peace Officer Certification Class as a Police Trainee. Police Trainees must successfully complete the academy and pass the state licensing examination. Once certification is obtained, applicants proceed to the next step.

The applicant is hired and begins the Field Training Program. The Field Training Program will generally last 18-20 weeks, depending on the experience of the applicant. The applicant must successfully complete this program and perform satisfactorily for a period of one year. This period is termed the “Probationary Period” during which time the applicant has the full rights and privileges of a Pearland Police Officer, other than Civil Service protection. If performance is found to be below what is required, the officer may be terminated.

 Helpful Reminders

• In order to sit for the Entry Level Police Officer Exam, applicants must first register an Intent to Test with the City of Pearland online. 
• Registrants will be emailed notification when a test date has been set.
• Registrants will need to complete a brief online application to verify eligibility.
• Applicants MUST bring a picture ID to the Civil Service Exam and Physical Agility Test sites.
• In order to qualify for veteran's service credit applicants must bring a copy of their DD214 to the exam site. The DD214 must show an honorable discharge. Veterans may substitute 24 months of active-duty service for the education requirement in the job posting. The DD214 must show an honorable discharge.
• Review the list of common employment disqualifiers here.