Police Lateral Hiring Program

Minimum Qualifications

The following requirements must be met to be considered for the lateral hiring program:

• Applicants must have at least 36 months of continuous service as a paid, full-time certified peace officer to be considered for the lateral hiring program.
• Out-of-state applicants must challenge and pass the TCOLE state exam before the Southlake Police Department makes a final job offer.
• Applicants must have no more than a 90-day break in service from the time they separated from a comparable law enforcement agency (if applicable).
• Must have a valid Texas Driver's license at the time of hire.
• Must be licensed by the Texas Commission in Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

Salary:

• Police Officer (certified, 36 - 71 months of experience): $82,929
• Police Officer (certified, 72 - 119 months of experience): $86,840
• Police Officer (certified, 120+ months of experience): $90,444

Certification Pay:

• Intermediate - $60 per month
• Advanced - $100 per month
• Master - $125 per month

Application Process

The application process is approximately eight weeks.  

• Text "JOIN SPD" to (817) 646-2602 and answer a few questions. 
• Qualified applicants are emailed a Personal History Statement. 
• Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the following:
  • a general knowledge written examination, 
  • a physical agility test (view the video for a better idea of agility test requirements.),
  • an interview with the Southlake PD Hiring Board.

Upon successfully completing the required testing, applicants undergo an extensive background check and a polygraph exam, psychological exam, and medical/physical exam. The applicant receives a final job offer once all testing is successfully completed. 

Reapplication Process

• If at any time, the applicant fails to meet the eligibility requirements, chooses to discontinue the application process before rejection/selection, or is placed on an eligibility list that has expired, the applicant may reapply at any future employment process whenever such eligibility requirements are met.
• Any applicant who is reapplying must submit a new application form and complete the entire process as if no prior application processing or testing has been conducted.  No scores from the previous testing may be used in any reapplication process.