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Police Recruitment

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1. Is Friendswood Police Department Civil Service?

No.

2. How many commissioned officers does Friendswood Police department employ?

We are authorized up to 64 officers.

3. What are the different shifts?

There are three shifts:

• Days (6 am to 2 pm)
• Evenings (2 to 10 pm)
• Nights (10 pm to 6 am)

4. What equipment is issued to a new patrol officer?

For more information on the equipment issued to new patrol officers, visit the Salary, Benefits and Rewards page.

5. Does the Friendswood Police Department have a Take Home Ride Program?

There is a Take Home Program for Sergeants (and above), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and other specialized positions. Also we have a new fleet that revolves with less than 80,000 miles per car.

6. How many paid holidays, sick and vacation days do employees get each year?

• 14 paid holidays (including 1 floating holiday)
• 12 paid sick days (3.69 hours per pay period)
• 15 paid vacation days per year (after 6 months of continuous duty)

7. What is the pay scale for Friendswood Police Department?

Starting salary for entry-level police officer is $60,775 to $70,183, depending on qualifications. This does not include incentive pays which begin 6 months after start date.

8. What type of certification or education pay is offered?

Check out the detailed Pay Plan Scale on our Salary, Benefits and Rewards page.

9. What is the length of time needed before joining a specialized division? (SWAT, Marine, Bike)

13 months with the Friendswood Police Department as a full-time service as a Police Officer.

10. How fast is the background process?

The background process varies from person to person but usually takes 2 to 4 months.

11. What are the steps of the hiring process?

1. Apply online
2. Submit background packet
3. Preliminary screening
4. Written exam
5. Oral interview board
6. Background investigation
7. Command panel interview
8. Medical exam and drug screening
9. Psychological exam and interview

12. Is there a physical agility test?

No, but there is a pre-employment physical administered to all applicants by a physician designated by the Police Department at no cost to the applicant. And applicant’s weight must be proportional to height.

13. What is the population of the City of Friendswood?

39,767 residents.

14. What is the average income of the population of Friendswood?

$117,000 per year.

15. What type of crimes are common in Friendswood?

For more information on crime in Friendswood, visit the Annual Report page.

16. Do you have a study guide for the police entrance exam?

Yes, applicants can order a study guide from the testing company at the Bannon and Associates website.

17. Can I make copies of originals or certified copies?

Yes.

18. When should I apply?

You may apply anytime you see a peace officer position listed under the City of Friendswood job listings.

19. As an out of state applicant, how many trips will I need to make to Friendswood during the hiring process?

This is determined on a case by case basis. However, we try to accomplish the hiring process for an out of town applicant in as little as two visits.

20. Are there any waivers for testing?

No, however, you may submit your scores from another agency where you took the same exam as long as it has been less than a year and the agency is willing to submit the score in writing on Department Letterhead with your personal identifying information.

21. What is your turnover/attrition rate?

We have not officially analyzed the data. However, I can say that our attrition rate is low. Most of our new hires are from new budgeted positions, which is usually two per year.

22. How many do you hire?

It varies with the budget and attrition, but it is on the average of two.

23. Can I do a ride along?

Yes. You can contact the Office of Professional Standards and Training to obtain an application.

24. Does the department have a policy on tattoos?

Yes, all tattoos must be able to be covered by the uniform shirt.

25. What types of questions are on the police entrance exam?

The test is comprised of five dimensions:

• Reading Comprehension
• Grammar
• Spelling
• Math
• Fact versus Inference

26. What are the qualifications for the Peace Officer position?

Visit the Eligibility Requirements page to learn more.

27. What are the requirements for a lateral transfer?

Please visit the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Out of State page. Upon appointment you will be assigned to the patrol division where you will be assigned to the Field Training Program. There is no In-house Police Academy; however, there is a short in-house orientation period before entering the Field Training Program.

28. Do you have to be a US citizen?

Yes, this is mandated by the State of Texas (TCOLE).

29. How old do you have to be to become a police officer?

21 years of age.

30. How do I find out about other jobs within the police department?

To learn more about the assignments, positions, and roles one might find within the Police Department, visit the Assignments and Roles page.

To view any current job openings for which the Police Department might be hiring, visit the Application Portal.