Qualifications

Class 58 Graduation
  1. Entry-Level Officer (Police Cadet) 

Qualifications

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Age:
    • Be at least twenty-one years old by the date of commission or not more than forty-five years old at the time of hire -OR-
    • Be at least eighteen years of age and:
      • Have an associate's degree; or sixty semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university -OR-
      • Have received an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States with at least two years of active service.
  • Has graduated from high school or completed the general educational development (GED) test
  • Successfully pass a Civil Service Exam
  • Has the ability to fluently read, write, and speak the English language
  • Excellent health and physical condition
  • Possess a valid Texas driver's license without restrictions other than eyeglass restrictions (Code A)
  • Is not addicted to narcotics and does not indulge in excessive use of intoxicants
  • Has never been convicted of a Class A misdemeanor or any felony at any time
  • Is not under indictment for any criminal offense
  • Has never executed at any time a confession to a felony offense, such confession being admissible as evidence against the person in any criminal proceeding in any state or federal court
  • Has not been convicted of family violence
  • Has not been convicted or been on court-ordered community supervision for any Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years
  • Has not been discharged from military service under less than honorable conditions


The Abilene Police Department will be accepting applications for Police Cadets from May 1, 2023 through July 23, 2023, with a projected academy start date of January 2, 2024. Click the link below for more information.

APD Police Cadet Flyer - Updated April 5, 2023

  1. Experienced Officer (Lateral)
  1. Testing Process
  1. Training