Frequently Asked Questions
What are the elements of the selection/hiring process?
-Submit an online application
-Fill out a Personal History Statement (turn this in on the day of your entry level test)
-Written examination (100 questions)
-Physical fitness test (1.5 mile run in under 15 minutes or 2000 meter row)
-Preliminary interview
-Oral interview
-Fingerprint check
-Polygraph
-Background investigation
-Chief's panel interview
-Psychological examination
-Medical evaluation and drug screen
What is scheduled on the day of the test?
On the day of the entry level test, you will be required to complete the written examination, complete a Preliminary Information Form and complete the physical fitness test. You may also be asked to conduct your preliminary interview on this same day.
Do I need to submit a resume?
Resumes can be attached to your on-line application or included with your Personal History Statement. However, a resume is not required.
Are there age restrictions?
CSPD does not require you be 21 years of age at the start of the academy. You must be 21 years of age by the time you graduate from the academy. There is no maximum age for our agency.
What if I do not have any college hours?
You do not need to have any college credit in order to apply for a police officer position with the College Station Police Department if you have a high school diploma. If you received a GED, you will be required to have at least 12 college hours or two years of continuous military service with an honorable discharge.
Do I need to turn in an application before I take the test?
Yes, applications must be completed online. After the application is submitted, you will receive instructions on how to complete the Personal History Statement (PHS). You must download, print, and complete the PHS. The PHS must be completed and turned into Recruiting personnel the day of your scheduled entry level exam.
When do I have to turn in the Personal History Statement?
You will be required to complete the Personal History Statement and turn it in prior to taking your scheduled entry exam. If more time is needed please contact a recruiter. We understand some items needed for the PHS takes time.
You will receive the PHS via email after passing the online application.
What is included in the written exam?
National Police Select Test (Entry-Level Written Exam) is designed to measure the “whole” police officer candidate, rather than focus exclusively on cognitive aptitudes. This test measures critical human relations skills in addition to reading comprehension, writing ability, mathematical reasoning, and reasoning/analysis skills.
Is a study guide available for the test?
Applicants may order the practice “NPST Candidate Orientation Guide” from: fpsi.com/police-candidate-orientation-guide. The NPST Candidate Orientation Guide is a helpful tool to prepare for the exam and can be downloaded as a PDF file or printed. Please read through the disclaimer on the order page to have a successful download. Payments will be submitted through PayPal via an account or credit/debit card. Once payment is submitted, PayPal automatically redirects you back to the FPSI site where access to the download link will be located on the Order Details-Checkout Status page. Applicants must pay close attention to ALL instructions on both FPSI and PayPal’s websites in order to access the instant download successfully!
What is included in the physical fitness test?
The physical fitness test consists of a 1.5 mile run or a 2000 meter row competed on a Concept 2 rower. Applicants will need to choose between these options, they do not need to complete both.
If an applicant chooses the 1.5 mile run, they will be complete the test on a pre-set course outside the police department. The 1.5 mile run needs to be completed in 15 minutes or less to achieve a passing score. The link below provides a training plan to assist you in training for your 1.5 mile run:
https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20785960/how-can-i-train-for-my-fitness-test/
If an applicant chooses the 2000 meter row, they will complete the test on a Concept 2 rower inside the police department. The test is based on the DPS row calculator. The applicant’s time to complete the row is determined by their age, weight, and gender at 50% of the desired results. Below is a link to the row calculator and a link to training plans to assist you in preparation for the physical fitness test:
https://www.dps.texas.gov/apps/tod/fitnesswellness/concept2RowerCalc.htm
https://www.concept2.com/training/plans/2k-erg-test-12-week
What is the dress code for the entry level tests?
You may wear any athletic clothing of your choice for both the written and physical fitness test.
Do you get paid while attending the police academy?
Yes, you're paid a full salary while attending the police academy. In addition, you will have full benefits (health insurance, retirement, etc.).
CSPD will also pay for your police academy and equipment.
When does the next academy start?
The College Station Police Department does not set the academy schedule. Instead, we use the Central Texas Police Academy for all new police cadets. Please contact cspdrecruiting@cstx.gov for the next academy schedule.
Do you offer lateral transfers?
Yes, licensed officers with prior experience of two years or more will enter at one step below their current years of service upon being hired up to step 6 of our pay plan (example: an officer with four years of experience will start at step 3). View police officer salaries.
What is the process for officers from other states?
It is departmental practice to follow the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement requirements for state licensing. Please refer to the TCOLE WEBSITE or contact cspdrecruiting@cstx.gov for more information on Texas licensing.
Do you have a ride-along program for interested applicants?
Yes, we do have a ride-along program. Contact Officer Borne at 979-764-3591 or Officer Paul at 979-764-5033 to schedule a ride along as a prospective applicant.
Do you have incentive pay?
The department does offer incentive pay for education, certification, special assignments and language ability, as outlined in the Compensation & Benefits section of our website.
What retirement system does the City of College Station utilize?
The City of College Station utilizes the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) which assumes a 7% employee contribution, 14% city match, and employees are fully vested in 5 years at which time the employee will qualify for the City’s matching fund ratio upon retirement. Employees may retire at any age with 20 years of service or at age 60 with 5 years of service.
What type of benefits do you offer?
Please review our Compensation & Benefits section of the website for more information.
Do you have language incentive pay?
The City of College Station does provide incentive pay for those who show proficiency in a foreign language. View the Compensation & Benefits section of our web site for more information on this incentive.
What specialized units do you have?
The College Station Police Department has numerous specialized units.
We have opportunities in the following areas:
• Criminal Investigations Division
• Recruiting and Training Division
• Traffic Unit - Motorcycles
• Community Enhancement Unit
• College Station Tourism and Entertainment Police - Bicycles
• SWAT
• Bomb Squad
• Hostage Negotiation Team
• Crisis Intervention Team
• Joint Terrorist Task Force
• Crime Scene
• Honor Guard
• Corporal Position
• K9 Division
When is a new officer eligible for a specialized assignment?
Normally, officers are required to work for our agency for two years before they are eligible to request an assignment to a specialized unit. On occasion, the Chief will make exceptions for special circumstances.
Do patrol officers work 8, 10 or 12-hour shifts?
The College Station Police Department utilizes 10 and 12-hour shifts for its patrol officers. Night and day shift officers work 12 hour shifts. Evening shift officers work 10 hour shifts.
Does the department have a tattoo policy?
Yes, tattoos on the hands, face, neck, or head are prohibited. Tattoos are authorized and do not need to be covered unless they display an offensive design, logo, or wording. Any tattoos that could be considered adverse or contrary to the mission and values of the CSPD are prohibited. Examples of prohibited tattoos are gang or drug related tattoos, tattoos displaying sexual, racial, religious, or ethnic intolerances, or tattoos displaying derogatory designs, logos, or wording. If you have any questions about the tattoo policy or prohibited tattoos contact cspdrecruiting@cstx.gov.
Are beards permitted for officers?
Yes, beards are authorized for all employees of the College Station Police Department.
I'm in the military, what should I know?
The City of College Station employees many members of military guard and reserves. Military leave is available for city employees to meet their drill and annual training requirements. Military members and veterans can also use their GI Bill while attending the academy, during field training, and while on probation. Contact the recruiter for more information.
What promotional opportunities are available?
• Sergeant
• Lieutenant
• Assistant Chief
• Chief of Police
The City of College Station is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Veteran Friendly Employer