The following is an outline of the Police Officer hiring process for the Big Spring Police Department.  Each stage must be completed successfully before proceeding to the next.  Please note that the application process will take up to 90 days to complete. Out-of-town/state applicants will be required to travel to Big Spring in order to complete the testing and hiring process.

Phase 1:  Preliminary Application

To be considered for employment with the Big Spring Police Department, a candidate must complete the online application. The application must contain truthful and complete responses.  

Phase 2:  Written Examination

Applicants will be notified by email if they are eligible to progress to the written examination. The written examination is designed to test each applicant's relative skills and capacity.  Applicants must pass all four sections of the exam with a score of 70% or higher.   Applicants who pass the written examination will advance to the Physical Agility Test.  The written examination takes approximately two (2) hours.  On the test date, applicants must present a valid photo ID to gain admittance to the testing site.

Phase 3:  Physical Agility Test

Please prepare physically for this test before attempting it, and consult a physician before starting any rigorous training program. If you do not believe you are able to pass this test, you should not submit your application until you feel you can meet all of the physical agility requirements.  Physical Agility Testing will take approximately one to two hours, as needed.  Click here to view an outline of the Physical Agility Test.

Phase 4:  Personal History Questionnaire, Signature Pages, and Required Documents

Applicants who pass the Physical Agility Test will be given a packet containing the Personal History Questionnaire, signature pages, and a list of required documents. The Personal History Statement must be completed in its entirety.  The signature pages must be completed and notarized.  The completed Personal History Statement and signature pages must be returned to the Human Resources Department, along with the required documents, within the time frame established by the department.  

Below is the list of required documents.  Copies must be of the original document and should not be enlarged or reduced (except for copies of college degrees larger than 8½” x 11”). Small documents, like social security cards and driver’s licenses, should be centered in the middle of the page.  All documents must reflect the name and date of birth as shown on your birth certificate or marriage license. 

• Original certified birth certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. 
• Original high school diploma, certified high school transcript, or GED.
• Certified college transcript from each college attended (sealed originals).
• Original college degree, if applicable.
• Original naturalization papers, if applicable.
• Original U.S. Military DD-214 (member 4 or service 2) for all past and current active duty status, if applicable. 
• Original U.S. Military NGB-22 for all past and current active duty status, if applicable. 
• Original Divorce Petition and Final Divorce Decree, if applicable.
• Valid driver's license with current address or receipt for change of address or renewal. 
• Original social security card or receipt for duplicate request; must have the correct spelling of your name, and if married, it must have your married name.
• Original proof of auto liability insurance. Must be current and reflect your name as insured. If not, a letter or policy from the insurance agent will be needed stating you are covered.
• TCOLE Peace Officer’s License or other state license, if applicable.
• Printed copy of the completed Personal History Statement

Phase 5:  Oral Board Interview

Applicants who successfully complete entry-level testing will be required to appear before a panel of department staff for the Oral Board Interview. The interview will cover information learned from the application and the Personal History Statement. The applicant will also be asked questions designed to demonstrate certain knowledge, skills, and abilities considered basic for effective performance as a police officer with the Big Spring Police Department.  Professional business attire is required.  The Oral Board Interview will take approximately two hours.

Phase 6:  Polygraph Examination

Polygraph examinations are performed on all candidates to ensure truthfulness.

Phase 7:  Background Investigation

An extensive background investigation will be conducted on your personal, family, financial, employment, credit, and residential history.  The background investigation is conducted to establish evidence of good moral character, a well-adjusted personality, and a pattern of conduct acceptable to the Big Spring Police Department.  The background investigation will take approximately two to four weeks.

Phase 8:  Medical/Psychological Examination

The review is designed to assess the candidate's physical, mental, and emotional fitness to function successfully as a Big Spring Police Officer.  You will be scheduled for a medical and a psychological examination. Please report on time to these appointments. If you wear glasses or contacts, please bring them to your appointment.  All candidates will also undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the medical examination.

Phase 9:  Final Review and Chief of Police Approval

Upon the successful completion of all previous phases, your application file will undergo a final review and be submitted to the Chief of Police for approval.  Placement into the Police Training Academy is contingent upon passing all recruiting phases and the availability of positions in academy classes.  

New Employee Orientation/Probationary Period

New employees must complete orientation on their first day of work. Police Officers must complete a probationary period of twelve (12) months.  For non-certified Police Officers, this twelve (12) month period begins after completion of the academy and receipt of the TCOLE Peace Officer certification.

Firearms

Applicants who successfully complete the applicant process will be required to pass a course established by department guidelines with a score of 80%.