Recruiting
Police Officer & Reserve Officer Requirements
What are the basic requirements for a Bedford Police Officer or Reserve Officer?
- U.S. Citizen
- Minimum age: 21 (at the time of certification)
- High school graduate or G.E.D. certificate AND a minimum of 30 hours of college credit from an accredited college (college requirement is waived if certified peace officer or with three years military experience with an honorable discharge)
- Texas Drivers License (or able to obtain a Texas Drivers License)
- Good physical condition
- Vision correctable to 20/20
- Good moral character
- No felony convictions
- No misdemeanor convictions involving moral character or perjury
- Never been convicted of an offense ABOVE the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years
- Currently not under indictment for any criminal offense
- Never been convicted of any family violence offense
- Not prohibited by state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle
- Not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition
- Never been discharged from any military service under less than honorable conditions including, specifically:
| A. | under other than honorable conditions; |
| B. | bad conduct |
| C. | dishonorable; or |
| D. | any other characterization of service indicating bad character |
What is involved in the recruiting process?
The first step would be to complete a Job Interest Card. A Job Interest Card can be printed or you can pick one up at the Police Department, located at 2121 L. Don Dodson Drive. You will then be notified when we have an opening and of the test date for the Fitness Assessment.
Other steps in the process include: a thorough background investigation, an initial interview, a written test and an oral board. If an applicant is successful to this point, they must also pass a polygraph exam, psychological exam, a complete medical exam and a drug screen.
What is the current salary of a Bedford Police Officer?
For applicants with NO prior experience:
Start: $45,138 Annually up to $53,981 after 36 months
For applicants WITH prior experience (at least 2 years):
Start: $47,300 Annually up to $53,981 after 18 months
The Bedford Police Department participates in a progressive Step pay program (based on years of service) for certified officers
| 1 Year | $45,138 Annually |
| 18 Months/Police Officer II (testing required) | $49,418 Annually |
| 24 Months | $51,644 Annually |
| 36 Months | $53,981 Annually |
| 36+ Months - Merit and/or Cost of Living System |
What are the Fitness Standards?
| Test | Minimum |
| 1 1/2 mile run | 16:28 |
| 300 Meter Run | 1:11 |
| Push-ups (1 minute) | 25 |
| Sit-ups (1 minute) | 29 |