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1. How do I apply for a police officer position?

We post all testing announcements on our website.  At the time applications are being accepted there will be an application link available, otherwise it will state we are not hiring at that time, and a job interest link will be available to complete and then you'll be notified of upcoming test dates.

2. How long does the hiring process take?

The length of the process is dependent on many factors, but generally it takes three to four months to complete processing for all applicants.

3. What if I am not certified? Can I still apply?

Absolutely. We hire both certified and non-certified. Those non-certified candidates will be placed in an academy to acquire certification.

4. Do I have to pay for the academy? Will I get paid while attending the academy?

We will pay the academy tuition, provide you with all the necessary gear and equipment and also pay you during the academy.  If you are non-certified while attending the academy once you graduate, you will receive an increase in pay, moving from Recruit pay to Officer Step 1 pay.  On each annual anniversary date, you move up one step in the pay scale.  

5. If I'm a Texas certified officer, do you have a lateral entry program?

Yes.  You would still complete all the steps in our hiring selection process.  However, if you have a current certification from another Texas agency, you would bypass the academy and enter directly into our Recruit Training Academy to familiarize yourself with our policies, procedures and paperwork etc., and then move on to the field training program.  You may be eligible to begin employment at a higher step in the pay scale, based on your years of service.  Please find our step pay plan under the Salary & Benefits tab. 

6. What if I'm a certified officer from another state, will I need to attend the academy?

You are still required to complete all the steps in the hiring selection process, however you may be eligible for our lateral program which allows you to come in at a higher step in the pay scale, based on years of full-time law enforcement experience.  Each candidate will also be evaluated on a case-by-case basis of whether you can bypass the academy and attend our lateral Supplemental Peace Officer Course to challenge the state exam and receive in-house training or if it is necessary to attend an academy in which we pay for.  

7. As an out-of-state applicant, how many trips will I need to make to complete the hiring process?

Generally a total of two trips would be required, however, with other variables that must be considered, we can't guarantee it can all be scheduled within two trips, but we try our best.

8. If I'm hired, how long is the academy and other training?

The academy is approximately six months long. Once recruits have graduated the academy they are placed in the MPD Recruit Training Academy, which is more in depth to our agency specifics and lasts approximately six weeks. Recruits then enter into the field training program which lasts 12 weeks unless remedial training is necessary.

9. Can I still turn in my Personal History Statement if I don't have all of my required documents?

We understand that some of the required documents that are listed in the packet may be difficult to get or time consuming.  If a document is not readily accessible to you or you need to request for a document to be sent, you will just indicate in your PHS that the document has been requested and then once it is received we will add it to your packet.  However, items such as copies of your driver license and vehicle insurance should be readily accessible and will need to be included, otherwise your packet can be disqualified due to being incomplete.  

10. Is it possible to do a ride along with a McKinney Police Officer if I'm in the application process?

Yes, we highly encourage candidates to research the department, to include a ride along, to help better understand the position and agency.  Once you are an active applicant in the process, contact a recruiter for more information on how to schedule a ride along. 

11. Are there any residency requirements to work for the McKinney Police Department?

No, we do not have any residency requirements. 

12. What is the McKinney Police Department's policy on tattoos?

Tattoos, body art, temporary tattoos, or branding that displays any obscene, sectarian, extremist, racist or offensive design, logo, or wording which is likely to give the impression that an employee may not impartially discharge their duty or detracts from a uniform professional appearance is prohibited.

No tattoos, body art, temporary tattoos, or branding of any kind will be visible on the hands or above the collar line of the Class “A” uniform shirt.

Smaller tattoos may be covered with inconspicuous coverings such as adhesive bandages or with black or skin toned spandex type cover-ups.

Larger tattoos must be covered in their entirety, including forearm or arm length tattoos. The wearing of a long sleeve to accomplish this is acceptable.

13. How do I get into specialized units like Criminal Investigations, Narcotics or SWAT?

Officers will begin their career in the Patrol Division, and then are required to be employed for at least two years before being able to assess for any specialized unit.  SWAT is an ancillary duty in conjunction with your primary assignment, and can be assessed for upon openings and eligibility.