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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.

2. 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.

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. How long does the hiring process take?

The length of the process is dependent on where you place on the eligibility list. The higher on the list you are, the quicker you may be processed. From one test it generally takes three to four months to complete processing for all applicants.

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

The academy is approximately five months long, and will be adjusted whenever TCOLE, the state licensing agency, changes the requirements. 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.

6. Do I get paid while attending the police academy?

Yes. If you are selected for hire, we pay all costs of the academy, provide you with necessary gear and equipment and pay you during the academy. Once you graduate from the academy, you receive an increase in pay, moving to Officer Step 1 pay. On each annual anniversary date you move up one step in the pay scale.

7. If I’m a certified officer, do you have a lateral entry program?

If your certification is from another Texas agency, you would bypass the academy and enter directly into our Recruit Training Academy to familiarize yourself with our policies, computers, paperwork etc., and then move on to the field training program. You may have the opportunity to come in at a higher step in the pay scale, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis. If you are certified out-of-state, you are required to attend the police academy, which we would pay for and place you on payroll at a higher rate than a recruit.

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

Officers are required to be employed for at least two years before being assessed for any specialized unit.