Oklahoma City Police Department Officer Requirements

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Staff Writers Contributing Writer
Updated October 14, 2020

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About 1,170 sworn officers work for the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD), which covers a jurisdiction of approximately 700 square miles.1 The department works cooperatively with the community and other government organizations to control and combat crime within the Oklahoma City metro. Besides road and neighborhood patrol, the OKCPD maintains bike, airport, helicopter, motorcycle, and lake patrol units as well as various units devoted to specialty investigations.

Steps to Becoming a OKCPD Officer

  1. Meet the minimum qualifications for prospective officers (see below).
  2. Submit an application in person at the Oklahoma City Police Training Center.
  3. Participate in a test day, which includes a physical fitness evaluation and a written aptitude test.
  4. Complete and submit a personal history booklet and questionnaire.
  5. Complete a personality assessment and preliminary psychological evaluation.
  6. Pass the polygraph exam and background investigation.
  7. Appear for an oral board interview.
  8. Pass the medical exam.
  9. Complete a psychological assessment.
  10. Complete police academy training.
  11. Complete four months of field training and experience.
  12. Begin working as a sworn OKCPD officer.

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How to Become an Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Police Officer

The Oklahoma City Police Department requires all prospective police recruits who meet the requirements outlined below to go through an extensive selection process, beginning with completing an application that must be submitted in person at the Oklahoma City Police Training Center. Selected applicants will go through the hiring process in stages, completing a physical fitness test, an academy aptitude exam, a psychological evaluation, at least one personal interview, and a medical examination. Candidates must also pass an extensive background investigation.

Candidates who successfully pass each phase may be offered employment as police recruits and will begin 28 weeks of police academy training, which is followed by four months of field training and experience. OKCPD police recruits earn a salary during their training and will be provided with all necessary equipment, including uniforms.

Oklahoma City Police Officer Job Description

Oklahoma City police officers are sworn to protect the citizens and the property of Oklahoma City. Officers enforce local laws, detain criminals, and assist prosecutors in pursuing cases in court. New recruits are typically assigned to patrol duties. Patrol officers with the OKCPD work ten-hour shifts with eight days on and six days off. More experienced police officers who have a minimum of three years of experience with the department may work in a specialized unit such as the helicopter unit, the motorcycle unit, the crime scenes investigation unit, or the bomb squad.

Oklahoma City Police Officer Training, Prerequisites, and Education Requirements

All applicants to the Oklahoma City Police Department must meet certain prerequisites, which include being a citizen of the United States, being between 21 and 45 years old, holding a valid driver's license, and possessing good moral character and emotional stability. Candidates must also possess a high school diploma or GED and successfully pass all stages of the screening process.

Selected recruits will complete 28 weeks of training at the Oklahoma City Police Training Center followed by a four-month field training program. Training prepares police officers for all aspects of their jobs and focuses on such topics as criminal law, constitutional law, first aid, minority relations, self-defense, and firearms training. Upon successful completion of three years of service with the Oklahoma City Police Department, police officers may opt to apply for special assignments.

Oklahoma City Police Officer Salary and Job Outlook

About 2,040 police officers work in Oklahoma City, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.2 Recruits earn a starting salary of $43,388 while in training.1 After graduation from the academy and completion of field training, the base salary for Oklahoma City police officers is $52,972.1 The Oklahoma City Police Department encourages officers to continue their education; officers are eligible for tuition reimbursement as well as education incentives for completing a college degree. All officers receive competitive paid time off as well as health and life insurance benefits and are eligible for a retirement pension after 20 years of service.

Contact Information

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/okcpd?fref=ts
Twitter: @okcpd

Oklahoma City Police Department
219 E Main St
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
https://www.okc.gov/departments/police

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Oklahoma City Police Department hiring?

Do you need a college degree to work for the OKC Police Department?

How much do police officers in Oklahoma City make?

References:
1. Oklahoma City Police Department: https://www.okc.gov/departments/police/recruiting/pay-scale-and-benefits
2. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Oklahoma City: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_36420.htm

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