The following is an outline of the Police Officer hiring process for the Big Spring Police Department.  Each stage must be successfully completed before proceeding to the next stage.  Please note, 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 the relative skills and capacity of each applicant.  Applicants must pass all four sections of the exam with a 70% or above.    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 in order to gain admittance into the testing site.

Phase 3:  Physical Agility Test

We encourage you to physically prepare for this test prior to any attempt and recommend that you consult a physician prior to undertaking 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 it's 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 you will find 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 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/policy will be needed from insurance agent 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 about the applicant from the application and 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:  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 7:  Polygraph Examination

Polygraph examinations are performed on all candidates to ensure truthfulness.

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. It is important to report on time to these appointments. If you wear glasses or contacts, please make sure to bring them to your appointment.  All candidates will also undergo pre-employment drug testing during the medical examination.

Phase 9:  Final Review and Chief of Police Approval

Pending the successful completion of all the previous phases, your application file will go through a final review process and be submitted to the Chief of Police for final 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 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%.