Question 1

What are the age requirements to join?

Accepted Answer

All applicants must be between 21 and 45 years old. The state pension board
requires applicants begin the academy before their 46th birthday.

Question 2

Do I have to have a college degree?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All applicants must possess a 4-year degree from an accredited college or university and be a U.S. citizen.

Question 3

Can I get hired even if I have a police record?

Accepted Answer

All applicants will undergo a police background check before being hired. Any person with a felony conviction or a conviction for a crime of moral turpitude is ineligible for employment with the Tulsa Police Department.   Convictions for misdemeanor crimes other than those involving moral turpitude will not automatically eliminate you from the process. Considerations include: the crime(s) committed; when it occurred; your age at the time; the relationship between the crime and your position as a police officer.   Remember police records never go away, so be straightforward on your application. Examples of offenses which have been declared by the courts to involve moral turpitude are theft, burglary, tax evasion, forgery, perjury, bribery, sale of narcotics, etc. These will also be reviewed on a case-by-case basis using the above factors.

Question 4

Does prior experience in policing help my chances?

Accepted Answer

While having a prior work history is an asset to an applicant, having prior police experience does not make one candidate more favorable over another.

Question 5

If I have a Master's Degree or higher level education, will I receive additional education incentive pay?"

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will receive $100 per month stipend for a Bachelor's Degree and $150 per month stipend for a Master's Degree.

Question 6

​How often can I interview for the Police Department?

Accepted Answer

Candidates will only be allowed to sit for the structured oral interview once every 6 (six) months.

Question 7

How long is the hiring process?

Accepted Answer

From the time of application through the start of Academy, the hiring process usually takes 6 to 8 months.

Question 8

As an out-of-state applicant, how many trips will I be expected to make during the application process?"

Accepted Answer

We try to get all mandatory testing out of the way for out-of-state applicants in one day.

Question 9

When I test, will I take both the written and physical exam?"

Accepted Answer

Yes. The physical exam will be administered first followed by the written. Study guides will be provided prior to testing.

Question 10

What do I need to do to take the written exam?

Accepted Answer

See the full application process here.

Question 11

How many questions are on the written exam and how long will the written exam take?

Accepted Answer

There are a total of 240 items on the written exam with a 2½-hour time limit for completion. In addition, other information and instructions will be distributed. Applicants should plan on being at the testing facility for at least four hours from the report time.

Question 12

Is there a fee to take the entry-level exam?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no cost to take the entry-level written exam.

Question 13

​If I do not pass the written exam, how soon may I re-test?"

Accepted Answer

Any person who does not pass the written exam may re-test after six months.

Question 14

Do I have to re-take the written exam if I'm not hired?

Accepted Answer

No. Your written exam score is valid for two years.

Question 15

Can I re-take the exam in order to get a higher score?

Accepted Answer

A person may re-take the written exam if they were passed over during an Academy selection process.

Question 16

How many people will be hired in the next academy?

Accepted Answer

The size and frequency of the academy classes are determined by the City of Tulsa's annual budget.

Question 17

Where is the Tulsa Police Academy?

Accepted Answer

The Tulsa Police Academy is located at 6066 East 66th St North in Tulsa.

Question 18

How long is the Tulsa Police Academy?

Accepted Answer

The Tulsa Police Department Apprentice Police Officer (APO) Academy lasts approximately 7 months.

Question 19

What if I'm already a police officer, do I still need to attend the Academy?"

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since Tulsa does not have a lateral entry program, you must successfully complete the normal hiring process and academy training, as would any other police recruit.

Question 20

If hired, do I have to pay for the training?"

Accepted Answer

No. The training is free. In fact, you receive a salary and benefits during your time in the Academy. See current salaries here.

Question 21

Is a clothing and an equipment allowance given?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The first clothing and equipment allowance provided to an employee after completion of the Tulsa Police Academy shall be $850. Each subsequent year thereafter the clothing allowance shall be $850. (Per FOP Contract)

Question 22

What hours am I required to be at the Academy?

Accepted Answer

APOs normally report to training Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., although hours may vary due to training requirements.

Question 23

Will I receive a take-home car?

Accepted Answer

All Tulsa Police Officers are allowed to take their TPD vehicle home for free, provided they live within Tulsa city limits. For those officers who live outside of the Tulsa city limits, but within a forty (40) mile radius of the center of the Tulsa (41st & Yale), can still take their vehicles home for a nominal fee. (Per FOP Contract).

Question 24

What shifts do patrol officers work?

Accepted Answer

Currently, officers work either four (4) ten-hour or five (5) eight-hour shifts weekly. Specialty units and detectives may work five (5) eight-hour shifts, depending on their assignments.

Question 25

How does a Ride-Along work?

Accepted Answer

Click here for all Ride-Along information.

Question 26

What is the Pre-Hire Program?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the budget allocated from the City of Tulsa, the Tulsa Police Department offers a number of sucessful Academy applicants "pre-hire" positions with TPD, functioning as a civilian. This is an opportunity for the pre-hire to gain valuable exposure to the department prior to the start of the Academy. The pre-hire slots are competetive and based on candidate background, skillset, and availability, as well as the current needs of the department. Pre-hires typically begin employment anywhere from 2 to 3 months prior to the start of their Academy class.

Question 27

Does TPD have an internship program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TPD's internship is a competetive program that provides selected applicants with the opportunity to support the Tulsa Police Department in a civilian capacity, while learning how police work is done. For more information, visit our TPD Internship page.

Question 28

Where can I learn about the Tulsa Citizen's Police Academy?

Accepted Answer

Click here to learn about the Tulsa Citizen's Police Academy.

Question 29

What is the "Women in Policing" program?"

Accepted Answer

Click here to learn about TPD's Women in Policing program.

Question 30

What is TPD's policy for tattoos?

Accepted Answer

Tattoos cannot be visible while wearing a class "A", long-sleeve uniform.

Question 31

What is TPD's policy on recruit facial hair?

Accepted Answer

No facial hair.

TPD FAQ

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