Recruiting FAQ
You can call the recruiters (see www.joinTPD.com for phone
numbers) or apply on line. A recruiter will call you once your
online application is processed.
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1. How
long is the Tulsa Police Academy?
The Tulsa Police Department Apprentice
Police Officer (APO) Academy lasts
approximately 25 weeks. The Academy is located at 6066 East 66th St
North in Tulsa. APOs normally report to training Monday through
Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., although hours may vary due to
training requirements. Back to top.
2. What if I'm already a police
officer? Do I still need to attend the Academy?
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. Back to top.
3. Does
prior experience in policing help my chances?
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. In addition, all
applicants must possess a 4-year degree from an accredited college
or university and be a U.S. citizen. Back to
top.
4. Can I get
hired even if I have a police record?
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. Back to top.
5. If
hired, do I have to pay for the training?
No. The training is free. In fact, you
receive a salary and benefits during your
time in the Academy. Academy salary is $39,767. The salary upon
graduation
is $43,744. (Salary figures as of January 1, 2009 FOP Contract) Back to top.
6. Is
a clothing and an equipment allowance given?
Yes. The first clothing and equipment
allowance provided to an employee
after completion of the Tulsa Police Academy shall be $675. Each
subsequent
year thereafter the clothing allowance shall be $625. (Per FOP
Contract)
Back to top.
7. What is
the age requirement?
All applicants must be between 21 and
45 years old. The state pension board
requires applicants begin the academy before their 46th birthday.
Back to top.
8. If I have a
Master's Degree or higher level education, will I receive
additional education incentive pay?
Yes. You will receive $100 per month
stipend for a Bachelor's Degree and
$150 per month stipend for a Master's Degree. Back to top.
9. Will I
receive a take-home car?
All sworn Tulsa Police personnel
assigned a vehicle shall be allowed to drive
the assigned vehicle to their residence provided they live within
the Tulsa city limits. (Per FOP Contract) Back to top.
10. Is
there a fee to take the entry-level exam?
No. There is no cost to take the
entry-level written exam. Back to
top.
11. When I test, will I take both
the written and physical exam?
Yes. The physical exam will be
administered first followed by the written.
Study guides and test descriptions are located on our web site
at
www.joinTPD.com
Back to top.
12. How many questions are on the written
exam and how long will the written exam take?
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. Back to top.
13. What shifts do
patrol officers work?
Currently, officers work four (4)
ten-hour shifts weekly. Specialty units and
detectives may work five (5) eight-hour shifts, depending on their
assignments. Back to top.
14. If I do not pass the
written exam, how soon may I re-test?
Any person who does not pass the
written exam may re-test after six months. Back to top.
15. Can I re-take the exam in
order to get a higher score?
A person may re-take the written exam
if they were passed over during an
Academy selection process. Back to top.
16. Do I have to re-take
the written exam if I'm not hired?
No. Your written exam score is valid
for two years. Back to top.
17. How often
can I interview for the Police Department?
Candidates will only be allowed to sit
for the structured oral interview once
every 6 (six) months. Back to top.
18. How many
people will be hired in the next academy?
The size and frequency of the academy
classes are determined by the City of
Tulsa's annual budget. Back to top.
19. What do I
need to do to take the written exam?
You can call the recruiters (see www.joinTPD.com for phone
numbers) or
apply on line. A recruiter will call you once your online
application is processed.
Back to
top.
