1. Are there residency requirements to work for the Mesquite Police Department:
No. Mesquite Officers do not have residency requirements. However, we do offer up to a $2,500 relocation reimbursement if you relocate within the city limits of Mesquite. Contact us for more information.
2. What are the steps in the hiring process?
Online application, written civil service exam, physical agility test, polygraph, oral board, background, job offer which would be contingent upon passing a psychological evaluation and physical.
3. As an out of state applicant, how many trips will I need to make to Mesquite during the hiring process?
For most applicants, two to three visits will be sufficient.
4. Is the Mesquite Police Department civil service?
Yes, we are a civil service agency under Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code.
5. How long is the police academy?
The police academy lasts approximately 6 months.
6. I have failed the written or physical agility test in the past, can I test again?
Yes, you are eligible to test two times per calendar year.
7. What are some of the career opportunities available in the Mesquite Police Department?
All police officers must be off probation before they are eligible for other duty assignments. Other assignments may include Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Investigations, Background Investigator, Field Training Officer, School Resource Officers, L.E.T.S Officer, Traffic Enforcement, Accident Investigation, Tactical Team, Hostage Negotiation Team, Narcotics, K-9, Special Response Team, Bicycle Unit, Deployment Unit, and DWI Unit.
We routinely participate in task forces with multiple state and federal partners, including DEA, ATF, US Marshals, and the US Secret Service.
Civil Service promotional opportunities include Sergeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief.
8. What is your tattoo policy?
Tattoos deemed offensive will not be allowed to be visible. No tattoos shall be visible on the neck, face, head, or hand areas without approval by the Chief of Police or his designee.
9. What is your policy on facial hair?
Beards and mustaches are allowed within departmental parameters.
10. What are the typical hours an officer works?
Our patrol officers work 10-hour shifts, four days a week. Days off and duty assignment depend on seniority.
11. How many sworn officers are there in the Mesquite Police Department?
The Mesquite Police Department has an authorized manpower of 255 sworn officers.
12. Are officers allowed to take their squad cars home?
Depending on seniority and vehicle availability, officers who live in the city of Mesquite are allowed to take their assigned vehicle home.
13. What is the average length of time to complete your hiring process?
From the date you take the civil service test to the date you are offered a job, averages about 2 to 3 months. However, your start date would depend on the start date of the next scheduled academy class.
14. Do you offer incentive pay for having a degree or being bilingual?
Incentive pay is offered for associates, bachelors, and master’s degrees. Incentive pay is also offered for bilingual employees who pass the required testing to be certified to read, write and/or speak a non-English language.
15. Do you offer shift differential pay?
Yes, certain shifts receive differential pay.
16. What is the starting salary for lateral officers?
Lateral entry salary is based on years of service and department size. Please contact our office for more information.
17. Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen to be employed as a Mesquite Police Officer?
Yes. TCOLE requires all officers to be a U. S. Citizen
18. Can I still be a police officer if I have been convicted of a felony?
No. TCOLE will not license individuals as a peace officer if they have a felony conviction. See link for State licensing requirements.
19. Five years ago, I was convicted of a class B misdemeanor offense. Am I still eligible to apply?
No. TCOLE will not certify you as a peace officer if you have been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years.
Or if you have been on court-ordered community supervision or probation for a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order.
20. Ten years ago, I was convicted of an offense involving family violence. Am I still eligible to apply?
No. TCOLE will not certify you as a peace officer. if you have ever been convicted or placed on community supervision in any court of an offense involving family violence as defined under Chapter 71, Texas Family Code.
Or if you are currently charged with any criminal offense for which conviction would be a bar to licensure. Please click here for more information.