Fort Worth has a population of over 1 million residents and ranks as the 11th-largest city in the United States, making it one of the fastest-growing large cities in the country.1 Located within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, it is a major hub for commerce and employment in North Texas. The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) employs over 1,700 sworn officers serving a jurisdiction of approximately 350 square miles.2 Men and women interested in joining the FWPD will find information on the application, selection, and training process below.

Fort Worth Police Officer Requirements

To join the FWPD, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:2

  • Be at least 21 years of age by the date of academy entrance
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Have no felony convictions or disqualifying misdemeanor convictions
  • Meet the department’s physical and psychological fitness standards

Qualified candidates begin the selection process with a written examination and the Physical Resiliency Assessment (PRA), which tests strength and endurance through a series of timed exercises including rowing, push-ups, sit-ups, and a timed run. Those who advance move through a polygraph examination, an oral board interview, and a comprehensive background investigation covering criminal history, employment, credit, and driving records. A medical examination and psychological evaluation complete the screening process. Candidates who pass all phases receive a conditional offer to enroll in the next FWPD Police Academy class. For more information about becoming a law enforcement officer in a big city like Fort Worth, check out 10 Steps to Becoming a Police Officer on the how-to-become-a-police-officer.com home page. To view current openings and apply, visit the FWPD recruiting site.

Fort Worth Police Academy

The FWPD Police Academy is a 34-week, full-time training program held at the department’s training facility in Fort Worth.4 Recruits cover Texas criminal law and procedure, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, and cultural awareness, with daily physical conditioning integrated throughout the program. Instruction combines classroom sessions, scenario-based exercises, and hands-on simulations designed to prepare officers for the demands of patrol work. After graduating from the academy, new officers complete field training under experienced supervision before assuming full patrol responsibilities.

Salary, Benefits, and Jobs Outlook

During academy training, FWPD police trainees earn $5,460 per month.3 Upon commissioning as a sworn officer, base pay follows the step scale below, reflecting the FY2026 pay schedule effective January 2026.4

StepService TimeAnnual Base Salary
1Entry$78,358
21st Year$82,262
32nd Year$86,385
43rd Year$90,694
54th Year$93,523
66th Year$95,854
78th Year$98,246
810th Year$100,700
912th Year$104,447
1014th Year$109,857

Officers are also eligible for a range of incentive pay. Education incentive pay is available after one year of service: $60 per month for an associate degree, $180 per month for a bachelor’s degree, and $240 per month for a master’s degree. Officers who demonstrate fluency in an approved second language may receive up to $125 per month in bilingual pay. State TCOLE intermediate certification adds $30 per month; advanced certification adds $60 per month. A 6% shift differential applies to all hours worked between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., and officers receive a $325 annual uniform allowance.3

Benefits include medical and dental coverage, life insurance, paid vacation starting at three weeks annually, 15 days of sick leave per year, nine paid holidays plus two personal holidays, and a four-day work week (four 10-hour shifts) for most officers. All officers participate in a city-supported retirement fund.3

Texas employment of police and sheriff’s patrol officers is projected to grow 11% from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 5,460 positions opening each year on average, according to Projections Central.5 In the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area, the mean annual wage for police and sheriff’s patrol officers was $87,150 as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.6 To view open Fort Worth police officer listings, visit our jobs board.

Career Advancement at FWPD

All FWPD officers begin their careers in patrol. After two years of service, officers may sit for the Corporal promotional examination, which is administered through the civil service process. Promotion to Sergeant requires a minimum of five years of service; Lieutenant requires seven years; and Captain requires nine years. Under the FY2026 pay schedule, Corporals earn between approximately $99,764 and $121,268 annually; Sergeants earn between approximately $116,681 and $133,626; Lieutenants between approximately $135,054 and $147,313; and Captains between approximately $154,527 and $162,391.4

Officers may also pursue specialty unit assignments after gaining experience on patrol. Available units include SWAT, K-9, the Gang Unit, Narcotics, Criminal Investigations, Digital Forensics, the Crisis Intervention Team, Air Support, and the Mounted Patrol, among more than 60 specialized units across the department.3

Cities and Police Departments Near Fort Worth

Approximately 16,120 police and sheriff’s patrol officers are employed in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area, with a mean annual wage of $87,150, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.6 Officers in the region can also explore opportunities with the Arlington Police Department, the Dallas Police Department, the Grapevine Police Department, and the Irving Police Department. For more information about police departments across the state, see our Texas page.

Additional Resources

FWPD Contact

References:
1. US Census Bureau, Vintage 2024 Population Estimates, Fort Worth city, Texas: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/fortworthcitytexas/PST045224
2. FWPD Recruiting, Police Officer Requirements: https://joinfwpd.com/police-officer-requirements/
3. FWPD Recruiting, Police Officer Pay & Benefits: https://joinfwpd.com/police-officer-pay-benefits/
4. FWPD Recruiting, FY2025–2028 Police Pay Table: https://joinfwpd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fy25-28-police-pay-table-1.pdf
5. Projections Central via O*NET Online, Texas Employment Trends, Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers (2022–2032): https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/33-3051.00?st=TX
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas: https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/0019100