Application Process

Become a Police Officer with the Palestine Police Department

We are currently accepting lateral transfers.

This page will guide you through the process of applying to take the Civil Service Exam, but first, make sure that you meet the minimum requirements. 

Check when the next test date will take place. If the date posted has already passed, then there is no tentative date for the next exam. As soon as a new test is scheduled, it will be posted on the Human Resource Career page.

You have several options for applying: Apply Online, Print and Submit Via Email, Print, and Submit Via Postal Mail, or Submit in Person. Regardless of the method in which you submit the application, you must print out the pre-employment inquiry release (PDF) and have it notarized and submitted prior to taking the exam. You WILL NOT be allowed to take the exam without this form.

Apply Online

You have the option to Apply Online, but you must print out the Pre-Employment Inquiry Release (PDF), fill it out, and have it notarized. You must turn in this form prior to the day of the exam. You will not be allowed to take the exam without the notarized form.  

Submit Via Email

Fill out the Employment Application (PDF) and Pre-Employment Inquiry Release (PDF). Have the Pre-Employment Inquiry Release notarized.
You will need to digitally sign the employment application. There are many options available to do this, including the free Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.

Email the completed and digitally signed Employment Application to the Civil Service Director, Lisa Cariker. Do not email the Pre-Employment Inquiry Release. The Pre-Employment Inquiry Release must be notarized and you must submit it prior to taking the Civil Service Exam. You will not be allowed to take the exam without the notarized form. 

If applicable, you may also email a copy of your DD214 and your TCOLE Certification.

Submit Via Mail

Mail both the Employment Application and the notarized Pre-Employment Inquiry Release to City Hall: 

Palestine City Hall
504 N Queen Street
Palestine, TX 75801

You may also mail a copy of your DD214 and your TCOLE Certification, if applicable. Copies must be received by the assigned deadline to be considered.

Submit in Person

Drop off both the Employment Application and the notarized Pre-Employment Inquiry Release at:

Palestine Police Department
511 N John Street
Palestine, TX 75801 

You may also bring a copy of your DD214 and your TCOLE Certification, if applicable. Copies must be received by the assigned deadline to be considered.

Civil Service Exam & Physical Agility Test

Your received application confirms that you are scheduled to take the exam. You will not be contacted. It is your responsibility to verify your paperwork has been received. Call 903-731-8421 to verify that your packet has been received.

Study for the Exam

Purchase a study guide and a practice test from Apply to Serve.

Physical Agility Test

Civil Service Exam

Verify the date, time, and location of the exam. You must arrive on time with appropriate identification. Failure to provide proper identification means you will not be able to take the exam.

If you pass the written exam, you will take the physical agility test immediately following the exam on the same date. We must have received a physical, notarized copy of the Pre-Employment Inquiry Release or you will not be able to continue to the next step.

Congratulations! If you passed the Civil Service Exam and the Physical Agility Test, then you are ready to move on to the next step.

Next Steps

If you

  • Pass the oral board
  • Pass the background investigation
  • Pass the polygraph test
  • Pass the psychological exam

You will receive a conditional job offer.

You must then

  • Pass a medical exam
  • Pass a drug screening
  • Submit your fingerprints to the state for licensing

Police Academy

Once you have passed all of the criteria listed above, you must attend and pass the Police Academy.

Good luck and we look forward to having you as part of our team!