How long do I have to work in patrol before becoming a criminal investigator, a sergeant or assigned to any other section?

Most police officers spend several years in patrol before moving laterally into other positions such as investigator, school resource officer, traffic enforcement and administration. There is a two year minimum of assignment as a patrol officer before application can be made for these assignments. However, when positions come open, interested officers will be competing with other officers seeking the same positions. Selection criteria vary from section to section.

There are six ranks in the Denton Police Department:

  1. Police Officer
  2. Sergeant
  3. Lieutenant
  4. Deputy Chief
  5. Assistant Chief
  6. Chief

Promotions for Sergeant and Lieutenant are based on civil service provisions. Deputy Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs are selected by the Chief. The Chief is selected by the City Manager and approved by the City Council.

Police Officers must have three years of time in service before being eligible for Sergeant. Sergeants must have two years of time in grade to be eligible for Lieutenant. On average, newly promoted Patrol Sergeants have seven or more years of time in service.

Show All Answers

1. How many openings do you have?
2. How does civil service work regarding the entry level position?
3. I took the test a couple of months ago and I still have not been contacted. Why not?
4. I passed but did not score very well on the test, should I give up on coming to work for the Denton Police Department this time around?
5. Is there a physical agility test?
6. How long is the hiring process?
7. If I am a licensed peace officer, will you require me to attend another police academy?
8. Where do you send recruits for the police academy and how long does it last?
9. How long is field training?
10. How is the current patrol shift configured?
11. How long do I have to work in patrol before becoming a criminal investigator, a sergeant or assigned to any other section?
12. Is there any financial cost incurred by me upon being hired?
13. How much will a pistol and associated gear cost me?
14. When is the next civil service test?
15. How can I study for the civil service test?