A: We continuously accept applications at our Applicant Processing Detail office Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding city holidays.  If you live further than two hundred miles from San Antonio, refer to the first page of our downloadable application to learn how you can mail your application to us.

A: We have academy classes scheduled regularly.  Please contact a recruiter at (210) 207-5050 or by email at recruiting@sanantonio.gov for the most up-to-date information about future academy classes.

A: We do not have a lateral transfer program in our department. Everyone hired must attend the police academy.

A: You do not have to pay a fee to attend the San Antonio Police Academy. You receive a salary while attending the academy and receive benefits as a City of San Antonio employee. For more information about the pay and benefits structure, click here.

A: No, our academy is not a live-in academy. You will attend the academy Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (specialized training may be done at night and on weekends).

A: Once we accept your application the process takes about four to eight weeks depending on the number of applications we received. For an update on the status of your application, please contact applicant processing at (210) 207-7565.

A: Yes, we also have a job shadowing program as well, please contact Officer Andre Taylor for more information.

A: After you submit your application and complete your initial testing, we will request all necessary documents.  A personal resume is not required.

A: To answer this and other medical physical-related questions, call the Gonzaba Medical Group at (210) 921-2672. Please ask for the SAPD Physicals Coordinator.

A: You should be prepared to make at least two trips to San Antonio.

A: The academy is approximately 33 weeks.

A: No, you will be paid cadet salary, which includes an education incentive if you have an associates, bachelors, masters or doctoral degree. You and your family will also have health care coverage at no premium charges to you.

A: You still have to attend the academy; however, you will be exempt from taking the TCLEOSE exam.

A: The three most common reasons for disqualification, aside from the written and physical tests, are drug use / experimentation, credit history and employment history. Check the Requirements page and download the minimum requirements and suitability factors to make sure you meet all requirements.

A: Yes, you are required to cut your hair to the standards set forth by the San Antonio Police Academy. The standards currently are no longer than the bottom of the uniform shirt collar and must be of a conservative style and color. Once you have graduated you may grow out your hair to your desired length.

A: Yes, we have PT Self Assessment programs to assist you in preparing for the PT test and PT workout sessions to assist you in being as best prepared for the rigorous PT in the academy. Contact a recruiter for more information.

A: All cadets that graduate from the SAPD Academy are sworn in as probationary police officers. Once probationary officers successfully pass a 14-week training period with a field training officer they can be assigned any service area in the City of San Antonio. Typically, probationary officers are assigned to either the 1400-2200 hours shift (B shift) or the 2200-0600 hours shift (C shift) in the patrol division.
Once a probationary officer successfully completes one year on probation he/she may put in to transfer to other areas or assignments. Officers are transferred on a seniority basis. Transfers even for younger officers tend to happen in a reasonable amount of time.

A: We are able to test people continuously.  As soon as your application is accepted we can schedule you for testing.

A: The San Antonio Police Department offers competitive salaries and benefits that rival other departments and corporate positions. For more information, review the Pay and Benefits section.

A: The SAPD employs four full-time recruiters, including two female police officers, who can answer any questions you may have and direct you through the application process. Click here to meet our recruiters.