Requirements
All applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to apply for the entry-level position of police cadet.
- Minimum Age: 20 years, 6 months at time of entrance exam
- Maximum Age: Must not have reached 45 years of age at time of appointment to the SAPD Academy
- Education: High school diploma with a minimum of a “C” average OR a GED. If a GED was acquired, applicant must have 12 completed college hours at an accredited college or university with a minimum of a “C” average.
- Military Service: Must have an Honorable Discharge if prior military
- Uncharacterized and entry entry-level separations wil be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen
- Traffic Citations: Cannot have two or more hazardous moving traffic offenses with any disposition other than “Not Guilty” within 12 months preceding the date of application
A complete list of the minimum requirements is available here.
Disqualifications
Applicants must be compliant with the suitability factors defined by the City of San Antonio Civil Service Commission. A complete listing of these factors can be downloaded by clicking here. These suitability factors cover the following topics:
- Personal history and character
- Employment history
- Military history
- Driving record
- Financial responsibility
- Criminal activity
- Drug use



