Certified Peace Officers

Are you a certified police officer in Texas or another state? Get paid for your previous law enforcement experience through our Prior Service Credit Program(PDF, 289KB) .

Per local ordinance, new-hire police recruits are eligible to receive Prior Service Credit after providing the Department with adequate evidence to satisfactorily meet the program criteria.

Must have at least two (2) years of continuous service as a paid, full-time, certified peace officer in another law enforcement agency, including out-of-state agencies, as approved by the Chief of Police.
Must have been in a position where the officer had the authority to enforce laws, investigate crimes, make arrests, respond to calls for service, carry a firearm, and use discretion as part of their assigned duties.
Must not have more than a 180-day break in service from the date the officer left the former law enforcement agency and the posting date of the Tyler Police Department Civil Service eligibility. (Any breaks greater than 180 days in service as a paid, full-time certified peace officer in a law enforcement agency will not be considered for Prior Service Credit eligibility.)
Police officers eligible for the Prior Service Credit may receive up to, but no more than, seven years of prior service credit. Police officers who are approved for Prior Service Credit will be placed at a step commensurate with a current City of Tyler police officer with equal lengths of service. Thereafter, employees will progress within the pay structure in accordance with the City of Tyler's approved Civil Service pay plan schedule.

Additional Information

Prior service credit is for pay purposes only. Actual work experience in another law enforcement agency shall not be considered for promotional eligibility requirements, departmental seniority, leave calculations, transfers, or other such accruals/programs that utilize years of service in their calculation. The Tyler Police Department works tirelessly to better serve and protect everyone who lives, works, or visits our city. Thank you for your interest in a rewarding career with our department.

The City of Tyler is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are an out-of-state licensed peace officer or a Federal Officer and want to become a Texas Peace Officer, review the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement requirements.