Apply Online

Those interested in applying to the SAPD can complete an online application.

Carefully read all of the information below for beginning the application process.

Cadet Requirements

Applications must be compliant with the suitability factors defined by the City of San Antonio Fire and Police Civil Service Commission and meet the following minimum requirements to apply for the entry-level position of police cadet:

  • Minimum of 20 years, 6 months
  • High school diploma with a minimum of a "C" average OR a GED
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must read, write and speak English
  • Must meet all legal requirements necessary to become eligible for future licensing by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCLOE).
  • Must meet the suitability requirements listed under rule IX. H(13) Use of Illicit Substances.

Requirements(PDF, 159KB)

Disqualifications

There are very few automatic bases for rejection. Even issues of prior misconduct, employee terminations, and arrests are usually not, in and of themselves, automatically disqualifying. However, deliberate misstatements or omissions can and often will result in your application being rejected, regardless of the nature or reason for the misstatements/omissions. In fact, the number one reason individuals "fail" background investigations is because they deliberately withhold or misrepresent job-relevant information from their prospective employer.

This personal history statement is a governmental document. Be truthful, as there are criminal consequences for lying on a governmental document. Knowingly giving false or misleading statements or information will render you permanently unsuitable per civil service rule IX (H) (11).

Rules & Disqualifications(PDF, 214KB)

Disclosure of Medically Related Information

In accordance with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act, at this stage of the hiring process, applicants are not expected or required to reveal any medical or other disability-related information about themselves in response to questions on this form, or to any other inquiry made prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment.

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Step 1.Required Documents

All documents must be delivered to the Applicant Processing Office, either in person or by mail as soon as possible after submitting the online application.

NOTE: All documents must be submitted within 21 calendar days or your application will be rejected.

  1. Copy of your valid Texas driver license or a copy of another State's driver license (applicant must possess a valid Texas driver license prior to being offered employment)
  2. Certified copy of your official birth certificate
  3. Certificate of Naturalization (if applicable)
  4. All copies of your DD-214: Member 4, Service 2, Service 7, Service 8, and State Directory of Veteran's Affairs 6 (if current or prior military).
  5. Certified copy of your official high school transcript(s) in sealed envelope(s) or GED test results. (If your school provides electronic transcripts, you must request the school to send the transcript directly to sapdcapext@sanantonio.gov)
    • If you have a GED, provide a certified copy of your college transcript(s) in sealed envelope(s). (If your school provides electronic transcripts, they can be sent to sapdcapext@sanantonio.gov)

Step 2.Personal History Statement

The Personal History Statement (PHS) is your application. All information provided in this Personal History Statement is strictly confidential and will be used to expedite your background investigation. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Employees are exposed to confidential and law enforcement sensitive information. A thorough background investigation is required to properly evaluate the suitability of applicants for employment with the agency. Although it is an achievement to reach the background phase of the hiring process, this is still a competitive process and does not, in any way, guarantee selection.

These instructions are provided as a guide to assist you in properly completing your Personal History Statement. It is essential that the information is accurate in all respects, so please read all instructions carefully before proceeding. The Personal History Statement will be used as a basis for a background investigation that will determine your eligibility for becoming an employee.

  • Answer all questions truthfully and accurately.
  • If a question is not applicable to you, enter N/A in the space provided.
  • Avoid errors by reading the directions carefully before making any entries on the form. Be sure your information is accurate and in proper sequence before you being.
  • You are responsible for obtaining correct and full addresses. If you are not sure of an address, personally verify before making that entry on this history statement. Errors will not be viewed favorably.
    • All addresses must be complete with zip codes.
  • An accurate and complete form will help expedite your investigation. Omissions or falsifications will result in disqualification.
  • You are responsible for furnishing any changes and/or updating your application as needed, such as address changes or telephone changes in writing.
  • Any candidate submitting an incomplete application will not be considered for employment. Your application will be evaluated on completeness and neatness.

Step 3.Begin the Application

  • Type responses to all items and questions. If a question does not apply to you, write "N/A" (not applicable) in the space provided for your response.
  • If you cannot obtain or remember certain information, indicate so in your response.
  • Be as complete, honest, and specific as possible in your responses.
  • Be sure to include any law enforcement encounters, throughout your life (Juvenile and Adult), to include records you believe were expunged.

Apply Online

Step 4.What Happens Next

Once we receive your application and you have submitted all the required documents you will be contacted to schedule the Physical Ability Test, Computer Examination and the Structured Oral Interview.

View the full application process for more details.