How do I apply for a position with the Police Department?
All current postings can be found on our website. On the front page of the Henderson website, you will see a link to “Employment”. From the “Employment” page, visit the link to Public Career Opportunities to see the current postings.
Do I have to have a degree to apply? Does military service or past law enforcement experience count towards anything?
Our minimum education standard is currently a High School Diploma, GED or equivalent. HPD values education and experience and has a system of tiered starting pay for specifically stated criteria (on our main JoinHPD page). We do not use a system of preference points for our selection process.
How does HPD treat marijuana use now that it is legal in Nevada?
Although the state of Nevada has legalized marijuana and other consumable THC products, they are still considered illegal in federal law. For this reason, current or recent recreational use of marijuana or THC products is incompatible with behavior expectations of sworn law enforcement officers, and candidates who wish to be officers.
Are lateral transfers available if I currently work as a Police or Corrections officer?
We do not currently have a lateral transfer program. All candidates must successfully complete all steps of the hiring process and currently also attend our Henderson Police Academy.
In the event that lateral positions are accepted, this would be a separate job posting with full details of what type of law enforcement experience and certification would be needed to meet minimum qualifications.
Is there a written test? Do you use the National Testing Network?
We do use National Testing Network for our written test for both Police Officer positions and Corrections Officer positions. Full contact information for NTN can be found in our job postings. Applicants must attain a passing score through NTN within 30 days of application. This test is not scheduled by HPD and fulfilling this requirement is the responsibility of the applicant. If you have tested with NTN in the past and still have a valid score available, you will need to contact them to ensure that your score is available to HPD.
NTN does collect a testing fee at the time of test scheduling and this fee is paid by the applicant.
Minimum Passing Rates for HPD
Police Officer (Law Enforcement) Test
Video 65%
Writing 70%
Reading 70%
Corrections Officer Test
Video 80%
Count 70%
Reading 80%
When are interviews? When is the fitness test?
Applications will be screened for minimum requirements and expected conduct standards. Once a valid passing score has been obtained by HPD from National Testing Network (within 30 days of application date), applicants will be placed on a waiting list for an interview date. Preliminary Interviews and the Physical Fitness Test will be done within the same day and this happens about once per month for groups of around 50 applicants. Applicants will be invited to schedule in order of application date.
What can I do to prepare for the interview?
All candidates are asked the same questions and are rated on the same factors for their answers. You should come prepared to tell us about things you have experienced and accomplished, and how they fit with the high expectations of character and conduct for a police officer. There is no specific dress code for the interview, however most candidates choose to wear business attire. Remember this is your time to demonstrate your character, professionalism, and motivation for this career!
Is it okay if I have tattoos?
Tattoos must be able to be covered while working. Tattoos or brands that are on the head, face, neck, throat, or hands, which would not be covered by a long-sleeved, collared uniform shirt are prohibited. Covering tattoos with bandages or tape is not allowable. Tattoos that do not conform to this policy will need to be professionally removed before an applicant is eligible to begin our process.
I was arrested in the past, can I still apply?
We encourage interested persons to complete the application and supplemental questionnaire so that their individual circumstances can be screened and evaluated.
What will my schedule be for the academy?
The normal hours of the Henderson Police Academy are 6:00am to 4:00pm Monday-Thursday for approximately 24 weeks. Of course, these times are subject to change to accommodate specialized training.
Is there an age limit for applying?
You must be 21 years old or older when submitting the online application. There is no maximum age limit.
Are there any physical requirements to be an officer?
Applicants should be aware of the physical nature of the job duties and the probability that officers must occasionally overcome the physical resistance of combatant suspects in the process of making arrests. Other physical duties include pursuing fleeing suspects, performing rescue operations in emergencies, performing CPR and first aid in medical emergencies until advanced medical assistance arrives, and navigating obstacles and varied terrain while in the performance of duties and response to calls for service. Links to the Physical Fitness Test details are in the section of this website for Hiring and Selection Process. We use the NV P.O.S.T. Category I Peace Officer Physical Fitness Test standards.
What documents will I need during the Background Investigation phase of the hiring process?
Ensuring that you have obtained the following documents will help move your background investigation along as quickly as possible:
Birth Certificate
Current Driver's License
Social Security Card
Court documentation of any legal name changes
Copy of driving history/abstract from each state you have been licensed to drive
Copy of marriage license for each marriage
Copy of divorce decree(s) if applicable
Copy of high school diploma, college certificates or degrees
Sealed transcripts (unopened/sealed envelope directly from academic institution) for each educational institution attended
Copy of DD214 if prior military service
Copy of personnel file/internal affairs file/evaluations from previous law enforcement agencies if previously employed in law enforcement
P.O.S.T. certificates from other states (if applicable)
Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth of spouse and/or cohabitant you have a child in common with