Join Our Team

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recruiting

To Apply

If you are highly motivated and seeking a career with the Gainesville Police Department, please visit the City's Career Portal to apply for existing job openings and/or to be notified of future openings. 

Please note: the City of Gainesville only accepts applications for vacant positions or to establish an eligibility pool. If you don't see a current posting for a job that interests you, sign up for Job Alerts and you will be notified when new job openings are posted. 

Requirements

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must have education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Specialized training in police science, criminal justice administration or a related field is preferred.
  • Must have ability to obtain TCOLE certification.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and proof of liability insurance.
  • Driving record should reflect prudence and maturity.
  • Must never have been convicted of or received community supervision for a Class A Misdemeanor or Felony.
  • Must not have been convicted of or received community supervision for a Class B Misdemeanor within the past 10 years.
  • Former military personnel must not have received a dishonorable or other discharge based on misconduct which bars future military service.
  • Must have a stable credit history, family background and employment background.

Compensation and Benefits

Police Officer Pay Plan

Incentive Pay Plan

City of Gainesville Benefits

Hiring Process

All applications submitted through the City's Career Portal will be screened by the Human Resources Department and those meeting basic minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the Gainesville Police Department Hiring Manager for further review. Qualified candidates will be contacted via email by the Gainesville Police Department Hiring Manager with instructions to complete a Personal History Statement. 

  • Personal History Statement
  • Physical Readiness Testing (rowing 2000 meters on a Concept2 Rower)
  • Written Testing (inventory and aptitude testing - I/O Solutions Integrity Inventory (I2) exam and Texas Basic Abilities Test (I/O Solutions TX BAT) for Law Enforcement)
  • Background Investigation
  • Oral Interview Board
  • Chief's Interview
  • Contingent Job Offer (contingency of passing pre-employment physical, psychological and drug testing)
  • Offer of Employment

For further questions or information regarding the hiring process, contact Patrol Captain Chris Garner by email or call (940) 668-4781.

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Department Divisions and Specialized Units 

Patrol Division: This is the largest division of the Gainesville Police Department. It is divided into four patrol shifts. The Patrol Division responds to calls for service and enforces criminal and traffic laws. The Patrol Division has the responsibility for the protection of life and property; prevention of crime; enforcement of federal, state and local laws and the apprehension of violators of these laws.

Criminal Investigative Division (CID): The Gainesville Police Department CID supports the Patrol Division on call outs and follow-up investigations. Our Criminal Investigators are specially trained and have the knowledge, skills, and experience allowing them to master interview and interrogations and process crime scenes.

K-9 Unit: The Gainesville Police Department K9 Unit is a "single purpose" unit used for narcotics detection. It is used to detect the presence of the odor of illegal narcotic substances, often in areas purposely hidden from officers.

Marine Patrol: The Gainesville Police Department’s Marine Patrol is comprised of specially trained Marine Safety Enforcement Officers. Their duties consist of enforcing state law and local ordinances, as well as curtailing safety issues on Moss Lake. The Marine Patrol Unit is active in educating the boating public in the safe operation of all types of watercraft. They routinely provide boating safety tips, as well as safety equipment inspections.

Special Response Team (SRT): The Gainesville Police Department SRT is a unit comprised of officers that work high-risk incidents requiring special training, tactics, and weapons. The SRT is a group of dedicated, highly trained, and motivated officers who are on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year. SRT members must be ready and prepared for a call out with only a moment's notice.