Applicants must be between 21 and 45 years old at the start of the academy, unless already enrolled in the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System. You must have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and meet our criminal history, drug-use, physical fitness, and other employment standards.

Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is eligible for employment.

See our Qualifications & Disqualifiers page for the complete requirements.

New Police Recruits are paid $61,000 per year starting on the first day of the academy, with regular step increases as they progress through their career. Current base salaries reach more than $101,000, before overtime and additional incentive pay.

Officers may also earn additional compensation for college education, longevity, specialty teams, field training, shift assignments, bilingual skills, overtime, and other incentives.

Visit our Benefits + Pay page for the current pay scale and a full breakdown of benefits.

Yes. You are a City of Norman employee from your first day of the academy and receive your regular salary and benefits while you train.

There is no academy tuition, and your initial uniforms and equipment are provided.

No. We hire people from a wide range of backgrounds, and previous law enforcement experience is not required.

New recruits attend NPD's 26-week, CLEET-certified Police Academy in Norman. Successful graduates earn their CLEET certification as part of the academy.

No. This is not a live-in academy. You report for training each day and go home when the training day is complete.

Patrol officers generally work four 10-hour shifts each week, giving them three days off each week.

Specific days off and shift assignments depend on staffing, seniority, and department needs.

Patrol is where you build the foundation of your career, but it does not have to be where your career ends.

NPD offers opportunities in areas such as Criminal Investigations, SWAT, K9, Traffic, School Resource Officers, Drone Team, Crisis Intervention, Crisis Negotiations, Collision Reconstruction, Proactive Policing, Special Operations, training and instructor positions, and more.

Visit our Specialized Teams & Units page to explore some of the opportunities available within NPD.

Yes. Qualified officers are eligible for a take-home vehicle. Vehicles are assigned based on availability, and eligible officers may be placed on a waiting list until a vehicle becomes available.

No. There is no requirement to live within the City of Norman. Many of our employees live in surrounding communities and commute to work.

It depends on the circumstances.

Some criminal convictions permanently disqualify an applicant, while other arrests or conduct may require a specific waiting period before you are eligible to apply. For example, an arrest with charges filed generally requires a two-year waiting period.

The most important thing is to be complete and honest about your history throughout the hiring process. Review our Qualifications & Disqualifiers page before applying for specific requirements.

Yes, depending on how recently it was used.

Generally, applicants must have at least one year since their last marijuana or THC use, sale, or production before applying. The waiting period is six months for use in accordance with a valid medical marijuana license.

Other controlled substances have different standards and waiting periods. See our Qualifications & Disqualifiers page for details.

Tattoos are permitted in many locations and generally do not have to be covered while on duty.

Tattoos on the face, neck, or hands are prohibited, although a small ring-sized tattoo may be acceptable. Tattoos that are extremist, indecent, sexist, racist, or prejudicial against another person are prohibited regardless of location.

Applicants with tattoos will complete a Tattoo Declaration Form during the hiring process.

The complete hiring process generally takes approximately four to six months.

Applicants progress through physical and written testing, a Personal History Statement, interview board, polygraph, background investigation, psychological evaluation, medical examination, and drug screening before receiving a final offer.

Visit our Hiring Process page for a step-by-step breakdown.

You can complete many parts of the process from a smartphone, and most recruiting updates are sent electronically by email and text.

However, some portions of the background process are much easier—or may require you—to use a computer. If you do not have access to one, public computers are available through local libraries and other community resources.

Yes. Norman PD participates in the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, allowing eligible transitioning service members to begin training with NPD during the final portion of their military service with command approval.

Visit our SkillBridge page for eligibility and additional information.

Yes. Ride-alongs are available on a limited basis, with priority given to individuals actively pursuing employment with the Norman Police Department.

Generally, you must have a current application on file before requesting a ride-along. For applicants moving through the hiring process, we prefer to schedule ride-alongs after the background investigation when possible.

If you are seriously considering NPD but a ride-along would help you decide whether to apply, contact a recruiter and we will consider your request based on availability. Other special requests may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

All ride-alongs are subject to approval, staffing, and operational needs.

Yes. Although we do not anticipate hosting another separate lateral academy at this time, experienced officers are still encouraged to apply through our regular hiring process.

Qualified applicants with two or more years of previous law enforcement experience may be eligible to start up to two steps higher on the Police Officer pay scale, subject to review and approval.

Yes. It takes much more than commissioned officers to operate a police department.

NPD and the City of Norman employ professional staff in a variety of roles that support public safety and department operations. Visit our Professional Staff page to view additional career opportunities.