Frequently Asked Questions

  • You must be a US citizen, between 21 to 45 years of age, and have a valid driver’s license. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required and you must not have any felony convictions. A full breakdown of our requirements can be seen HERE.

  • Yes, as long as you disclose the offenses such as traffic tickets. However, you must wait two years if you have been arrested (with charges filed). A full list of disqualifiers can be seen HERE.

  • If you have used or sold marijuana or THC products, you must wait one year before applying (6 months if using in accordance with a medical marijuana license).

  • Yes. Tattoos and body art on the face, head, neck and hands are generally prohibited (small, ring-sized tattoos may be acceptable). Otherwise, existing tattoos may be visible, but a Tattoo Declaration Form must be completed during the hiring process. Tattoos and body art that are extremist, indecent, sexist, racist, or prejudicial against any person are prohibited anywhere on the body as they are detrimental to good order and discipline within the agency.

  • Norman officers currently have a competitive salary ranging from $58,652 - $101,566 (not including benefits, overtime, or other incentives), making NPD one of the highest-paid municipal agencies in the state. Officers receiving adequate evaluations earn a raise every year, and these amounts increase as contracts are negotiated annually.

  • Yes. Check out our SkillBridge page HERE.

  • No. We have several officers that commute from surrounding cities.

  • Yes. Officers that qualify for a take-home car are put on a waiting list and assigned a vehicle once one becomes available.

  • Patrol is split into 4 different shifts. They work 10-hours, 4 days a week, which means 3-day weekends!

  • No. As a Cadet in the Police Academy, you go home every night.

  • Our Ride-Along program is currently suspended due to staffing and training. However, exceptions are being made for police officer applicants. The Ride-Along application can be downloaded and printed from HERE. Please follow the instructions and submit the completed form to Records in the Police Department lobby during normal business hours.

  • Absolutely! Check out our Professional Staff positions HERE.

  • Our hiring process is electronic now and notifications/updates will be sent via email and text. However, you will need a computer to access the background program (ProFirst). If you do not have access to a computer, please consider one of Norman’s local libraries to complete the required steps.

LATERAL TRANSFERS

  • A lateral is the term used for a certified police officer that is transferring from one agency to another. In order to transfer, officers must meet the minimum qualifications which can be seen HERE.

  • We do not have a lateral academy scheduled. Lateral transfers may be offered a higher pay step, but currently need to attend our full academy. If it’s determined that there’s enough interest, we will schedule and announce a lateral-specific academy.

  • No. If a lateral academy is scheduled, it is typically a 5-7 week orientation. Once complete, they will go into the Field Training Program.

  • Upon on the Chief’s approval, successful lateral transfers can start at Step 3 on our pay scale. However, lateral transfers must still attend our academy.