Find the Blue in You; CPD Exam is Set for June 10

Find the Blue in you. The Carrollton Police Department is accepting applicants for the Saturday, June 10 Civil Service exam, a first step in the time-honored process of becoming a part of Carrollton's public safety team.

Carrollton Police Chief Roberto Arredondo said the department is seeking exceptional officers who put others first, have a proven leadership record, and have the ability to adapts to the constantly evolving demands associated with serving a growing and diverse community.

"This is a special calling as very few people earn the right to wear a Carrollton badge," Arredondo said. "I'm a new hire myself just coming on board in January, and I can assure you, this department has rigorous hiring, training, and performance standards. We want officers who are dedicated to carrying out CPD's mission to proactively protect our community while treating everyone we encounter with professionalism, dignity, and respect."

The department provides extensive, paid training, state-of-the-art equipment designed to protect and serve the community, generous compensation (starting salary is $70,873.95), and numerous resources for its officers. For more information on serving in Carrollton, including requirements, test components, and a comprehensive list of benefits and incentives, visit joincarrolltonpd.com.

The exam will be administered at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 10 at the Marriott Dallas Carrollton Conference Center (1201 Raiford Road). Those taking the exam must complete the online registration form and will need to bring their driver license or a government ID for identification. Applicants who served in the military and want to receive five extra points added to their passing score (70), must bring to the exam a copy of Form DD-214, which states they have received an honorable discharge.

Last year, the City instituted a new Lateral Entry Program for officers with previous experience. For example, if an officer has three years of experience at another agency, he or she will be hired at the same pay as a three-year veteran here in Carrollton. A new hire will still need to go through the usual hiring process but can start with a salary as high as the five-year mark at $87,927.36. This enables experienced police officers to join the Carrollton team, potentially earn more money, and benefit from career continuity.

In April 2022, CPD was 'Recognized' for Best Practices for the fourth consecutive time by the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA). CPD has also been recognized and proven to be in compliance with 166 Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices as designated by the TPCA. The "Recognized" status is awarded for a period of four years to an agency that has voluntarily undertaken a careful internal review of its policies, procedures, equipment, facilities, and operations.

CPD became the first agency in Texas, in April 2019, to implement the cloud-based Mark43 records management system. The program allows for state-of-the-art data sharing and efficiency among Carrollton public safety members by facilitating processes - including writing reports, investigating cases, logging physical evidence, and managing videos, images, and audio content - securely in the cloud. The application saves officers invaluable time by enabling seamless communication and report-filing out in the field.

The City of Carrollton has partnered with the surrounding jurisdictions of Addison, Coppell, and Farmers Branch in public safety dispatch and operations since March 2016 at the North Texas Emergency Communications Center (NTECC), creating a centralized dispatch hub. Dispatchers are able to send the closest police, fire, or medical unit to the scene of an emergency despite city affiliation to significantly decrease response times. The process on a grander scale helps eliminate duplication of services and minimizes costs.

For more information about officer qualifications, email [email protected], or to register for the exam, visit joincarrolltonpd.com.