HPD Hiring Frequently Asked Questions

All current postings can be found here.

Our minimum education standard is currently a High School Diploma, GED or equivalent. We do not use a system of preference points for our selection process.

Although the state of Nevada has legalized marijuana and other consumable THC products, they are still considered illegal in federal law. For this reason, the Henderson Police Department requires applicants to have not consumed marijuana or THC products 3 months prior to application.

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.

Yes, our assessment process includes a written exam that is exclusive to our agency and candidates are not charged any fees to complete it. The Henderson Police Department (HPD) written exam is designed to assess a candidate’s general knowledge in three key areas: reading comprehension, writing skills, and problem-solving ability.

Candidates will be notified by email on an ongoing basis throughout the recruitment process. Once you receive the invitation to test, you will have 14 calendar days to complete the exam. The exam will be completed using the platform eSkill. Candidates will be able to complete the exam remotely online and may complete at any point day or night within the timeframe.

After we receive a valid testing score, candidates will be invited to self schedule their physical fitness test (PFT), typically within 1–3 weeks of completion of the exam. The PFT’s are offered multiple times a month. Candidates will be invited to schedule in order of application date. Candidates will be notified of the Preliminary Interview dates after they have successfully passed the PFT.

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. Professional or Business Attire is preferred. Remember this is your time to demonstrate your character, professionalism, and motivation for this career!

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 allowed. Tattoos that do not conform to this policy will need to be professionally removed before an applicant is eligible to begin our process.

We encourage interested persons to complete the application and supplemental questionnaire so that their individual circumstances can be screened and evaluated.

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. The Henderson Police Department does not have a live-in academy.

You can start the academy at 20 years old. You must turn 21 by time of appointment.

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.

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.
• If subject to a Court Order requiring Child Support, provide proof that you are current
• If you have declared Bankruptcy, provide copies of discharge, to include the actual bankruptcy
• Copy of Selective Service Registration Card
• Copy of current proof of automobile insurance (including policy number and expiration date)