Denton Police Department

The Denton Police Department has served the university city of Denton since 1920, currently protecting approximately 158,000 residents with 220 authorized sworn positions. An intelligence-led, data-driven, proactive policing organization centered on Relational Policing, DPD operates from a downtown headquarters at 601 E. Hickory St. and a 24,000 sq ft south substation at 4111 Vintage Blvd (opened 2023). The department's Criminal Investigations Bureau, K9 unit, and specialized detective divisions provide comprehensive public safety services, supported by a state-of-the-art Public Safety Training Center shared with Denton Fire and Denton County Sheriff's Office. DPD is accredited through the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA) Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, meeting or exceeding 170+ best practices. Acting Chief Tony Salas leads the department as of January 2026.

$108,831

Top of the entry rank

Source: cityofdenton.com, checked Aug 30, 2026.

Overtime

12-hour shift structure; 1.5x pay for hours beyond scheduled shift per FLSA

Incentive pay

• Lateral officers (3+ years): Start at $96,777 (Step C); 5+ years: $102,804 (Step D)
• Longevity pay: $4/month per year of service
• Education incentive pay: Additional compensation for certifications and degrees
• Fitness incentive pay: Available for maintaining physical standards
• 6-step salary progression with annual increases up to $108,831

Health Insurance

Two PPO medical plan options plus dental, vision, and life insurance (1x annual salary; 2x for accidental death)

TMRS Pension

Texas Municipal Retirement System: 7% employee contribution (tax-deferred) with 2:1 city match at retirement. Eligible at 20 years any age or 5 years at age 60.

Tuition Reimbursement

100% reimbursement for job-related coursework at accredited institutions; must continue employment 2 years post-completion

Paid Time Off

15 vacation days/year, 15 sick days/year, 13 paid holidays. Take-home vehicles (seniority-based), uniforms, and body armor provided.

Age

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age on or before the day they graduate the academy. There are no maximum age limitations. POA also lets some applicants sit the written exam before 21 if they turn 21 on or before academy graduation.

Education

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Certifications

Must obtain and maintain TCOLE (Texas Peace Officer) certification

Vision

Correctable to 20/20; cannot be color blind

Fitness

Medical evaluation including physical exam and stress test with heart monitoring by physician

Background

Civil service exam, background investigation, polygraph, psychological evaluation, oral board, chief's interview, and drug screening. No Class B misdemeanor in past 10 years; no Class A or felony convictions.

Citizenship

U.S. citizen with valid or obtainable Texas driver's license

Police Academy (BPOC)

~5 months

Over 800 hours of Basic Peace Officer Course curriculum at the Denton Public Safety Training Center. Approximately 5 months to complete. Two academies per year (January and July). Department-funded.

Field Training (FTO)

~6 months

Approximately 6-month program with constant supervision by experienced officers and daily performance evaluation. Shorter for advanced recruits.

Continuing Education

Ongoing

TCOLE mandates minimum 40 hours every 2-year cycle for all commissioned peace officers. Additional in-service training at shared Public Safety Training Center.

158,000

Population

$380,000

Median home price

95

Cost-of-living index

• Home to University of North Texas (46,180 students) and Texas Woman's University — 55,000+ students combined
• Historic downtown square with vibrant dining, live music, and arts scene
• 35 miles north of Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with DCTA A-train commuter rail
• Ranked as one of the best places to live in America by U.S. News
• Strong public schools through Denton ISD and multiple charter options
• Over 2,000 acres of parks and green space with access to Lake Lewisville and Ray Roberts

Held

TPCA Texas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (170+ best practices)

Held

TCOLE Compliant Agency

Applications, testing dates and eligibility decisions are handled by the department. Ready to Serve does not take applications, forward candidates, or speak for any agency.

Official site

https://www.joindentonpolice.com/register-for-exam↗

Recruiting email

PDRecruiting@cityofdenton.com

Phone

(940) 349-7832