Table of Contents

3 Red Flags That Police Agencies won't Ignore when
evaluating your suitability as a prospect

Checkered Past

everyone ought to know that having a felony conviction on your criminal record is essentially a modern day scarlet letter that will prevent anyone from becoming a police officer, however having a pattern of lawlessness and a clear disregard for the law will also prevent you from getting a law enforcement job.

Social Media posting

constantly ranting on social media about social events, and Posting tasteless photos of yourself getting drunk or using drugs is another common red flag that will reflect negatively on you as a prospective recruit. Agencies are looking for applicants with good moral characters and posting tasteless photos aren't a good sign.

Offensive Tattoos

There was a time not long ago that police departments were not to thrilled with applicants with excessive tattoos, however as time went on they had to face the new reality that over 60% of Americans have tattoos. Simply having tattoos isn't a big deal, but having tattoos that are offensive and discriminatory is a disqualifier.

WATCH: The Pros and Cons of Being a Cop

Iowa Police Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

Here are some of the basic requirements to become a police officer in Iowa. Note some agencies may have additional requirements

Disqualification factors to be aware of:

Disqualifiers

  • No past use of LSD, PCP, MDMA, mescaline, or psilocybin.
  • No distribution or manufacturing of illegal drugs or solicitation for sale.
  • No multiple convictions for DUI, DWI, or DUID. No charges for DUI, DWI, or DUID within past 3 years.
  • No convictions for reckless driving, attempting to elude, racing, or leaving the scene of an accident

Complete Employment Application
Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)
Law Enforcement Aptitude Battery (LEAB)
Physical Ability Test (PAT)
Job Interview Board
Polygraph Examination
Background Investigation
Employment Assessment Board
Final Selection
Medical Examination
Psychological Evaluation

Police Training Academy Courses

BASIC TRAINING CURRICULUM

  • Taser
  • First Aid
  • DUI/OWI Enforcement
  • Traffic Enforcement
  • Criminal Law
  • Traffic Law
  • search and seizure
  • ethical issues
  • use of force;
  • firearms
  • defensive tactics
  • drug investigations

Specialized Units in Oklahoma

911 Communication Center
Air Support Unit (Air 1)
Bomb Squad
Canine Unit (K9)
CHAPPs
Crime Scene Investigations (CSI)
Data Systems
Fleet Management
Honor Guard
Motorcycle Unit (Solo Motors)
Planning & Research
Special Events Unit
Staff Inspections
Tact Team (SWAT)
Traffic Investigations (Signal 30 And Hit & Run)
Special Projects & Major Violators
Vice Enforcement Unit
Office Of Professional Standards
Criminal Intelligence
Gang Enforcement
Predator Interdiction Unit
Crime Analysis & Cyber Crime Unit
Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF)
Drive-By Shooting Investigations
Criminal Enterprise And Financial Investigations Unit
Graffiti Unit

According to U.S. labor of bureau statistics (2018) the average salary for a police officer in Oklahoma is...

$ 1 *
Average Salary
$ 1 /HR*

* The base pay above does not Include holiday pay, longevity pay, education level, uniform allowance, shift differential and overtime. Cops can potentially earn more than the figure above suggest.

Average compensation Percentile Breakdown

The percentile wage estimate below is the value of a wage below which  certain percent of workers fall. Data collected from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018)

10th Percentile
$26,740
25th Perentile
$32,680
50th percentile
$43,070
75th percentile
$58,750
90th percentile
$72,880

Find Best Police Jobs in Oklahoma

Click below to search for police jobs near me in OK. Browse jobs by city/county or zip code

All peace officers in Oklahoma must attend and successfully complete an approved basic training course established by the state Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET).

A person may be hired by a police agency before taking the course, but in such cases is deemed to hold police certification on a temporary basis only. In that instance, the individual has six months from the date of appointment to satisfactory complete the basic training course.

 Requirements & Disqualifying Factors

In order to attend the CLEET training you must be 21 and a citizen of the United States with a high school diploma or GED certificate. You may not have been convicted in a state or federal court of any felony, a crime of moral turpitude or crime of domestic violence.

Even misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence will disqualify a candidate because Federal law prohibits individuals with domestic violation convictions from carrying firearms.

All candidates are fingerprinted and must be cleared by a background check with the FBI and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. They also must pass a psychological exam and meet certain physical fitness requirements before attending a CLEET training course.

A complete and detailed description of requirements can be found at this website:

www.ok.gov/cleet/documents/FullTimePeaceOfficersFactSheet.pdf. The CLEET website is at www.ok.gov/cleet/CLEET_Policies,_Standards_and_Guidelines/index.html.

Finally, here is a site on that lists all police agencies in the state: http://www.pd-dir-ok.us. Use it to find a job and to determine if a particular department has additional requirements to meet above and beyond the minimum standards set by the state.

 Police Training Academy

The basic training course is offered at the state’s K. O. Rayburn Training Center in ADA, OK. The curriculum is a 14 ½-week residential program and is semi-military in nature with uniforms and strict rules to follow.

Course work is given in driving, firearms, criminal investigation, defensive tactics, patrol tactics, domestic violence and sexual assault investigation.

A passing grade of 70% must be achieved for the majority of academic blocks, but 80% is required for First Aid and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. On the Final, or Certification Exam, a passing grade of 70% must be achieved.

 Physical Fitness Standards

The physical fitness portion of certification is challenging and involves time through an obstacle course designed to simulate field activities of a police officer. The course involves running, crawling, shuffling sideways and to the rear, dodging obstacles and dragging weights.

The entire course must be completed in 2 minutes and 22 seconds or less to pass. A complete description of the physical component can be found at www.ok.gov/cleet/Peace_Officers/Physical_Test_for_Safe_Participation/index.html.

Follow the links to Test Administration Guide for detains about the test itself, and Safe Participation Course for a diagram of the obstacle course.

Average Police Officer Salary in Oklahoma

According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics (2010), a police officer in the state of Oklahoma makes between $27,060 – $38,820 per year. However the data collected by BLS is not very accurate because it does not record overtime pay or off duty work. These two factors, if included in the data, would increase the average salary of a police officer in OK.

Police Officer Jobs in OK

There are several law enforcement job openings in Oklahoma. Simply visit our Career Job Opening or go to the official website of the agency you are interested in to complete an application of employment. Below is a list of all the law enforcement agencies in the state of Oklahoma.

State law mandates applicants be a citizen of the United States, be of good moral character, at least 21 and no more than 35 years of age by the start date of the academy, and shall have an associate degree or have successfully completed 62 semester hours of course work from an accredited college or university.

Individuals who are not certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training as full-time police officers and accepted into the academy will be hired on a temporary basis May 31, 2001. They will attend a four-week CLEET basic training academic course of instruction. Those selected individuals who are CLEET certified will merge in with those attending the basic training on June 30, 2001. June 30 will be the official start date of the academy.

Men and women accepted into the 14- to 18-week academy will be classified according to merit system guidelines as OHP Cadets, with a salary of $2,029.00 per month. Academy graduates will receive their commissions as sworn officers of the State of Oklahoma. At the successful completion of a one-year probationary period, members become Oklahoma Highway Patrol Officers with an annual salary of .

The testing process includes written tests, physical agility testing, an oral interview board, background check, polygraph testing, psychological testing, and a medical evaluation, which includes a vision test.

Qualifications

Age (by start date of Academy)
Minimum: 21 years
Maximum: 35 years

Education
An associate’s degree or a minimum of 62 successfully completed semester hours from an accredited college or university

Residency
Citizen of the United States of America

Required Documents
State of Oklahoma employment application
Birth Certificate
College or university transcripts indicating an associate degree or a minimum of 62 semester hours
Military DD-214 (if applicable)
CLEET Certificate (if applicable, indicating current status as a full-time police officer)
Veteran’s preference claim form (if applicable)

Salary

Cadet: $per month
Trainee: $per month
Officer: $per month

Benefits

Annual leave: days per year
Sick leave: days per year
Holidays
Health and life insurance
Retirement plan

Fitness Test

Physical agility   

  • 1.5 mile run Maximum time: 14:15 (minutes:seconds)
  • 300 meter run Maximum time: 1:02 (minutes:seconds)
  • Sit-ups (repetitions in one minute) Minimum: 32
  • Pushups (no time limit) Minimum: 23

Written test

Focus points: Reading, writing, spelling comprehension (no math)

Oral Interview

The board is comprised of Patrol personnel. Job related questions will be asked of the applicant. Responses will be scored upon content and presentation.

Mini-academy

Applicants may be offered an opportunity to attend a weekend mini-academy. This is to familiarize applicants with the conditions and standards of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy.

Executive Interview

Applicants recommended to go further in the process will be interviewed by the Commissioner of Public Safety and Chief of the Patrol.

Additional Testing

If offered a position, applicants will be scheduled for the following. All hiring is contingent upon passing:

Polygraph examination

Psychological testing(written and oral interview)

Medical examination, includes vision testing(20/70 vision in worst eye uncorrected, corrected to 20/20, or 20/20 in each eye if corrective lenses are not used.)

Background Investigation

A thorough and comprehensive background investigation will be done on each applicant.

Patrol Academy

Training is 14 to 18 weeks in length, depending upon CLEET certification. Non-CLEET certified cadets will be hired on a temporary basis to attend a four week academic basic training course. CLEET certified cadets merge with those attending the basic training at approximately the five week mark.

All cadets will then finish out the remainder of the academy. Cadets live in a dormitory environment during the academy. The Robert R. Lester Training Center is located at the Department’s headquarters complex, 3600 North Martin Luther King Boulevard in Oklahoma City.

Disqualifications

Oklahoma State Statute Title 70 and Attorney General’s Opinion 84-101 prohibits any individual who has ever been convicted of a felony crime from becoming a commissioned peace officer, for that individual is not authorized to carry a firearm.

Statute 18 U.S.C. Section 922 (g) prohibits any individual who has ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from becoming a commissioned peace officer, for that individual is not authorized to carry a firearm.

Drug Policy – The attached Department’s drug policy will apply to all applicants. It will be strictly adhered to.

Assignments

All assignments are made at the discretion of the Chief of the Patrol. Assignments are throughout the state of Oklahoma.

Miscellaneous information

Any applicant under CLEET obligation to a current employer will be responsible for any monies owed.

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List of Police Departments in Oklahoma

Adair County Sheriff Department
Alfalfa County Sheriff Department
Atoka County Sheriff Department
Beaver County Sheriff Department
Beckham County Sheriff Department
Blaine County Sheriff Department
Bryan County Sheriff Department
Caddo County Sheriff Department
Canadian County Sheriff Department
Carter County Sheriff Department
Cherokee County Sheriff Department
Choctaw County Sheriff Department
Cimarron County Sheriff Department
Cleveland County Sheriff Department
Coal County Sheriff Department
Commanche County Sheriff Department
Cotton County Sheriff Department
Craig County Sheriff Department
Creek County Sheriff Department
Custer County Sheriff Department
Delaware County Sheriff Department
Dewey County Sheriff Department
Ellis County Sheriff Department
Garfield County Sheriff Department
Garvin County Sheriff Department
Grady County Sheriff Department
Grant County Sheriff Department
Greer County Sheriff Department
Harmon County Sheriff Department
Harper County Sheriff Department
Haskell County Sheriff Department
Hughes County Sheriff Department
Jackson County Sheriff Department
Jefferson County Sheriff Department
Johnston County Sheriff Department
Kay County Sheriff Department
Kingfisher County Sheriff Department
Kiowa County Sheriff Department
Latimer County Sheriff Department
Leflore County Sheriff Department
Lincoln County Sheriff Department
Logan County Sheriff Department
Love County Sheriff Department
Major County Sheriff Department
Marshall County Sheriff Department
Mayes County Sheriff Department
McClain County Sheriff Department
McCurtain County Sheriff Department
McInosh County Sheriff Department
Murray County Sheriff Department
Muskogee County Sheriff Department
Noble County Sheriff Department
Nowata County Sheriff Department
Okfuskee County Sheriff Department
Oklahoma County Sheriff Department
Okmulgee County Sheriff Department
Osage County Sheriff Department
Ottawa County Sheriff Department
Pawnee County Sheriff Department
Payne County Sheriff Department
Pittsburg County Sheriff Department
Pontotoc County Sheriff Department
Pottawatomie County Sheriff Department
Pushmataha County Sheriff Department
Roger Mills County Sheriff Department
Rogers County Sheriff Department
Seminole County Sheriff Department
Sequoyah County Sheriff Department
Stephens County Sheriff Department
Texas County Sheriff Department
Tillman County Sheriff Department
Tulsa County Sheriff Department
Wagoner County Sheriff Department
Washington County Sheriff Department
Washita County Sheriff Department
Woods County Sheriff Department
Woodward County Sheriff Department
Ada PD
Adair PD
Ardmore PD
Barnsdall PD
Bartlesville PD
Bethany PD
Big Cabin PD
Blackwell PD
Broken Arrow PD
Bixby PD
Chandler PD
Chouteau PD
Claremore PD
Chickasha PD
Choctaw PD
Collinsville PD
Davenport PD
Davis PD
Dickson PD
Del City PD
Drumright PD
Edmond PD
El Reno PD
Enid PD
Fairfax PD
Frederick PD
Hugo PD
Jenks PD
Lawton PD
Locust Grove PD
Lone Grove PD
McAlester PD
Midwest City PD
Moore PD
Muskogee PD
Mustang PD
Nicoma PD
Noble PD
Norman PD
Oklahoma City PD
Oologah PD
Owasso PD
Pauls Valley PD
Pawhuska PD
Perkings PD
Perry PD
Ponca City PD
Pryor PD
Purcell PD
Ringling PD
Salina PD
Sand Springs PD
Sapulpa PD
Sulphur PD
Warr Acres PD
Wilson PD

Speaking Events Best Fit:

  • LEO Academy Graduations
  • Any Public Safety Events
  • Men’s Groups
  • Church Conferences
  • Military Veteran Events
  • At Risk Youth Programs
  • Business Growth Events
  • Recruitment Conferences
  • AI Implementation Strategy
  • Online Marketing Events

About Me

Speaking Events Best Fit:

  • LEO Academy Graduations
  • Any Public Safety Events
  • Men’s Groups
  • Church Conferences
  • Military Veteran Events
  • At Risk Youth Programs
  • Business Growth Events
  • Recruitment Conferences
  • AI Implementation Strategy
  • Online Marketing Events

With an unparalleled charisma and a captivating stage presence, EL Forestal, the founder and creator of  Hero Helper AI,  has the ability to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact. Drawing upon his immigrant upbringing, law enforcement background and expertise in AI automation, strategic recruiting growth & business development, EL Forestal delivers powerful messages that resonate with both personal and professional aspirations. 

During his keynote address, EL Forestal will delve into the depths of motivation, sharing valuable insights and practical strategies to unlock hidden potential and drive success. He will inspire attendees to break through barriers, overcome challenges, and reach new heights in their lives.

EL’s unique perspective and experience make him the perfect keynote speaker for your event. With over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, EL has seen it all. He has a deep understanding of the challenges law enforcement professionals face daily and knows how to motivate and inspire them to overcome those obstacles.

Whether you are a law enforcement professional seeking to excel in talent acquisition or a leader looking to inspire your team, EL Forestal’s keynote speech is a must-attend event. Prepare to be energized, motivated, and empowered as EL Forestal imparts his wisdom and passion to ignite the fire within.

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