San Antonio Police Department

Partial profile reviewed 2026-10-30. Not proof of an opening.

Application timing: SAPD states that cadet applications are accepted year-round. The current academy page lists Class 26F for November 2, 2026, but the application process takes about four to six months, so a new applicant should ask recruiting about the next class rather than assume entry into 26F. Scope: Entry-level Police Cadet; year-round application pathway. Checked 2026-10-30. Current official notice ↗

Minimum requirements

• Minimum age is 20 years and 6 months. Applicants need a high-school diploma with at least a C average or a GED, U.S. citizenship, English reading/writing/speaking ability, and eligibility for Texas peace-officer licensure.
• A valid driver's license from Texas or another state can be used to apply, but SAPD says a valid Texas driver's license is required before an employment offer. Required records, including education and any applicable military documents, must be submitted within 21 calendar days or the application is rejected. Review the current suitability rules and disqualifications before submitting.

Selected requirements, not a complete eligibility or disqualifier checklist.

Lateral entry

Separate lateral requirements and training arrangements need confirmation.

Recruiting contact

SAPD recruiting staff

Hiring outline

1. Submit the online cadet application and required records. SAPD says its process typically takes four to six months; the official page warns that missing the 21-day document deadline results in rejection.
2. Complete the Physical Ability Test, the online SAELLEE computer examination, and the videotaped Structured Oral Interview. The oral interview uses job-related scenarios and assesses areas including conflict resolution, community relations, integrity, judgment, communication, planning and problem-solving.
3. Continue through the Personal History Statement/background investigation, polygraph, psychological examination, medical/physical examination and Chief of Police review. Successful candidates are appointed to an academy class as police cadets.

Physical testing

The entry PAT has two parts: a job-simulation obstacle course completed in 4 minutes 3 seconds or less, and an untimed handgun simulation in which the applicant holds a training pistol steady within a 7-inch ring. The academy's separate fitness standards test requires at least 190 points at weeks 21–22 to continue in training; that is an academy standard, not the entry PAT cutoff.

Benefits

SAPD says cadets receive health and medical benefits while in the academy. The pay page lists health, dental and optical insurance with premiums paid in full for officers; confirm the exact cadet eligibility and current benefit terms with recruiting.

Hiring incentives

Availability and terms need confirmation.

This guide covers the entry-level cadet path. SAPD accepts applications year-round, but the current listed Class 26F begins November 2, 2026 and the application process takes about four to six months; contact recruiting for the next realistic class date. The 2,957 figure is the adopted FY 2027 budgeted officer total, not filled staffing. Cadet appointments, class starts, projected graduates, and budget positions are different measures. The City describes a substantially expanded academy training program of more than 1,300 hours; see the official academy page.

No test preset is imported from this profile. Bring current employer instructions to your preparation.