The Palestine Police Department is a civil service agency comprised of 41 Sworn Officers, 1 professional standards officer, 1 community liaison officer, 7 full time dispatchers, 2 animal control officers, 1 code enforcement officer, 1 records clerk, 1 property and evidence custodian, and 2 administrative assistants, in addition to a number of sworn non-paid reserve police officers.

Police applicants would be required to submit a completed application and personal history statement prior to completing a civil service exam with a score of 70 or better. Additional requirements include passing a physical agility test, background investigation, oral review board, psychological, polygraph, and medical exam/drug screen.

The department does offer lateral transfers for qualified sworn officers, including year for year credit into our step pay chart for those officers who have previous experience with departments with 15 or more sworn employees, or half time for those having experience in smaller agencies.

Other civil service benefits include 11 paid holidays, accrual of vacation and sick time at a rate of 10 hours a month, certification pay, shift differential pay, longevity pay, college pay, and various assignment pays.

Insurance benefits are currently at no cost for employees, and a reduced premium for family members.

An application can be downloaded here or at the City of Palestine's employment page. Click on the link here to request an application

For more information on becoming a member of our department, please contact Sgt. Gary Rayford at (903) 731-8471.

Application Forms:

• Civil Service Packet
• Preemployment Questionnaire
• Personal History Statement