FAQ
What are the criteria for becoming a Nevada DPS Officer I?
Must be 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of appointment
The Department of Public Safety has a moral and ethical obligation to select only the most qualified applicants for our law enforcement positions. Background investigations ensure that we select only those individuals of impeccable moral character and uncompromising integrity.
You will not be appointed if any of the following applies to you:
Conviction of a felony in the State of Nevada or a conviction in another state which would be a felony if committed in this State
Conviction of any offense involving illegal sale or manufacture of controlled substances
Conviction of D.U.I. within the last five years, or two D.U.I. convictions in a lifetime
Documented history of physical violence.
Any illegal use of controlled substance within the listed time limits preceding the date of application: A: Marijuana - Up to date of application. B: All others, including hallucinogens or experimental drugs, and steroid use - 3 years. This is to include prescribed medication not prescribed to the candidate schedule I, and II.
Intentional falsification, deception or omission of information during the application and background investigation process
You must be able to obtain a valid Nevada Class C driver's license and must have the ability to obtain both a radio operator's certificate and a radar operator's certificate.
What are the Physical Agility Test requirements:
The physical agility requirements for Applicant/Screening are as follows:
11.5" vertical jump
24 sit-ups in 1 minute or less
18 push-ups, no time limit
300 meter run in 82 seconds or less
1.5 Mile run in 20:20 or less
Agility run in 23.4 seconds
The physical agility requirements for P.O.S.T Certification are as follows:
14" vertical jump
30 sit-ups in 1 minute or less
23 push-ups, no time limit
300 meter run in 68 seconds or less
1.5 mile run in 16:57 or less
Agility run in 19.5 seconds
Out of State Applicants - How many trips can I expect to make for the hiring process?
Initially we will need you in Nevada to take the test in either Las Vegas or Carson City. Within 3 weeks of passing the test, you will be scheduled for the departmental hiring interview. We do telephone interviews when requested. You would only need to be back in Nevada after you receive a conditional hire offer to complete Phase II (week long) of your employment process which could be several months after the interview.
What are the salary and benefits?
For a full list, click here
What is involved in the hiring process?
Our hiring process is highly selective and includes the following steps:
I. On line application using the ICIMS platform. You can email the ICIMS help desk at https://care.icims.com/s/contactsupport have problems using the on-line application system. Please make sure you fill out your ICIMS application with at least 2 years of works experience. Keep adding tabs to include more work experience and add a resume (optional) but you must fill out the ICIMS application.
II. Application screening
Due to the volume of applications we receive, applications are reviewed in the order they are received and you can typically expect a response within 1-2 weeks of receipt. Human Resources representatives review applications to ensure job prerequisites are met (verified). Please review the job announcement to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications. Incomplete or missing applications will be withdrawn and delay your screening opportunity. Also, unqualified applicants or pre-screening disqualified candidates will be sent an email by Human Resources that eliminate them from the process.
III. Physical Fitness Test (DPS Officer I and II). You will be sent an e-mail scheduling you for the test. See the FAQ portion for the physical fitness test for details.
If you do not pass the physical fitness exam you must wait 30 days before requesting to be rescheduled. If the posting is still open, you do not need to reapply. However, if the posting has closed you must wait for it to reopen and reapply.
*If you are hired as a DPS Officer when you get to the academy you need to pass at POST Category 1 physical agility test. See the FAQ on the physical agility test for details.
IV. Written Test
National Testing Network (Law Enforcement - Frontline National) - Invitation only email the Recruiter.
https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/ntn-test-law-national.cfm
Public Safety Dispatcher Careers
Public Safety Dispatchers perform technical communications work in the operation of a district, central, or statewide communications center including but not limited to: providing assistance to law enforcement units in both routine and emergency situations; dispatching enforcement units and other emergency mobile units from a computerized dispatch center; researching various criminal justice records systems and transmitting the required information; placing telephone calls for officials and registered vehicle owners at accident scenes; providing assistance to other law enforcement agencies as requested; maintaining a variety of logs and records; and preparing statistical summaries on center activities.
For career opportunities email
Careers@dps.state.nv.us
How long does the process take?
Expect the entire hiring process, from the date of your written and/or physical agility test to Academy appointment, to last a minimum of 5-6 months. This is a general timeline and individual cases may vary considerably depending on the time frame of the next academy.
What are the minimum qualifications to become a DPS Officer I?
To qualify for a DPS Officer I:
1) Graduation from high school or equivalent education and two years of military service or public contact experience (i.e. sales, customer service) which included problem solving and applying policies to specific situations; OR
2) Associates of Arts degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience as described above; OR
3) Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Please see above Lateral information to qualify for a DPS Officer II. Read about other law enforcement officer criteria here: http://post.nv.gov.
Can I go on a ride-along?
Yes. Please email or call (NHP or NPP) in your local area. For a listing please go to https://dps.nv.gov/divisions/
Also, you may email the Recruiter at careers@dps.state.nv.us for these documents.
What information will I need for my background investigation?
After successfully passing the tests you will be scheduled for an interview. You will be e-mailed the information to download the background packet for completion. View the Background Application forms for Sworn Candidates.
After you pass the first phase of background, you will receive a conditional hire offer based on passing Phase II which consists of medical tests, psychology and polygraph tests.
Nevada DPS Basic Academy questions
The DPS Academy is approximately 30 weeks long and incorporates basic and Division specific advanced training.
You have an option to live at the academy in the Carson City Academy only (minimal costs) or find your own living accommodations (at your cost). You will be paid while you attend the academy.
Where will I be assigned?
Assignments within each division are based on the location of the vacancies which can be in any of our 37 statewide duty locations. You will be notified where you will be assigned when you receive your conditional hire offer which is after passing Phase I of Backgrounds.
Does the Nevada DPS accept laterals?
Yes. The Nevada Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training has reciprocity with all states except Oklahoma, South Carolina and Louisiana. If you have an equivalent Category I Basic Certificate from one of the qualifying states, and a minimum of 1 year of law enforcement experience, you will qualify for our in-lieu academy. Research at POST.NV.GOV for more information.