Does the Wichita Police Department have an age restriction?
No, there is no maximum age restriction. You have to be at least 21 years of age on the start date of the academy class.
How many weeks is the police academy class?
24 weeks.
If I fail the Aptitude Test, then what happens?
You have three chances to pass the Aptitude Test. If you fail the first time, you have to wait 30 days. You will then have to go into the NeoGov account that you created when you filled out your online application and modify it, so you can reschedule to take the Aptitude Test again. If you fail the Aptitude Test a second time, you have to wait another 30 days. You will then have to go into the NeoGov account that you created when you filled out your online application and modify it, so you can reschedule to take the Aptitude Test again. If you fail it a third time, you will have to wait one year to take the Aptitude Test again.
If I don't pass the Physical Agility Test, can I retake it?
Yes, you have two chances to pass. You have six months to pass the test from the first date you take it. If you fail two times, then you will be disqualified for one year.
When does the police academy start?
Police academy class dates are scheduled based upon how many positions the department has open.
Do I have to pay to attend the police academy?
No, unlike some academies where you do have to pay to put yourself through, you do NOT have to pay to attend our police academy.
Will I get paid while I'm attending the police academy?
Yes, you will! You become a paid employee of the City of Wichita and the Wichita Police Department. you will be paid the entry level of Recruit Officer. Refer to the Benefits page for the Salary Scale.
Do I have to live on site at the Law Enforcement Training Center?
No, you live at your place of residence, and you will commute and attend for classes.
Do I have to buy my own uniforms to attend the police academy?
No, you will be supplied recruit uniforms. During orientation day at Human Resources, you will be measured for your recruit uniform. You will wear business attire for approximately two weeks until your uniform has arrived.
Is it a good idea to do a police ride along prior to hiring or while I'm going through the hiring process?
Yes, we encourage you to schedule a ride along, so you get a firsthand account of what patrol officers do during a shift and what you will be doing if you are hired with the Wichita Police Department. You can go to any of the four patrol substations and request a ride along form and let the employee know that you are wanting to schedule a ride along since you are going through the hiring process or thinking about joining the police department.
Does the Wichita Police Department offer a lateral transfer class?
No, we are not holding a lateral academy class at this time.
The applicant must have 2 years experience in law enforcement. Also, we are only taking applications with Kansas Certified Law Enforcement Officers ONLY. Make sure to find the Lateral Officers title when applying online. You can earn up to $27.28/hour based on Prior Experience.
Applicants must have at least 2 years of law enforcement experience. The years of experience are counted after academy graduation and field training from the applicant's prior employment.
Applicants must be currently a full time "Police Officer" or "Law Enforcement Officer" who holds an "Active law enforcement certificate" issued by the Kansas CPOST as defined by Kansas State Statute 74-5602 and subsections.
Do I need to complete the online application and online first contact questionnaire completely?
Yes, that is very important. Do your best to fill out everything as precisely as you can. That will help you and us when it comes to having you go through the hiring process efficiently.
