Join the NOPD

NOPD officers looking forward on Motorcycles — Hiring Process

step 1

Apply

Apply online (preferred) or apply in person Monday – Friday between 8am and 5pm at the New Orleans Civil Service Department – 1340 Poydras Street, Suite 900, New Orleans, LA 70112.

APPLY Online

step 2

Test

All applicants are required to bring a valid driver’s license to the test. Prepare for the test in advance by taking the practice test which can be purchased from the vendor when you register for the test.

step 3

SHOW YOUR STRENGTH

Complete the panel interview and physical agility test, which includes a 1-mile run to be completed in a maximum of 17 minutes, 10 sit-ups in a minute, and 5 push-ups with no time limit.

step 4

SHOW YOUR CHARACTER

NOPD will conduct a background check including but not limited to: fingerprinting, drug testing and computerized voice stress analysis.

step 5

CLEARED FOR HIRE

You will be given a conditional offer of employment and scheduled for medical and psychological screening. Once cleared for hire you will be offered a position within the department until the next Academy class is scheduled.

step 6

enter the academy

Congratulations: once you've completed the previous steps and the Academy is scheduled, you will attend and prepare to Protect and to Serve throughout your career as a member of the NOPD.

Out of Town Applicants

All applicants who do not live in the greater New Orleans area are required to apply in advance by using this link: LAW ENFORCEMENT Jobs | Find Public Safety Jobs | National Testing Network. Please be certain to SELECT NOPD as the department for which you are testing.

Civil Service offers bundled test dates to streamline the application process for out of town applicants. Bundled test dates are three days and include the multiple choice exam, writing exercise, physical agility test and panel interviews. If you successfully complete this process you will need to travel back to New Orleans once more for on-boarding as part of the hiring process.

Additionally, several lodging options have generously been made available at discounted rates for NOPD applicants in town for their tests: the Jackson Barracks, Hilton Homewood Suites French Quarter, Hotel Indigo, Cambria and Sonesta Extended Stay Suites New Orleans. Test takers who have registered with Civil Service will be emailed a form in advance of the scheduled test date to request discounted lodging as available.

See Current Exam Dates

Applicants from Outside of the US

People may apply from outside the US, however, all applicants must physically report to New Orleans, Louisiana, for testing and to initiate a background investigation. Applicants will be required to make two trips to New Orleans, minimum.

All applicants must have the legal right to work in the United States prior to application, but do not have to be United States citizens to apply for a position with the New Orleans Police Department. Sufficient documentation is required of all applicants. International applicants should consider requesting in advance, law enforcement checks from the country of current or prior residency.

Minimum Requirements

Be at least 20 years of age at the time of application.
Possess a high school diploma, state approved G.E.D. or equivalent.
Be licensed to drive with a good driving record and driving experience.
Be in good physical and psychological condition to perform the essential duties of a Police Officer.

Automatic Disqualifications

Been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to any Felony
Been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to any Misdemeanor involving any crimes against person or sexual offenses
Been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, any offenses involving violations of the civil rights of any person under the constitution or laws of the United States or any state or territory
Used any illegal drug other than marijuana within five years prior to application
Sold, distributed, manufactured, or transported any illegal drug
Used any prescription drug or legally obtainable substance in a manner for which it was not intended within two years prior to application (within three years prior to application for P.O.S.T. applicants)
Been dishonorably discharged from any military service
Been terminated or forced to resign from any law enforcement agency for disciplinary reasons
Refused to submit to a polygraph examination and/or voice stress examination
An unacceptable driving record within three years of application, as evidenced by, three or more negligent collisions; suspension for moving violations; revocation, or operating after suspension/revocation of driving licenses; DWI or DUI convictions

Original Documents

Civil Service allows out-of-town applicants to send in photocopies of the required documents to demonstrate they meet minimum qualifications, and will schedule those who take the exam. Applicants are then required to bring the originals to the test.

You will not be tested without a valid driver's license. You will not be tested without this document. Submission of proof of education is not required at the time of walk-in testing. Proof of education will be required by NOPD later in the hiring process.

Citizenship

All applicants must have the legal right to work in the United States prior to application, but do not have to be United States citizens to apply for a position with the New Orleans Police Department.

Residency Requirement

The New Orleans Police Department does not have a residency requirement. Applicants do not have to live within New Orleans to become an officer with the New Orleans Police Department.

Walk-in Testing

Local applicants should report to the Civil Service Department at 8:45am on any day of their choosing, Monday – Friday (excluding major holidays). Walk-in testing will also be held on Wednesday afternoons starting at 12:45pm. The Civil Service Department is located at: 1340 Poydras Street, Suite 900, New Orleans, LA 70112 .

Remote Testing

Local applicants should submit an application to test by using this link: LAW ENFORCEMENT Jobs | Find Public Safety Jobs | National Testing Network . Please be certain to select NOPD as the department for which you are testing.

Hiring Process