Austin Police Recruiting @JoinAPD

The journey to becoming an Austin Police Officer starts long before graduation. As the 158th Cadet Class begins its academy training, they're already building connections with the community they'll one day serve. During a recent visit to Community First! Village, cadets toured the neighborhood, spent time with residents, played games, and served ice cream sundaes, gaining valuable perspective on service, compassion, and the importance of community partnerships. Ready to answer the call? Applications are now being accepted for our 160th Cadet Class. #AustinPolice #APDRecruiting #ServeAustin #CommunityFirstVillage #AustinTX #PoliceRecruiting #JoinAPD

Great policing starts with understanding the community. Academy Foundations gives new cadets the opportunity to connect with Austin before they begin serving it. Start your journey with the Austin Police. Apply today at APDRecruiting.org

We’re proud to announce Officer Smart as 2025 Patrol Officer of the Year! Officer Smart has spent the last seven years in the Downtown Area Command (DTAC). His tenure in a highly operational unit, such as DTAC nightshift, is remarkable, and lends itself to the incredible amount of experience and community connections he possesses. DTAC routinely sees new officers, and Officer Smart can always be counted on as a de-facto field training officer of sorts for those unfamiliar with the unique policing downtown Austin requires. He does this formally when tasked to do so, but also informally by coaching and mentoring officers on known problem areas, known suspects, crime trends, etc. Within the past year he has taken an active role in mentoring some of the officers who have quickly become some of the most productive officers in all of DTAC. Officer Smart’s seniority does not stop him from being just as proactive. In 2025, Officer Smart authored 238 offense reports; 103 of these were custody arrests which he made. These include multiple arrests for DWI, Possession of Controlled Substance, Assaults, and Firearms related offenses. Additionally, Officer Smart consistently produces the most thorough and well-written reports on the shift for which he routinely earns praise from investigative units. His work product never declines, and he always maintains a high degree of professionalism as a shift leader. This speaks volumes to not only his positive attitude, but also his resilience as an officer. Congratulations, Officer Smart!

Congratulations to Officer Pistone with the David 300s (Southwest Austin) for earning 2025 Patrol Rookie of the Year! A common theme with Officer Pistone is her proactive approach to policing. She frequently self-initiates calls that result in firearms being removed from the street, arrests for felony drug charges, and the removal of intoxicated drivers. She made 38 DWI alone arrests in 2025! Additionally, when she responds to 9-1-1 calls, she consistently takes charge, serves as the lead officer, and makes the arrest. Officer Pistone is setting a strong example for newer officers by demonstrating what it takes to be an effective patrol officer. Regardless of assignment or time of day, she handles calls confidently and has already emerged as a leader in her short time as an officer. Congratulations, Officer Pistone!

This summer... Hundreds will answer the call. The road to the 160th officially begins. 🎬 Now showing: Testing for the 160th Class. The journey has begun.  Start yours today at APDRecruiting.org #160th #TestingDay #TheRaceBegins

Meet Sergeant Johnson. Ten years into his career, Sergeant Johnson has built a foundation of experience, leadership, and professional achievement. After promoting through the ranks and earning a Master's Degree, he now serves as a Sergeant overseeing officers during the night shift. In this example, Sergeant Johnson works nights, holds a Master's Degree, and receives $1,070 in longevity pay for his years of dedicated service. His compensation reflects the department's investment in education, leadership, and the experience gained over a decade of policing. Disclaimer: “Sergeant Johnson” is a fictional example, but the pay and incentives highlighted reflect real opportunities available through the Austin Police and the real 2029 pay scale.

We're back with another edition of "How much can you earn?"! If you joined the Austin Police today, here’s what your career (and pay) could look like.

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Austin summer nights just hit different. While the city is out enjoying the music, food, and warm evenings, our officers are out there too: patrolling neighborhoods, responding to calls, and helping keep our community safe. Through summer days and summer nights, we're the team that keeps Austin safe. If you're looking for a career that's bigger than a job, there's a place for you on our team. #AustinPolice #AustinTX #JoinAPD #NowHiring #ServeAustin

OurK-9 team stopped by the recruiting office, and we got to spend time with some incredible officers and their amazing dogs. 🐾 These teams represent dedication, discipline, and the strong bond between officer and K-9 partner that helps keep our community safe every day. Interested in becoming part of the next generation of K-9 officers? We’re hiring now and looking for future leaders ready to serve Austin with pride. #APD #AustinPolice #K9Unit #NowHiring #ServeAustin

AI is changing a lot of careers, but public safety still needs real people with judgment, courage, empathy, and leadership. That’s why careers in law enforcement and emergency response may end up being some of the most AI-resilient paths out there. The Austin Police Department is hiring, and the demand for people willing to serve their community isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, AI will likely make these jobs more effective, not replace them. If you’re looking for a stable career with purpose, strong benefits, and long-term opportunity, public safety is worth a serious look. 🚔 #Austin #APD #PublicSafety #Hiring #Careers #AI #FutureOfWork #AustinTX

Yesterday evening, former NFL player and ESPN commentator Merril Hoge gave an inspiring speech to the Austin Police (APD). Huge thanks to Greg Zaroslinski from Performance Protocol for facilitating. Are you interested in joining a team that invests in people, develops talent, and builds the next generation of leaders? Learn more and how to apply by visiting APDrecruiting.org

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"If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great.” Now's your chance to test for the Austin Police Department. Not everyone can do this job. That’s what makes it worth doing. 🚔

We tested 82 candidates this past week, the final group eligible to join the 159th Academy. 👏 Missed your shot? Good news: the Austin Police is now accepting applications for the 160th Academy. Get your application in now to get first dibs on testing dates. The 160th Academy starts this January. Your future starts with one application. 🚔

Thanks to all who came out to the 2nd Annual Memorial Bomb Suit Run benefitting “After The Long Walk” and supporting the EOD Community and Mental Health Awareness. Austin Police (APD) Special Operations, Bomb Squad and SWAT were excited to display robots and the bearcat. We enjoyed spending time with our community, our partners in public safety and all who joined in and ran the two miles alongside us. We always appreciate your support!

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Applications are opening soon for the Fall 2026 Community Police Academy! Learn more today! austintexas.gov/police/program… #UnderstandingThroughEducation

Earlier this week, Austin Police Air Support and Austin Fire Department Special Operations Rescue Swimmers—jointly known as the Helicopter Search and Rescue Team (HSART)—headed to San Antonio for the Texas Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX). This large-scale training prepares multi-state first responders for critical airborne rescues during natural disasters. HSART joined 52 other units from various agencies, utilizing nearly two dozen aircraft to execute close to 300 practice rescues during the intensive, all-day event. Ready to answer the call when disaster strikes? Join our team today at APDRecruiting.org.

Ever wonder what really happens on Austin Police testing day? 👀 Here’s the quick rundown: ✅ Check-in at 7:00 a.m. ✅ Info session + paperwork ✅ Physical test: sit-ups, push-ups & run ✅ Written exam ✅ Meet with your background investigator & get your results All done in one day, and you're one step closer to reaching your goals.

🚨 Now Hiring: Austin Police Cadet Class 160 🚨 There’s no single path to becoming an officer. Our team is made stronger by people with different experiences, skills, and perspectives. Whether your background is in healthcare, education, customer service, trades, technology, athletics, military service (or something completely different) your experience could make a difference in our community. We’re looking for people who lead with integrity, communicate well, stay calm under pressure, and want to serve the City of Austin. Applications are now open for the 160th Cadet Class. #AustinPolice #APDRecruiting #NowHiring #LawEnforcementCareers #AustinTX #PoliceRecruiting #PublicService #CadetClass160