Entry Level Police Officer

City of College Station; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

City of College Station is seeking an experienced Police Officer to perform a range of law enforcement and crime prevention tasks within the Police Department, protecting lives and property of citizens while enforcing applicable laws and ordinances.

The role includes patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, court appearances, and collaboration with community groups. Candidates must meet basic education and certification requirements and complete a structured selection process.

Qualifications

• GED equivalent plus 12 hours of college; or 2 years of continuous military service; or High school diploma.
• Basic TCOLE peace officer certification or the ability to complete the basic peace officer academy.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• United States citizen.
• Knowledge of existing criminal and traffic codes.
• Ability to maintain physical condition and perform physically demanding maneuvers.
• Must be 21 years of age or older to complete the Police Academy.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a variety of law enforcement activities including arresting offenders and suspects for traffic and criminal offenses, preparing for and appearing in court, enforcing traffic laws and investigating incidents.
• Respond to calls for assistance, provide lifesaving aid if needed, search suspects, and conduct security checks.
• Patrol assigned areas by various means to deter crime and maintain accountability for the area.
• Assist in criminal investigations, secure crime scenes, preserve evidence, and cooperate with other agencies.
• Build partnerships with community groups and respond to citizen inquiries about laws and ordinances.
• Prepare and submit crime/incident reports and maintain training proficiencies.
• Perform related duties including assisting other officers as needed.

Skills

Knowledge of criminal and traffic laws

Ability to work under pressure

Strong physical fitness

Valid Texas Driver’s License

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Job description

Description

Perform a variety of law enforcement and crime prevention tasks, investigative work, special assignments, technical and administrative tasks in support of the Police Department, while protecting the lives and property of the citizens of College Station through the enforcement of federal, state and municipal laws codes and ordinances.

Perform a variety of law enforcement and crime prevention tasks, investigative work, special assignments, technical and administrative tasks in support of the Police Department, while protecting the lives and property of the citizens of College Station through the enforcement of federal, state and municipal laws codes and ordinances.

Additional Assignments within this rank may include, but not limited to:

• Patrol
• traffic
• criminal investigator
• crime prevention officer
• field training officer
• school resource officer
• recruitment/training officer
• or any other assignment, as designated by the Police Chief

Principal Duties

• Participate in a variety of law enforcement activities which include, but not limited to, arresting offenders and suspects for traffic and criminal offenses, preparing for and appearing in court for criminal, civil, and other law enforcement related matters, enforcing traffic laws, investigating traffic accidents, directing traffic (when necessary), serving civil and criminal papers, guarding and transporting prisoners and responding to emergency calls (accidents, burglaries, prowlers, etc.).
• Respond to calls for assistance, policy enforcement, medical help, or safety; collect information, assist with possible medical emergencies, and determine need for further action; perform lifesaving procedures when necessary; physically apprehend and search suspects utilizing appropriate techniques and maneuvers; and conduct security checks on commercial buildings and residences.
• Patrol an assigned area by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot to discourage crime, maintaining responsibility and accountability for assigned geographic area.
• Perform and assist in criminal investigations, secure crime scenes and preserve evidence, and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with community groups and members and respond to requests and inquiries from citizens concerning laws and City ordinances.
• Prepare and submit reports on crimes and activities.
• Maintain required training proficiencies.
• Perform related duties as assigned, to include assisting other Police officers in conducting assigned duties and responsibilities as necessary.

Qualifications

Required:

• GED equivalent plus 12 hours of college; or 2 years of continuous military service; or High school diploma
• Basic TCOLE peace officer certification [licensed] or the ability to complete the basic peace officer academy [non-licensed]
• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• United States citizen
• Knowledge of existing criminal and traffic codes [licensed]
• Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to perform a variety of physically demanding maneuvers and activities while involved in law enforcement and rescue operations, including running, walking, stooping, bending, rolling, crawling, climbing, jumping, lifting, carrying, dragging, and safely operating assigned equipment and vehicles
• Ability to work under a variety of unfavorable conditions including exposure to gunfire, harsh weather, poor or no lighting, exposure to hazardous chemicals and smoke, extremes in temperatures, all types of weather conditions, electrical hazards, armed and dangerous persons, communicable diseases, etc.
• Must be 21 years of age or older to complete the Police Academy.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree

Special Requirements

Drug Screening:

Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this position, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy.

Additional Criminal Background Screening Required:

In addition to the standard pre-employment criminal background check, individuals receiving a conditional offer for this position shall be subject to a finger-print based background screening due to the required access to secured buildings and/or secure data systems.

Entry Level Police Officer Testing:

• Candidates will be scheduled for the written and physical test on various dates and times

POLICE OFFICER SELECTION PROCESS:

• Candidate Applies Before Application Filing Deadline
• Personal History Statement - Due at or Before the Written Examination
• Written Examination Administered
• Preliminary Information Form
• Physical Fitness Test (1.5 Mile Run or 2000-Meter Row)
• Preliminary Interview
• Records CheckOral Interview
• Fingerprinting Check
• Polygraph Examination
• Background Investigation
• Chief's Panel Interview
• Drug Screen and Medical Exam*
• Psychological Examination*
• Candidate selected OR application held for 6 months for future consideration
• Candidate must be successful in each phase of the selection process.
• Candidate may be eliminated or disqualified at any point in the process for failure to meet the criteria set forth by the Police Department.
• A conditional offer of employment will have been made before the drug screen, medical exam and psychological exam are administered.

The expected duration of the application process is 60-90 days. Those successfully completing the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list for 6 months. After 6 months, the applicant must reapply. Applicants who fail to successfully complete any portion of the selection process shall be notified in writing by the Human Resources Department. This notification will include the eligibility date to reapply which will be no sooner than 30 days from the rejection date.

An Equal Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer