Lateral Transfer Officer

City of Waco, TX; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 55,942 - 66,807; Full time

Job summary

The City of Waco, TX, is seeking a police officer to join the Waco Police Department. Candidates must hold a valid TCOLE License and have at least two years of experience as a commissioned officer.

This role involves patrolling, enforcing laws, and providing assistance to the public. Initial pay ranges from $40.6085 to $48.4957 per hour, depending on experience.

Qualified applicants will be part of a supportive community-focused team dedicated to maintaining public safety.

Qualifications

• Must have valid TCOLE License as a Peace Officer.
• Two years continuous experience as a paid full-time police officer.
• Must be a United States Citizen.

Responsibilities

• Patrols and investigates calls for service.
• Enforces laws and prevents crimes.
• Responds to incidents and conducts surveillance.

Skills

Law enforcement

Crisis intervention

Community policing

Education

High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Completion of Police Academy training

Tools

Law enforcement vehicles

Surveillance equipment

Job description

Summary

Starting Pay: $40.6085 per hour up to $48.4957 per hour. To be considered, you must hold a valid TCOLE License as a Peace Officer.

Lateral Positions

Under basic supervision, patrols, investigates, responds to calls for service, enforces laws, prevents crimes and assists the general public for the Waco Police Department (WPD); conducts surveillance, monitors traffic, arrests suspect and maintains order in the City.

To qualify as an applicant for a lateral transfer police officer position, the applicant must meet all requirements of the Waco Local Rules and Waco Meet & Confer Agreement. Lateral positions (2+ years experience) with the WPC require:

• Have served as a commissioned Peace Officer for the 12 months immediately prior to application.
• Left the last position as a commissioned Peace Officer in good standing.
• Hold an active TCOLE certification at the time of applying.
• Applicants who qualify are not required to take the WPD eligibility exam.
• Applicants may be hired as a beginning officer at the pay step most closely equivalent to their qualifying experience, up to including the 10-year pay step, but do not begin employment with seniority or longevity based on previous experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Successful completion of Police Academy training.
• Two (2) years continuous experience as a paid full-time police officer.
• Must be a United States Citizen.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• Peace Officer’s License.
• Certification from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

Additional Information

• After HR review, you will receive an e-mail with additional requirements to complete the Police Officer process.
• Documents must be submitted within 90 days of your initial application; failure to complete will result in removal from the process.

Position Description

Under basic supervision, patrols, investigates, responds to calls for service, enforces laws, prevents crimes and assists the general public. Conducts surveillance, monitors traffic, arrests suspect and maintains order in the city.

Primary Duties

• Enforces state and federal laws and City regulations; identifies, prevents, and terminates unlawful activities using experience and training; identifies, pursues, and arrests suspects.
• Performs work according to WPD policies to enforce laws, preserve peace, maintain order, solve problems, respond to requests for service, and promote crime prevention through community policing.
• Consistently applies WPD regulations and procedures and provides professional police services.
• Responds to incidents, accidents and calls for service; initiates basic investigations and coordinates with other agencies.
• Patrols the City to preserve peace, enforce law, control traffic, prevent and detect misconduct, misdemeanors, felonies; intervenes for mental health crisis safety and assists at scenes.
• Preserves peace through mediation, investigation, intervention, assistance and arrest; uses lawful means to improve quality of life.
• Works with citizens to address safety, crime, and neighborhood disorder issues.
• Conducts security checks, responds to complaints and treats residents with courtesy and respect.
• Performs crime investigations and analysis; secures crime scenes, interrogates suspects and witnesses, preserves evidence, takes measurements, draws diagrams, searches for clues, arrests persons involved, prepares cases and testifies in court.
• Performs specialized functions in areas of expertise including K‑9, SWAT, community outreach, event security, warrant service, computer systems, armory and other enforcement specialties.
• Cross‑trains in various law enforcement skills and disciplines.
• Prepares accurate reports and paperwork.
• Maintains integrity, professionalism, values and goals, and ensures rules and regulations are followed and public trust preserved.
• May be required to respond on off days or non-scheduled holidays during emergencies.
• Operates department vehicles for patrol and emergencies, enforces traffic laws, and transports individuals to appropriate facilities.