Police Cadet

uthscsa.edu; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Covered room and board expenses

Job summary

The University of Texas System Police Academy is seeking candidates for the Basic Peace Officer Course. Selected candidates will attend the academy in Austin, Texas, from October 2026 through April 2027, with all expenses covered by the department.

Responsibilities include participating in physical training and complying with academy regulations. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 21 years old on commissioning, and pass a series of examinations.

Qualifications

• Must reach 21st birthday before commissioning.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Responsibilities

• Attend classes and maintain notebooks.
• Participate in physical and firearms training.
• Comply with academy rules and regulations.

Skills

Knowledge in firearms

Criminal investigation equipment

Emergency motor vehicles

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Responsible for successfully fulfilling the academic and physical training requirements of the Basic Peace Officer Course conducted by The University of Texas System Police Academy or an equivalent training academy within the State of Texas approved for enrollment by the Director of Police.

Selected candidates will attend the Police Academy in Austin, Texas, from October 2026 through April 2027, with all room and board expenses covered by the department.

Responsibilities

• Attends classes and maintains comprehensive notebooks and/or the e-tablet equivalent.
• Prepares research papers and homework assignments.
• Participates in the physical training, firearms training, defensive tactics training programs, and practical problems and must demonstrate the following required abilities: necessary strength and agility to subdue and restrain persons resisting arrest including the proper use of handcuffs, use of force options and other restraining devices.
• Adequate hand, arm and upper body strength and ability to operate a handgun and/or shoulder weapon with either hand and qualify with same on a prescribed course.
• Necessary agility and endurance to pursue violators on foot; ability to scale a reasonable barrier or obstruction while in foot pursuit of violators, to include running up and down flights of stairs.
• Ability to remove an injured or unconscious person of reasonable size from an area of danger.
• Ability to safely operate an automobile without the use of any specialized equipment peculiar only to the operator while utilizing the police radio and emergency equipment such as siren and emergency lights.
• Actively participates in classroom discussions and group projects. Complies with established rules and regulations governing The University of Texas System Police Academy.
• Complies with assignments and instructions given by the Director of Police of The University of Texas System and any members of the Academy staff or guest instructors.
• Complies with policies of respective component institutions relating to his or her status and attendance at the Academy.
• Adheres to The University of Texas System Police Code of Conduct and to the Rules and Regulations promulgated by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED is required.

Required

• Must reach 21st birthday on or before the date of commissioning.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Be a citizen of the United States of America.
• Must have never been convicted, pleaded guilty to (nolo contender), nor have been court-ordered community service/probation or deferred adjudication for a Class A misdemeanor or a felony.
• During the last ten (10) years, must not have been convicted, pleaded guilty to (nolo contender), been on community service/probation or deferred adjudication for a Class B misdemeanor in this state, other states, or while serving in the military.
• If applicable, must have received an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States after at least two (2) years of active service.
• Must pass a written entry‑level exam.
• Must pass the required physical agility test.
• Must be examined by a licensed physician and a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist.
• Must successfully complete and pass a polygraph examination.
• Must complete all the requirements of a thorough and comprehensive background investigation.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of firearms, criminal investigation equipment, photographic equipment, radio equipment, alarm systems, restraining devices, keys and locks, and emergency motor vehicles.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
• Four (4) years of military active duty with an honorable discharge.
• Six (6) months experience as a Police Guard or Telecommunications Operator or any other position that required the wearing of the approved University of Texas System Police Uniform.

Required Skills

• High School diploma or equivalent
• High School diploma or equivalent