Police Officer

Garland Police Department; Garland (TX); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Garland Police Department is seeking qualified applicants to respond to citizen calls for service, enforce criminal and traffic laws, and actively take part in reducing crime and fear of crime within Garland, Texas. The role emphasizes high-visibility patrols, community education, and rigorous reporting to support public safety operations.

Applicants must meet strict minimum qualifications including U.S.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen at time of application.
• Must be at least 18 years old before starting a beginning position.
• Must have HS diploma or GED and either an associate degree or 60 college hours, or an honorable discharge from the armed forces after 2+ years, or 2 years as a commissioned peace officer, or 21+ with 2 years of relevant work.
• Must meet Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) enrollment requirements.

Responsibilities

• Pro-active enforcement of criminal and traffic laws, including issuing citations.
• Respond to calls for service from citizens.
• Maintain high-visibility patrols.
• Educate the public and citizen contacts.
• Prepare and complete all necessary reports and supplements.
• Attend state mandated and supplemental training each year.
• Testify in court concerning collection of evidence.
• Preserve and enhance the quality of life for Garland residents by following city principles.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

English communication

Interpersonal skills

Public safety mindset

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree or 60 college hours

Military service honorable discharge (2+ years)

Two years as commissioned peace officer

Two years public/government work or first-responder experience

Tools

Texas Class C driver’s license

TCOLE enrollment readiness

Job description

Notice of Examination

Summary

Respond to citizen calls for service, enforce criminal and traffic laws, reduce crime and fear of crime within the City of Garland.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Pro-active enforcement of all applicable criminal and traffic laws, including the issuance of citations.
• Respond to calls for service from citizens.
• Maintain high-visibility patrols.
• Educate public and citizen contacts.
• Prepare and complete all necessary reports and supplements.
• Attend state mandated and supplemental training each year.
• Testify in court concerning collection of evidence.
• Preserve and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Garland, Texas, by following the City's guiding principles.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be United States of America citizen at the time of application
• At least age 18 prior to entering a beginning position in the police department
• Must have either a High School Diploma or GED and either**
• Associate degree or the completion of 60 semester hours of college credit from an accredited college or university, with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, OR
• Received an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States after at least two years of service, OR
• minimum of two years of service as a commissioned, full-time, paid peace officer (reserve peace officer status shall not be considered when determining an applicant's satisfaction of the two-year prior service requirement), OR
• Be at least 21 years of age or older, and have at least two years of continuous work experience for a local, state, or federal government employer, or at least two years of experience as an emergency first-responder.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Communicate in the English language Must be able to pass all steps in the Garland Police Department hiring process:

• Written Civil Service exam
• Physical agility test
• Detailed personal history statement
• Thorough background investigation
• Polygraph examination
• Oral interview board
• Psychological and medical examinations
• Drug screen
• Administrative review by the Chief of Police

Licenses and Certifications

• Must possess a Texas Class "C" driver’s license
• Must be able to meet all minimum requirements under the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) for enrollment in a law enforcement training program