Police Officer- Basic Police Academy & Lateral Academy beginning April 2027

Pasadena-Police-Department; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 79,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Take home car incentive

Education pay

G.I. Bill benefits

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Pasadena Police Department is recruiting for the Basic Police Academy, anticipated to begin April 2027. Applicants may advance to patrol and, after two years, transfer to specialized divisions such as Person Crimes, Narcotics, SWAT, K-9, and more. The package includes competitive salaries, education pay, leave benefits, and a range of insurance options.

Starting cadet salary is $78,671.25 with top pay of $109,817.10 at 12 years. Lateral entry steps exist with related pay.

Qualifications

• Pass written exam with at least 70%.
• Complete physical fitness test as prescribed by the department.
• Background investigation incl. fingerprints and a polygraph.
• Must be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization.
• Psychological, medical and drug testing as part of the process.
• At least 21 years old at licensing time.
• Graduate of accredited high school or GED with college credit.
• Valid Texas or out-of-state driver’s license.
• Fluent reading, writing and speaking of English.
• Meet licensing requirements established by current TCOLE Rules.
• Not prohibited from carrying or purchasing a firearm or ammunition.

Skills

Written exam

Physical fitness

Background check

English fluency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Pasadena Police Department is currently recruiting for a Basic Police Academy, tentatively scheduled to begin April 2027.

We are looking for qualified applicants seeking employment with a forward-thinking and innovative department. In addition to the Patrol Division, we have many challenging and diverse assignments that are available to patrol officers. Upon completion of two years in the patrol division, officers have the potential to be assigned to a specialized division. Some of these divisions include: Person Crimes, Property Crimes, Juveniles, Narcotics, Crime Scene, Motorcycles, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, K-9, S.W.A.T., Community Services, Auto Crimes, Gangs and Personnel and Training.

Benefits

• Starting salary for basic academy cadet - $78,671.25*
• Officer top salary $109,817.10* at 12 years of service
• Lateral entry candidates starting salary depending on completed years of service, minimum of three years ($88,846.38) maximum of five ($92,643.45), as recognized by the Chief of Police.
• TCOLE Certificate Pay (Intermediate $200/month, Advanced $300/month, Master $400/Month).
• Education Pay (Associate's Degree $100/month, Bachelor's Degree $200/month, Master's Degree $300/month
• 15 days vacation per year - starting - 10th year of service, 20 days 11th - 20th year of service, 25 days from 21st - 25th years of service, and 30 days from the 26th year of service and on.
• 15 days sick leave per year with sick day buy back program
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Take home car incentive
• Spanish compensation
• Affordable and generous medical, dental and vision plans.
• Free onsite medical clinic (staffed by a M.D. and medical assistants) for eligible employees and their dependents.
• City-paid disability and life insurance plans
• TMRS retirement system - 2:1 matching; 7% contribution rate; 5 year vesting, 20 year retirement option available.
• Employee tuition assistance program
• Employee training and fitness facilities
• G.I. Bill- The Pasadena Police Academy is certified for full-time Veteran's Administration Education Benefits. Military personnel who are eligible for GI Bill benefits may receive additional educational benefits from the Veteran's Administration during the Basic Peace Officer Course.

Job Requirements - Basic Police Officer Academy

• Achieve a minimum passing score of seventy (70) percent on the written exam.
• Successfully complete the physical fitness test as prescribed by the Pasadena Police Department by demonstrating the applicant is physically capable of performing the essential job function for the position of police officer.
• Successfully complete a thorough background investigation, including fingerprints for a criminal record check and a polygraph examination.
• Be a United States citizen by birth or naturalization.
• Successfully complete a (1) a post-job offer psychological exam and (2) pass a medical exam including a visual acuity test (eye exam) and (3) a drug test.
• You must be at least 21 years of age at the time of licensing.
• Be a graduate of an accredited high school or home school; or have an equivalent certificate (GED) and have completed 12 or more hours of college credit (C average or better) from an accredited college or university.
• Have a valid Texas or out of state drivers license that is not in jeopardy or suspension or revocation at the time of application and maintained as such throughout the hiring process.
• Be able to read, write and speak the English language fluently.
• Be of good moral character.
• Meet all licensing requirements established by current TCOLE Rules.
• Shall not be prohibited from carrying or purchasing a firearm or ammunition.

Additional Minimum Eligibility Requirements for Lateral Entry Police Officers (tentatively scheduled for April 2027)

• Prior to the Civil Service testing date, the applicant must have attended and successfully completed a Texas State approved Basic Police Officer Course as well as passed the Texas State TCOLE license examination.
• Applicants with at least three years of continuous service as a paid, full-time certified police officer, with a comparable law enforcement agency, including out of state agencies, as approved by the Chief of Police, may be compensated at the equivalent pay rate of their years of service up to five years on the current approved pay scale.
• Certified out of state applicants must have successfully challenged TCOLE prior to the Civil Service examination.

For more information and a complete list of requirements: www.ppdcareer.com