*Police Officer - Civil Service Examination

San Marcos Police Department; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive: $5,000

Job summary

City of San Marcos announces a Civil Service Examination to establish an eligibility list for hiring Police Officers. The list remains valid for one year or until exhausted. Deadline to apply is December 28, 2026, with test date January 8, 2027 at the San Marcos Activity Center.

Starting salaries vary by certification: Cadet $64,821; TCOLE Sworn Officer $73,734.83; Lateral Entry up to $96,617.55. A $5,000 hiring incentive is offered for certified TCOLE officers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Age 20 years 6 months or older and not more than 50 years at hire.
• Must meet TCOLE and Local Government code requirements.
• If not TCOLE certified, must complete police academy and obtain TCOLE Basic Peace Officer Certification.

Responsibilities

• Enforces local, state, and federal laws and ordinances.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Participates in crime prevention, investigations, and arrests.
• Aids the sick and injured and supports other emergency services personnel.
• Prepares detailed written reports with proper grammar and spelling.
• Engages in community policing and public education.

Skills

Communication skills

Reading & writing

Public safety knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

City of San Marcos - Police Officer Civil Service Examination Announcement

The City of San Marcos will conduct a Civil Service Examination to establish an eligibility list for hiring Police Officers. This eligibility list will be in effect for a period of one year from the test date or until the list has been exhausted, whichever occurs first.

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE EXAMINATION IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2026.

Test Date: FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2027

Time: Doors open at 7:30 AM. Test starts at 8:30 AM. NO ADMITTANCE AFTER 8:30 AM.

Place: San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666

Starting Salary

• Candidates not TCOLE certified – Cadet: $64,821 Annually
• TCOLE Sworn Officer: $73,734.83 Annually
• Lateral Entry Program: Testing is not required for TCOLE-certified officers. An experienced TCOLE-certified candidate may earn up to $96,617.55 annually.

Hiring Incentive: Certified TCOLE Officers hired from this list will be eligible for a $5,000 hiring incentive $2,500 at hire, and $2,500 upon successful completion of training.

Physical Fitness Assessment

Candidates should be prepared to take the Physical Fitness Assessment:

Date: January 8, 2027

Time: 1:00 PM

Place: San Marcos Police Department, 2300 I-35 S, San Marcos, Texas 78666

Row test details can be found at SMPD Jobs.

Test Information

Application & ID Requirement: Applicants must apply online by December 28 and bring a valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, ID card) to the test site. Roll call begins promptly at 8:30 AM. Late arrivals will not be admitted.

Personal History Statement: Due date is January 22, 2027 by 5:00PM. Begin gathering required documents now. Waiting until January 8 may not allow enough time to collect everything needed.

Testing Room Rules: Electronics are not allowed.

Scoring

A score of 70 or higher is required to pass.

Applicants who qualify for additional points may receive up to 8 bonus points.

The eligibility list will be ranked by final score. In case of a tie, the application submission timestamp will determine order.

Final Meet and Confer Agreement with Extender - Police

Eligibility List Posting: The final list will be posted on the City’s website by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, January 11, 2027.

Study Guide

Applicants may order the “Police Aptitude and Character Test (PACT) Candidate Orientation Guide” here: https://www.fpsi.com/product/pact-orientation-guide/

The PACT Candidate Orientation Guide is a helpful tool to prepare for the exam. It can be downloaded as a PDF and saved or printed. Payment can be made via PayPal or credit/debit card on FPSI’s site. After payment, the download link will appear on the order details/checkout status page. Be sure to follow all instructions on both the FPSI and PayPal websites to access the download successfully!

If you have additional questions, call 512.393.8066 or 512.393.8000 for a Human Resources representative to assist you.

Under general supervision, Police Officers provide professional, responsive, and community-oriented police services to protect life and property, maintain public order, and uphold the rights of all individuals. This role supports the mission of public safety by preserving peace, preventing crime, and fostering a safe and engaged community through lawful enforcement, proactive engagement, and service delivery.

Responsibilities

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

• Enforces local, state, and federal laws and ordinances in accordance with department policies and procedures.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, including crimes in progress, accidents, disturbances, and requests for assistance.
• Participates in crime prevention, criminal investigations, recovery of stolen or missing property, and the arrest and prosecution of offenders.
• Aids the sick and injured and supports other emergency services personnel.
• Prepares organized, detailed, and concise written reports and documentation using proper grammar and spelling.
• Engages in community policing efforts, including public education, mediation, and conflict resolution.
• Attends shift briefings, court proceedings, training sessions, and community meetings.
• Operates police vehicle and specialized equipment safely and effectively.
• Performs specialized functions based on assignment (e.g., K-9, SWAT, training, investigations).
• Maintains professional integrity, accountability, and adherence to department values and protocols.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Age: Must be at least 20 years and 6 months of age at the time of the entrance examination and not more than 50 years of age at the time of hire.
• Must meet all TCOLE and Local Government code chapter 143 requirements.
• If not currently certified, must successfully complete a police academy and obtain TCOLE Basic Peace Officer Certification.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• Extensive background investigation required.

BONUS QUALIFICATIONS

• Thirty (30) college credit hours from a regionally accredited institution, or
• Two (2) years of active military service, or
• Six (6) years of reserve military service or National Guard experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of law enforcement methods, criminal justice systems, and applicable laws.
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents, maps, and reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in basic math and reasoning under stress.
• Ability to mediate, de-escalate, and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to operate police vehicles and specialized equipment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in high-pressure situation