Police Officer — TCOLE Eligible + $5K Hiring Incentive

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 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.