Police Officer Trainee

Dallas College; Texas; On-site; USD 46,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas College is seeking a Police Officer Trainee for a full-time, on-site role designed to prepare individuals to become sworn officers. The position involves non-sworn law enforcement duties while attending a formal education program.

After six months, a hybrid schedule may be considered. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma with 30 college hours or two years of military service, and a Texas driver's license. Bilingual skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of modern law enforcement practices, procedures, and investigative techniques.
• Knowledge of firearms handling and safety, and emergency response decision making.
• Ability to analyze problems, gather data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to respond to critical situations and establish effective resolutions.
• Clear and concise report writing and strong verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team within a law enforcement structure.

Responsibilities

• Respond to complaints and investigate disturbances and incidents on campus and surrounding areas.
• Prepare case files, records, and preliminary reports; testify in court if needed.
• Plan daily work routines and set priorities for timely completion of tasks.
• Develop relationships with students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders within the Dallas College community.
• Interact with the public with courtesy and professionalism; maintain a positive district image.
• Collect evidence, document investigations, and provide accurate reports.

Skills

Law enforcement knowledge

Report writing

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Critical thinking

Stress management

Education

High school diploma + 30 college hours

Two years active military service

Job description

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date.

Weekly Work Hours

40

Compensation Range

D02-Hourly

Hourly Rate

$26.16 Hourly

FLSA

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Position Type

Staff

All positions are considered on-site roles. After six months of employment, employees may have the opportunity to apply for a hybrid work schedule. Academic positions (Faculty) require on-campus presence, even if the role involves teaching online classes, in accordance with state law.

Position Summary

Police officer trainee is a full-time, non-sworn, temporary classification intended to prepare individuals to become sworn police officers. This position, under direct or general supervision, performs a variety of non-sworn law enforcement duties and attends a formalized education program in preparation for employment as a police officer.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• General knowledge of modern law enforcement practices, procedures, and investigative techniques, as well as having knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relative to civil and criminal processes and procedures or the aptitude to learn criminal justice principles.
• General knowledge of firearms handling and other law enforcement equipment, as well as being able to exercise sound judgment in emergency and routine situations and to adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action.
• Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid and coherent conclusions.
• Requires the ability to understand and respond to critical situations and establish methods to resolve such situations.
• Able to prepare clear and concise reports; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise tact and firmness when in contact with the general public.
• Able to maintain high standards while exercising duties and responsibilities.
• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with individuals contacted in the course of duty and work within the law enforcement structure.
• Able to maintain high standards of ethics and confidentiality in the course of preforming job duties.
• Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions.
• Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human, and conceptual areas.
• Must have excellent interpersonal, presentation, oral and written communication skills in order to effectively interact with individuals within the Dallas College community network.
• Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations.
• Must have the ability to maintain the security and integrity of the critical infrastructure of Dallas College

Physical Requirements

Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, computers, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some crawling, reaching, handling, sitting, standing, pushing, bending, and pulling. Physical capability to run, walk, and climb over rough and unfamiliar terrain, fences, and other obstacles for extended periods of time. Operate motor vehicle for long periods of time. Control person resisting arrests; to move a disabled or combative individual. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with physical challenges to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. Must be able to wear a standard issued duty belt with all applicable equipment.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma (or equivalent) plus 30 college hours from an accredited institution or two (2) years active military service.
• Psychological testing, freedom from drug dependency testing, and a physical (medical) will be conducted as a condition of employment.
• Must be willing to works various shifts, as assigned, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Assigned to various campuses/locations throughout the Dallas College Police Department.

• Must successfully complete a certified Basic Law Enforcement course as prescribed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and associated field training within one year of employment.
• Must have a current and valid Texas driver's license.
• Official transcripts and licenses will be required.
• Bilingual or multilingual preferred.

***Will be subject to a criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check. ***

Key Responsibilities

• Upon completion of police academy, patrol's campus/location either on foot or in an official vehicle to answer complaint calls, investigate disturbances, accidents and/or criminal activity.
• Prepares files and records associated with a variety of investigations, as well as testifying in a court of law, if applicable.
• Plans and organizes daily work routine.
• Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time management methodology.
• Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions, on time and as directed. Develops and maintains working relationships with co-workers, students, faculty, staff and other stakeholders and constituents internal/external to the Dallas College network community.
• Uses tact and diplomacy to effectively handle requests, suggestions, and complaints internal or external to the Dallas College network.
• Recognizes and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the district and surrounding area.
• Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations, implementing decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors.
• Collects evidence, writes preliminary reports on each case after initial investigation; prepares supplemental reports as necessary.
• Interacts with the public with courtesy and tact.
• Exercises self-control and good judgement in emergency/hazardous situations.
• Uses appropriate safety principles and techniques.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Incumbents may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Position requires regular and predictable attendance.

About Us

Since 1965, Dallas College, formerly Dallas County Community College District, has served more than three (3) million students. Comprising seven campuses located around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we are one of the largest community college systems in the state of Texas. We strive to be a leader in the community college space, placing students at the center of everything we do.

Dallas College is committed to cultivating an environment of opportunity and belonging for all students and employees. We recognize that the Dallas College workforce, and the diverse talent that stems from it, is directly linked to our success. We are part of an equal opportunity system that provides education and employment opportunities without discrimination on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, veteran status, pregnancy or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, Dallas College will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.

Applications Deadline

October 30, 2026