Police Officer Recruit

Performs general police work of average difficulty and is responsible for the protection of life and property, for the prevention, detection and investigation of crime, and for maintaining law and order; perform related work as required.

• Patrols an assigned beat, generally by car, to deter crime and observe law violations
• Makes arrests of person violating laws and ordinances
• Inspects residential, commercial and other buildings  on assigned beat for indications of tampering, juvenile mischief of unauthorized entry
• Responds to emergency calls, routine complaints and alarm systems and takes action as necessary
• Conducts open observation for traffic law violators; writes traffic and parking citations
• Accompanies prisoners to jail or court; books prisoners into jail; may assist in the care of prisoners
• Checks NCIC and TCIC for information on suspects or persons stopped for traffic violations
• Conducts preliminary investigations at crime scenes prior to arrival of supervisor
• Conducts traffic accident investigations and writes required reports
• Directs traffic
• Prepares various reports and maintains files
• Testifies in court
• Questions drivers, witnesses or others and takes written statements
• Serves warrants
• May work at desk and answer telephones
• May perform minor servicing of police vehicles
• The employee may refer to State and local codes and ordinances. Procedures and policies have been established and standardized by superior officers and these guidelines should be followed when possible. However, in emergency situations the employee must use judgment in determining the appropriate course of action
• The employees performs a moderate number of tasks which require some judgment and decision making but are largely dictated by the department procedures and policies. The routine course of action followed by the employee is clear-cut but the employee must be able to act quickly in an emergency situation and make independent decisions. Instructions to the employee are usually clear-cut and specific.
• Generally the employee receives oral instructions but written instructions are given occasionally. Specific assignments are received from superior officers and are carried out in accordance with established rules and procedures. Methods of accomplishing assignments are at the discretion of the employee within department policies and procedures. Deadlines and priorities are usually determined by the supervisor, but the employee may determine others in the field. The employee's work progress is monitored intermittently in the field and daily through reports. Supervision may be close in the event of an unusual or complex situation although the employee normally works without direct supervision while in the field.
• The employee's job requires that he/she deal with the public regularly. Public contact situations are often structured and only normal tact and judgment must be used; however, at times the employee must encounter the public in situations involving conflict  and which require considerable tact and judgment in handling the situation.
• The purposes of personal contacts are to obtain and provide factual information; issue citations to violators; resolve complaints and disturbances; and protect the public and property. The work involves an element of danger and the employee is required to use considerable judgment in unstructured situations and with hostile, uncooperative, or dangerous persons.

• Must have high school diploma/GED
• Must be at least 21 years of age when licensed, OR
  • 18 years of age with 60 hours of study at an accredited college or university, OR
  • 18 years of age with an Associate degree from an accredited college or university, OR
  • 18 years of age with Honorable Discharge after 2 years of military service.
  • Applicants 45 years of age or older will not be eligible.
• Must pass written examination with a score of 70.
• Must pass physical agility examination, oral interviews, and psychological evaluation.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation with no Class B Misdemeanors (within the previous 10 years) or any Class A Misdemeanor or Felony offenses within the lifetime of the applicant.
  • Offenses from other states will be related to comparable Texas State Statues.
  • Never convicted in any court of an offense involving family violence as defined under Chapter 71, Texas Family Code.
• Valid Texas driver's license at the time of placement
• Must have driving record sufficient for coverage by City's auto liability carrier

KNOWLEDGE OF:
 

• Good knowledge of the geography of the City and locations of important buildings
• Good knowledge of the criminal, juvenile and traffic laws and ordinances pertaining to the jurisdiction
• Good knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of police work and related departmental regulations
• Good knowledge and skill in the use and care of firearms and related equipment
• Some knowledge of first aid techniques and procedures

• Ability and skill in the use of a police car and attached equipment
• Ability and skill in subduing and handcuffing prisoners
• Ability and skill writing narrative reports
• Ability to understand and follow oral instructions, departmental policy, rules, regulations, laws and ordinances
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, other law enforcement agencies, and the public
• Ability  to analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action
• Ability to learn the use and care of firearms and specialized equipment
• Ability to observe situations and to report and record them daily