Lateral Police Officer (7)

City of La Porte, Texas•La Porte, TX

12d•$37 - $45

About The Position

The Lateral Police Officer performs law enforcement and crime prevention work, controls traffic flow, enforces state and local traffic regulations, conducts investigations, and supports special Department crime prevention and enforcement programs. The position receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant or higher-level police manager and may exercise indirect supervision over sworn and non-sworn personnel. Officers patrol the City, respond to calls involving protection of life and property and emergencies, investigate criminal incidents, enforce traffic laws, make arrests, gather and preserve evidence, prepare reports, and provide testimony in court. Duties may also include prisoner processing, directing traffic, assisting the public, maintaining community relationships, supporting special investigations, performing undercover or surveillance assignments, and conducting investigations involving juveniles and adults. A Field Training Officer may provide training, guidance, and evaluation to police officers. Applicants for the lateral entry program must pass a physical fitness exam and a comprehensive background investigation, including psychological, polygraph, medical, and drug-screen examinations, and complete a 12-month probationary period. The posting lists compensation from $36.822 per hour at Step 0 to $45.432 per hour at Step 7, depending on qualifications; effective October 1, 2026. The position is full-time and its closing date is ongoing.

Requirements

Pass a physical fitness exam.
Pass a comprehensive background investigation, including psychological, polygraph, medical, and drug-screen examinations.
Complete a 12-month probationary period.
Graduate from an accredited Police Academy for lateral entry qualification.
Possess a Basic Peace Officer license issued by TCOLE by the time of appointment; the posting also states possession of a current TCOLE license or current enrollment in an accredited Police Academy to obtain one.
Possess a high school diploma or GED.
Possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license.
Knowledge of police methods and procedures, including patrol, traffic control, investigation and identification, equipment, police records and reports, and first aid.
Knowledge of criminal law, including apprehension, arrest, questioning, and custody of persons charged with misdemeanors and felonies, and rules of evidence concerning search, seizure, and evidence preservation.
Knowledge of traffic laws and regulations and Department rules and regulations.
Ability to observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
Ability to use and care for firearms.
Ability to think and act quickly in emergencies and judge situations and people accurately.
Ability to learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations and learn and remember City streets, the addressing system, and physical features.
Ability to prepare accurate, grammatically correct written reports and communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
Ability to learn standard police radio broadcasting procedures.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Responsibilities

Patrol the City in a radio-equipped car and respond to calls to protect life and property and enforce City, County, and State laws.
Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, vehicle accidents, deaths, and other criminal incidents.
Patrol in a radar-equipped unit; respond to traffic incidents and emergencies; monitor and control traffic conditions; assist and advise motorists; and enforce traffic safety laws.
Make arrests; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; and testify and present evidence in court.
Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies regarding offender apprehension and investigations.
Prepare reports of arrests, activities, unusual incidents, and investigations.
Stop drivers violating laws, issue warnings and citations, and make arrests as necessary.
Check buildings for physical security.
Search, fingerprint, transport, and book prisoners.
Direct traffic at fires, special events, emergencies, and congested situations.
Maintain contact with citizens about potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the public.
Assist with special investigative and crime prevention duties.
As a Field Training Officer, provide training, guidance, and evaluation to police officers.
Perform undercover and surveillance activities as assigned.
Investigate crimes involving juveniles and adults, persons and property, and vice, gaming, and narcotics violations as assigned.
Prepare investigative reports and case information, and provide evidence and testimony in court.
Answer public questions concerning local and State laws, procedures, and Department activities.
Collect, preserve, and maintain evidence and property involved in suspected crimes.
Develop and maintain relationships with the public, including informants and contacts helpful to criminal investigations.
Perform related duties as assigned.