Civil Service Entrance Exam, 09/10/2026

City of La Porte, Texas • La Porte, TX

14d • Onsite

About The Position

The Police Cadet position is an entry-level non-sworn position with the City of La Porte. The best qualified applicants will be brought on as a City employee and sent to an area police academy to receive their state peace officer certification. Cadet applicants will be required to complete the full hiring process for Patrol Officer. Applicants who are hired as Police Cadets will attend an area police academy full-time which will focus on training in the topics of criminal law, arrest procedures, defensive tactics, firearms, drive training, physical fitness, first aid, investigations, crime scene procedures, and more.

Requirements

• Must possess at least a High School Diploma or GED
• Must have an valid Texas Driver License
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment to Patrol Officer
• Must not have a discharge from military service under "less than honorable conditions"
• Must be free from drug dependency or illegal drug use
• Must not have ever been convicted of a felony or ever placed on community supervision, or ever convicted of barratry
• Must not be on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any offense above a Class C Misdemeanor
• Must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor above a Class C within the last 10 years
• Must demonstrate weapons proficiency
• Must pass an oral interview examination and a background check
• Must pass a psychological examination, polygraph examination, physical examination, and a drug screen
• Must pass a physical fitness assessment
• Must pass a physical fitness test (15 push-ups in one minute, 20 sit-ups in one minute, 1.5 mile run in 17:15, 300 meter run in 80 seconds)
• Possession of a valid Class “C” Texas Drivers License.

Nice To Haves

• TCOLE certified officers will go straight to Field Training and are not required to attend the Police Academy after meeting minimum qualifications.
• Have active duty military experience? Please be sure to bring your Form DD-214 on the test date for additional points.

Responsibilities

• Maintain all physical and academic standards set by the academy.
• Maintain positive attendance in accordance with the academy attendance policy.
• Report regularly to department recruiting.
• The Cadet will report any changes in their status to department recruiting (background, law enforcement interaction, living situation, etc.).
• Zero conduct and performance deficiencies
• Positive attitude and active engagement in all aspects of training
• Attend all mandatory department meetings and events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED