POLICE OFFICER (Police Classified)

City of Houston, TX • Houston, TX

200d • $52,000 - $111,926

About The Position

The Houston Police Department is seeking candidates for the position of Police Officer. Accepted candidates will undergo 26 weeks of intense classroom instruction and testing to acquire a working knowledge of various Texas laws and police department regulations. Training will cover law enforcement activities such as self-defense, crime scene management, weapon use, and pursuit driving. Successful graduates will be temporarily assigned to a patrol station for further training and evaluation, and will be expected to enforce federal, state, and local laws. Essential patrol functions include answering citizen calls, settling disputes, report writing, accident investigations, handling public disorder complaints, responding to alarms, making arrests, searching for suspects, gathering evidence, taking statements, securing property, and providing testimony in court.

Requirements

• Must have at least 48 semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, or 18 months active duty in the U.S. armed forces with an honorable discharge, or three years of full-time employment as a peace officer licensed by TCOLE or equivalent, or three years of full-time employment in any field.
• Must be at least 20 ½ years of age (must be 21 prior to graduation from the academy).
• Must be a U.S. citizen and resident of the U.S. for a sufficient time to conduct a background investigation.
• Must pass a Physical Agility Test.
• Must pass a Reading Comprehension Test.
• Must have a valid driver license and proof of liability insurance.
• Must have a driving record that reflects prudence and maturity.
• Must not have been convicted of or received community supervision for a Felony or a Class A Misdemeanor.
• Must not have been convicted of or received community supervision for a Class B Misdemeanor within the past 10 years.
• Former military personnel must not have been convicted of any court-martial higher than a summary.
• Must have a stable credit history, family background, and employment background.

Responsibilities

• Complete 26 weeks of intense classroom instruction and testing.
• Acquire knowledge of Texas Penal Code, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Texas Transportation Code, Texas Family Code, and municipal ordinances of the City of Houston.
• Receive training in self-defense, crime scenes, weapon use, and pursuit driving.
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws.
• Answer citizen calls and settle disputes.
• Write reports and conduct accident investigations.
• Handle public disorder complaints and respond to alarms.
• Make arrests and search for suspects.
• Gather evidence and take statements.
• Secure property and provide testimony in court.

Benefits

• Accrue 35 paid days off plus 11 paid holidays after the first year of employment.
• Excellent, affordable health insurance subsidized by the City of Houston, including optional vision screening and dental insurance.
• Defined benefit pension plan with early retirement options.
• Multiple supplemental retirement plans.
• Various deferred compensation plans available.
• Educational incentive pay for Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees