Police Officer- Basic Police Academy & Lateral Academy beginning April 2027

Pasadena Police Department•Pasadena, TX

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About The Position

The Pasadena Police Department is recruiting applicants for its Basic Police Academy and Lateral Academy, tentatively scheduled to begin in April 2027. The department describes itself as forward-thinking and innovative and offers assignments in addition to the Patrol Division. After two years in patrol, officers may be eligible for assignment to a specialized division, including Person Crimes, Property Crimes, Juveniles, Narcotics, Crime Scene, Motorcycles, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, K-9, S.W.A.T., Community Services, Auto Crimes, Gangs, and Personnel and Training. Basic academy cadets start at $78,671.25. The stated officer top salary is $109,817.10 at 12 years of service. Lateral-entry starting pay depends on recognized completed service: applicants with three years may start at $88,846.38, and applicants with five years may start at $92,643.45, as recognized by the Chief of Police. Additional compensation is available for TCOLE certification and education. Applicants must meet the department’s selection, physical, background, education, licensing, and other eligibility requirements. Lateral applicants have additional training, certification, and service requirements. The Pasadena Police Academy is certified for full-time Veteran’s Administration Education Benefits; eligible military personnel may receive additional educational benefits during the Basic Peace Officer Course.

Requirements

For the basic academy, achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on the written exam.
Successfully complete the Pasadena Police Department physical fitness test, demonstrating the ability to perform the essential job functions of a police officer.
Successfully complete a thorough background investigation, including fingerprinting for a criminal record check and a polygraph examination.
Be a United States citizen by birth or naturalization.
Successfully complete a post-job-offer psychological examination and medical examination, including a visual acuity test, and pass a drug test.
Be at least 21 years old at the time of licensing.
Graduate from an accredited high school or home school, or hold an equivalent certificate (GED) and have completed at least 12 college credit hours with a C average or better from an accredited college or university.
Have a valid Texas or out-of-state driver’s license that is not in jeopardy of suspension or revocation at application and maintain it throughout the hiring process.
Be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
Be of good moral character.
Meet all licensing requirements established by current TCOLE Rules.
Not be prohibited from carrying or purchasing a firearm or ammunition.
Lateral applicants must, before the Civil Service testing date, have attended and successfully completed a Texas State-approved Basic Police Officer Course and passed the Texas State TCOLE license examination.
Lateral applicants must have at least three years of continuous service as a paid, full-time certified police officer with a comparable law enforcement agency, including an out-of-state agency, as approved by the Chief of Police, to qualify for the stated lateral compensation consideration.
Certified out-of-state lateral applicants must successfully challenge TCOLE before the Civil Service examination.

Benefits

TCOLE certificate pay: $200 per month for Intermediate, $300 per month for Advanced, and $400 per month for Master certification.
Education pay: $100 per month for an associate’s degree, $200 per month for a bachelor’s degree, and $300 per month for a master’s degree.
Vacation accrual ranging from 15 to 30 days per year based on years of service.
15 days of sick leave per year with a sick-day buyback program.
12 paid holidays per year.
Take-home car incentive.
Spanish compensation.
Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Free onsite medical clinic for eligible employees and their dependents, staffed by a physician and medical assistants.
City-paid disability and life insurance plans.
TMRS retirement system with 2:1 matching, a 7% contribution rate, five-year vesting, and a 20-year retirement option.
Employee tuition assistance program.
Employee training and fitness facilities.
Eligible military personnel may receive additional VA education benefits during the Basic Peace Officer Course.