Police Officer - November 21, 2026

City of Mesquite•Mesquite, TX

About The Position

The Police Officer performs a wide variety of tasks supporting law enforcement and crime prevention, investigative work and special assignments, and technical and administrative functions for the Police Department. The position patrols business and residential areas, responds to emergency calls and alarms, enforces traffic and parking laws, investigates crimes and traffic accidents, makes arrests, issues citations, executes search warrants, and appears in court. Officers interact with members of the public, conduct interviews and surveillance, preserve and document evidence, prepare reports, and support crime prevention and public education. The role may also involve tactical or undercover operations, intelligence gathering, specialized investigations, and other assignments as needed. The position is subject to general supervision by a Police Sergeant. Candidates must meet the State of Texas Chapter 143 Police and Fire Civil Service requirements and pass applicable written, physical agility, medical, and drug-testing requirements. The entrance examination is scheduled for November 21, 2026, and the academy start date is February 8, 2027. Starting salary is listed as $83,868.62 to $107,039.97 annually, depending on qualifications.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old by the next scheduled Academy start date of February 8, 2027; lateral candidates must be at least 21.
Be a U.S. citizen under the provisions of State Civil Service Law.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Meet at least one education or experience pathway: 30 successfully completed college credit hours from an accredited college or university (excluding remedial courses and grades below C); at least two years of full-time commissioned police patrol and/or investigative experience; at least two years of active military duty with an honorable discharge; or at least 18 months of full-time employment with the City of Mesquite.
Have vision of at least 20/70 uncorrected in each eye, correctable to 20/20 in each eye, with no color blindness.
Meet the stated hearing standard: average hearing loss in the unaided better ear must not exceed 40 dB at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz, based on testing calibrated to ANSI Z24.5.
Be mentally alert, able to get along well with others, willing to perform assigned duties, conscientious, dependable, and in excellent physical condition.
Participate in and pass a qualifying physical ability and medical examination, including drug testing.
Possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license.
Possess, or be able to obtain, Peace Officer certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
Be legally qualified under U.S. and Texas law to possess firearms and ammunition.
Submit official college transcripts in a sealed envelope at a later date if the written and physical agility examinations are passed.
Meet the stated disqualifier standards for drug use: marijuana use beyond very limited experimentation, or any experimentation within the two years immediately before testing; cocaine use or possession within ten years of application or more than three times; any illegal use of a controlled substance other than marijuana or cocaine; and any felony conviction.

Responsibilities

Prepare reports on crimes, activities, arrests, investigations, and other law enforcement involvement; attend roll calls, briefings, and administrative meetings.
Participate in firearms and other law enforcement equipment training and operate applicable equipment and weapons.
Use departmental computer equipment to enter, review, and retrieve records and other information.
Make arrests, execute search warrants, issue citations, appear in court, conduct surveillance, apprehend offenders, and interview or interrogate people involved in investigations and other law enforcement matters.
Work with citizens on law enforcement and crime prevention concerns, maintain good public relationships, and educate the public about crime prevention.
Patrol business and residential areas; respond to alarms and emergency calls; enforce traffic and parking laws; investigate traffic accidents; and assist motorists in distress.
Operate mobile data computers, speed detection devices, intoxilizers, and other police equipment as appropriate.
Investigate crimes against persons or property; secure crime scenes; preserve evidence; direct traffic and control crowds; interview witnesses, complainants, and suspects; and prepare field reports.
Mediate civil and domestic disputes.
Confiscate and document illegal, stolen, or found property.
Assist with emergency medical situations, fires, disasters, and other extraordinary events.
Conduct technical investigative activities to identify and prosecute people responsible for criminal offenses.
As assigned, participate in tactical or undercover operations, stakeouts, intelligence gathering, gang-related activities, polygraph testing, fingerprint processing, evidence handling, and crime-scene evaluation.
As assigned, provide crime-prevention and educational information to schools, students, organized groups, and media sources; inspect home security systems; and support department training.
As assigned, collect, package, transport, secure, document, and inventory impounded property; assist visitors and process offense reports, delinquent utility bill payments, or impounded vehicle releases.
Report conditions requiring immediate attention to other city, county, state, or utility agencies and perform other duties as assigned.