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

Pasadena Police Department•Pasadena, TX

4d•$78,671 - $109,817

About The Position

The Pasadena Police Department is recruiting candidates for its Basic Police Academy and Lateral Academy, tentatively scheduled to begin in April 2027. The department seeks qualified applicants interested in joining a forward-thinking and innovative police department. Police officers serve in the Patrol Division and may have access to diverse assignments across specialized divisions. After completing two years in patrol, officers may be assigned 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, or Personnel and Training. Basic Police Officer Academy candidates must meet the stated eligibility requirements and successfully complete the required testing, background investigation, and post-offer assessments. Lateral candidates must also meet the additional requirements for prior police service and certification. The lateral academy is tentatively scheduled for April 2027.

Requirements

Achieve a minimum score of 70 percent on the written exam.
Successfully complete the Pasadena Police Department physical fitness test and demonstrate the physical capability to perform essential police officer job functions.
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, pass a 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 at an accredited college or university.
Hold 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 candidates 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 candidates seeking service-based compensation 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.
Certified out-of-state lateral applicants must successfully challenge TCOLE before the Civil Service examination.

Responsibilities

Serve in the Patrol Division.
After completing two years in patrol, potentially serve in a specialized division such as Person Crimes, Property Crimes, Juveniles, Narcotics, Crime Scene, Motorcycles, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, K-9, S.W.A.T., Community Services, Auto Crimes, Gangs, or Personnel and Training.

Benefits

Starting basic academy cadet salary of $78,671.25; officer top salary of $109,817.10 at 12 years of service.
Lateral entry starting salary based on recognized years of service: $88,846.38 for three years up to $92,643.45 for five years, as recognized by the Chief of Police.
TCOLE certificate pay: $200 per month for Intermediate, $300 per month for Advanced, and $400 per month for Master certificates.
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 days per year initially to 30 days per year beginning in the 26th year of service, with specified increases by years of service.
15 days of sick leave per year and a sick-day buyback program.
12 paid holidays per year.
Take-home car incentive.
Spanish compensation.
Medical, dental, and vision plans described as affordable and generous.
Free onsite medical clinic staffed by a physician and medical assistants for eligible employees and their dependents.
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 Veterans Administration educational benefits during the Basic Peace Officer Course through the GI Bill; the Pasadena Police Academy is certified for full-time VA education benefits.