Police Recruit - Entry Level Police Officer

City of Waco • Waco, TX

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Waco Police Department is seeking Police Recruits to join the WPD family. This role involves serving the community, making a difference, and building camaraderie. Applicants must meet all requirements of the Waco Local Rules and Waco Meet & Confer Agreement. Successful candidates will attend training to obtain a Basic Peace Officers License and certification, pass various examinations, and participate in physical conditioning. The role requires maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the Police Department, supporting positive public relations, and performing duties such as patrolling, responding to emergencies, enforcing traffic laws, and transporting individuals.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Fifteen (15) hours of college credit from an accredited institution with at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, OR Two (2) years of active-duty military experience from the US Armed Forces with an honorable discharge.
• Must be a minimum of twenty (20) years of age to apply, must be 21 by the Police Academy completion date
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Must be a United States Citizen.
• Must meet all requirements of the Waco Local Rules and Waco Meet & Confer Agreement.
• Must take an eligibility exam.
• Must successfully pass the TCOLE certification within 12 months of passing the eligibility exam.
• Applicants who currently hold a TCOLE Peace Officer License and have less than 2 years of continuous service as a commissioned Peace Officer are eligible to apply as an Entry Level Police Officer.
• Completed Background Packets must be submitted to the Waco Police Department Personnel Unit by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants who currently hold a TCOLE Peace Officer License will not be required to attend the Academy.

Responsibilities

• Attends classroom training sessions and takes notes required to obtain Basic Peace Officer Certification.
• Completes and passes written, oral and skills proficiency examinations for a wide variety of required Peace Officer skills and knowledge and maintains required levels of proficiency.
• Participates in physical conditioning training and testing and maintains required levels of physical fitness.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values and goals of the Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Successful performance in and progression through Police Academy training.
• Ability to testify in court proceedings.
• Operates department vehicles to patrol the City for criminal activity, suspicious behavior, and safety hazards; respond to emergency calls related to crimes in progress, traffic accidents, medical emergencies, and dangerous situations; enforce traffic laws; and transport individuals to appropriate facilities.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

What This Job Offers

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