Police Officer Entrance Exam - City of Texarkana, TX : Job Details

Salary : $58,011.20 - $68,265.60 AnnuallyLocation : Bi-State-Texarkana, TXJob Type: Police Officer - AdministrationJob Number: 00519Department: Police DepartmentOpening Date: 10/22/2024Closing Date: ContinuousPOLICE DEPARTMENTPolice Officer: New Hire $58,011.20 3 Years $60,008.00 5 Years $63,024.00 7 Years $66,684.80 9 Years $68,265.60 $3,000.00 Hiring Bonus for Qualifying OfficersThis position involves working closely with residents, businesses, schools, community groups, service clubs and other officers to improve the quality of life in Texarkana by protecting life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances, including the prevention and investigation of crimes, traffic collisions and disturbances; enforcement of traffic laws, parking regulations; and patrolling designated areas of the City.Training will be provided, including both academic and practical instruction in subjects such as criminal law, criminal procedure, traffic law, case law, rules of evidence; investigative techniques; patrol and traffic procedures; administration of justice; and police/community relations.GENERAL PURPOSEPerforms police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities.SUPERVISION RECEIVEDWorks under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant.SUPERVISION EXERCISEDNone.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESWorks on rotating shifts performing security patrols, traffic control, investigation, and first aid at accidents, detection, investigation, and arrest of persons involved in crimes or misconduct. Maintains normal availability by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent. Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances. Patrols City streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic; prevent, detect, and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies, and other law violations and to otherwise serve and protect. Interrogates suspects, witnesses, and drivers. Preserves evidence. Arrests violators. Investigates and renders assistance at scene of vehicular accidents. Summons ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles. Takes measurements and draws diagrams of scene. Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift. Seeks out and questions victims, witnesses, and suspects. Develops leads and tips. Searches scene of crimes for clues. Analyzes and evaluates evidence and arrests offenders. Prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in court proceedings. Prepares a variety of reports and records including officer's daily log, reports of investigation, field interrogation report, offense report, vehicle impoundment form, traffic hazard report, etc. Undertakes community oriented police work and assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, traffic safety, etc. Participates in investigating criminal law violations occurring within the city limits, obtaining evidences and compiling information regarding these crimes, preparing cases for filing of charges, testifying in court, and related activities. Coordinates activities with other officers or other City departments as needed, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney, Court Administrator, and Municipal Prosecutor's Office regarding cases, policies and procedures, as needed and assigned. Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations, and provides general information about departmental activities.Apprehends and/or arrests offenders; transports individuals to jail facilities; books prisoners.Attends and participates in a variety of meetings and in-service training sessions.Cleans and maintains assigned law enforcement vehicles and equipment.May conduct a variety of law enforcement duties including patrol, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, and/or special details.May coordinate training activities for law enforcement personnel; creates and updates training lesson plans; delivers employee training on a variety of law enforcement topics.Detects and deters criminal activity within the community. Conducts surveillance/undercover work as assigned.May establishes and maintains Neighborhood Crime Watch programs for area of responsibility; educates the public regarding crime prevention techniques.Formulates plans to resolve neighborhood issues and improve the quality of life for citizens.Interacts with and provides assistance to citizens and the general public; responds to inquiries regarding a variety of law enforcement matters.Investigates motor vehicle accidents and hit and run cases; files criminal charges as required.May serve as Detective; investigates various types of criminal cases relative to area of assignment including general, property, persons juvenile, and/or cybercrimes.May serve as Quartermaster; monitors and ensures police personnel are appropriately supplied with necessary uniforms and equipment.May serve as School Resource Officer and facilitates a safe learning environment for students.May serve as Traffic Officer; directs traffic; provides vehicle escorts; enforces traffic laws and promotes safe driving practices; identifies traffic violations and issues citations accordingly.May serve as Training and Recruiting Specialist; attends job fairs; identifies and recruits law enforcement applicants; conducts background investigations for job applicants.Mentors and counsels students/parents; provides information regarding criminal justice processes and victims' rights; educates youth regarding alcohol awareness, drug abuse, and bullying.Participates in criminal investigations; processes crime scenes; documents, collects, and preserves evidence; interviews victims and witnesses; interrogates suspects.Patrols assigned areas of the City including residential, commercial, and industrial areas; conducts security checks of homes and businesses.Patrols assigned beat and/or participates in responding to calls for police service as required.Performs other related duties as assigned or requiredPerforms traffic enforcement duties; identifies moving violations, initiates traffic stops, and issues citations accordingly; investigates DWI's and traffic accidents; directs traffic.Prepares and maintains a variety of law enforcement records and documentationPrepares and maintains various types of law enforcement documentation including but not limited to offense reports, arrest documents, and probable cause sheets.Processes/views crime scenes; documents, collects, preserves, and analyzes physical evidence; obtains and examines latent fingerprints; performs forensic computer examinations.Provides for the delivery of high quality law enforcement services to the local community.Provides for the protection of life and property within the community and the enforcement of local, State, and Federal laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.Responds to calls for police service involving criminal activity, accidents, or other incidents; assists the Fire Department, EMS, and outside agencies in response efforts.Reviews offense reports and follows up on initial complaints filed by the public; locates, contacts, and interviews crime victims and witnesses.Submits criminal cases to the District Attorney's Office for prosecution; attends and participates in court proceedings; provides legal testimony; serves as Expert Witness as required.PERIPHERAL DUTIESMaintains departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities. Maintains contact with the general public, court officials, and other city officials in the performance of police operating activities. Serves as a member of various employee committees.DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSApplicants for appointment to any entry-level police officer position must be at least twenty (20) years of age. Applicants for appointment to an entry-level police officer position who have reached their twentieth (20th) birthday but have not attained their twenty-first (21st) birthday shall be considered for appointment to an entry-level police officer position only if the applicant is licensed as a peace officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education, or has received an associate's degree or successfully completed sixty (60) semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university or has received an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the Unites States after at least two years of active service.(a) Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent(b) Provide proof of U.S. citizenship(c) Possess a valid driver's licenseNECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES(a) Some knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.(b) Some skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment.(c) Ability to learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and departmental rules and regulations; ability to perform work requiring good physical condition; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, and supervisors; ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to learn the City's geography.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS(a) Must possess a valid State driver's license without record of suspension or revocation in any state.(b) Ability to meet the department's physical standards.(c) Ability to pass the appropriate written Civil Service exam.TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USEDComputer equipment, radios, telephone, firearms, and other equipment related to law enforcement activities.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than one hundred (100) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately noisy.The City of Texarkana, Texas provides three weeks of paid vacation and three weeks of paid sick leave per year as well as 13 paid holidays per year. Retirement benefits are through the Texas Municipal Retirement System with the City contributing at a rate of 2 to 1 and the employee contributing 7% each paycheck to TMRS. Employees are vested after five years and may retire after either twenty years of service at any age or at age 60 as long as they are vested.Retirement benefits for the Fire Department are paid through the Firemen's Relief and Pension Fund and employees are eligible to retire after twenty years of employment. A voluntary 457 deferred compensation program through MissionSquare is also offered to all City employees.The City of Texarkana, Texas provides health, dental, and vision insurance to its employees at a minimal cost. Life insurance equal to one times your annual salary is offered at no cost to the employee with supplemental life and dependent life insurance also available but is paid by the employee. Insurance becomes effective the first of the month following thirty days of employment. 01 All communication regarding this Police Officer application is conducted via the email address you entered on your application. You will need to check the email to see if you are qualified to take the exam, receive the test date and location and to get the test study guide and information to order a practice test.It is also important to check your spam frequently to ensure no communications have been missed.Do you understand that you will need to check the email you entered on your application to review important communications related to your Police Officer application?

• Yes
• No

02 If you have been referred or recruited by a Texarkana, Texas Police Officer, please identify that officer by listing their first and last name. 03 Enter last four (4) digits of your Social Security Number. 04 Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

05 If yes, what is the name of the high school? 06 Applicants who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received an honorable discharge may be eligible for 5 additional points on the written exam. Have you received an honorable discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States of America?If Yes , you will be required to produce satisfactory evidence of this qualification by attaching your DD-214 or bringing your DD-214 with you on the date of the exam.

• Yes
• No

07 Will you have reached your 20th birthday by the date of the exam?

• Yes
• No

08 What is your date of birth? YOU MUST ENTER IT IN THE FOLLOWING FORMAT: MM/DD/YYYY 09 Are you a citizen of the United States of America?*****IF NO , DO NOT PROCEED. YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE EXAM.*****

• Yes
• No

10 Are you currently certified as a peace officer in the State of Texas?

• Yes
• No

11 If you served in the armed forces, did you serve for at least two (2) years active duty AND receive an honorable discharge?

• Yes, I served for two (2) years on active duty AND received an honorable discharge
• No, I did not serve for at least two (2) years on active duty AND receive an honorable discharge
• Not applicable, I have not served in the armed forces on active duty.

12 Have you attended college and graduated with an Associates degree OR successfully completed at least sixty (60) hours of credit from an accredited college or university?

• Yes, I have graduated with an Associates degree OR completed at least sixty (60) hours of credit.
• No, I have not graduated with an Associates degree OR completed at least sixty (60) hours of credit.
• Not applicable, I have not attended college.

13 Have you been convicted of conduct which constitutes a felony under State or Federal Law to include the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)?*****IF YES , DO NOT PROCEED. YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE EXAM.*****

• Yes
• No

14 Have you been convicted of conduct which constitutes Class A or B misdemeanor under State or Federal law to include the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) within the last ten years?*****IF YES , DO NOT PROCEED. YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE EXAM.*****

• Yes
• No

15 Are there any matters involving conduct which would constitute criminal offenses pending against you?*****IF YES ' DO NOT PROCEED. YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE EXAM.*****

• Yes
• No

16 Have you used marijuana in any form (THC/Cannabis/Hashish) at anytime?

• Yes
• No

17 APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE ALL INFORMATION REQUESTED HERE.If yes, list Date(s), Month/Year, Medications(s), Number of Times Used, Method of Use (smoked, etc.), Circumstances. If No', answer N/A. 18 Have you committed conduct which constitutes abuse of legally obtained prescription medication(s) or used the prescription medication(s) of another person?

• Yes
• No

19 APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE ALL INFORMATION REQUESTED HERE.If yes, list Date(s), Month/Year, Medications(s), Number of Times Used, Method of Use (smoked, etc.), Circumstances. If No', answer N/A. 20 Have you ever illegally used cocaine or any derivative of the drug?*****IF YES , DO NOT PROCEED. YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE EXAM.*****

• Yes
• No

21 Have you ever illegally used heroine or any derivative of the drug?*****IF YES , DO NOT PROCEED. YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE EXAM.*****

• Yes
• No

22 Have you ever illegally used ecstasy (XTC, Ice, or any other street name) or any derivative of the drug?*****IF YES , DO NOT PROCEED. YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE EXAM.*****

• Yes
• No

23 Have you ever illegally used hallucinogens including but not limited to PCP, LSD, Peyote, Mescaline, or Psilocybin (Angel Dust, Mushrooms, or any street name) or any derivative of the drug?*****IF YES , DO NOT PROCEED. YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE EXAM.*****

• Yes
• No

24 Have you ever illegally used methamphetamine (Amphetamines/Crystal Meth/Speed/Crank or any other common street name) or any derivative of the drug?*****IF YES , DO NOT PROCEED. YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE EXAM.*****

• Yes
• No

25 Have you illegally used an anabolic steroid within the last five (5) years?

• Yes
• No

26 APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE ALL INFORMATION REQUESTED HERE. If Yes. list Date(s), Month/Year, Name of Steroid, Quantity Used, Circumstances 27 Have you ever illegally used any drug or any derivative of a drug or combination of drugs not specifically mentioned herein (including but not limited to Quaaludes, Downers, Tranqulizers, Biphetamine, Preludin, Dilaudid, Talwin/PBZ, Inhalants (glue/paint), Designer Drugs, Rohypnol, (date rape drug), Clikums/Xanbars)?*****IF YES', DO NOT PROCEED. YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE EXAM.*****

• Yes
• No

28 Have you had more than three (3) hazardous traffic violation convictions (moving violations/tickets) within the last sixty (60) months (This includes citations including but not limited to speeding, running stop sign/red light, or racing.) OR have you received more than three (3) non-hazardous traffic violation convictions (This includes citations including but not limited to defective equipment, insurance violations or administrative violations).*****IF YES , DO NOT PROCEED. YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE EXAM.*****

• Yes
• No

29 Have you had more than one at-fault collision on your driving record within the preceding thirty-six (36) months OR more than two collisions (whether at-fault or not) in the past twelve (12) months?*****IF YES , DO NOT PROCEED. YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE EXAM.*****

• Yes
• No

30 Have you ever been dismissed or resigned in lieu of dismissal from any employment for inefficiency, delinquency, or misconduct?

• Yes
• No

31 APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE ALL INFORMATION REQUESTED HERE. If Yes list each instance by month, day, year and circumstance. If No , respond with N/A . 32 Have you ever participated in an illegal occupation (a job that would violate local, state and/or federal laws)?

• Yes
• No

33 APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE ALL INFORMATION REQUESTED HERE. If yes, list Date Started Month/Year, Date Ended Month/Year, Occupation, Describe circumstances. If No , answer N/A . 34 Have you ever applied for a position with the Texarkana, Texas Police Department?

• Yes
• No

35 If Yes , please list dates in the following format (MM\YYYY). If No , answer N/A. 36 Have you ever been disqualified/rejected from the Texarkana, Texas Police Department?

• Yes
• No

37 APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE ALL INFORMATION REQUESTED HERE. If yes, list Date(s) Month/Year, Reason for disqualification. If no. answer N/A. 38 Is there anything that you have not been asked that you believe would disqualify you for the position as a beginning police officer for the Texarkana, Texas Police Department?

• Yes
• No

39 If Yes , explain in detail. If No , answer N/A. 40 COMMENTS: If your Yes or No answer needs more clarification, please provide that information here and note the number of the question you are referencing. 41 I hereby certify that there are no willful misrepresentations, omissions, or falsifications in this application. I am fully aware that any such misrepresentations, omissions, or falsifications will be grounds for immediate and permanent rejection of my application. If you understand and agree with this statement, please type your full name in the box below which will indicate your digital signature of this questionnaire. TYPE YOUR FULL NAME AND TODAY'S DATE IN THE ANSWER BOX TO CERTIFY YOU AGREE TO THE ABOVE STATEMENT. Required Question