Police Recruit

As a Police Recruit, you serve in a temporary role within the Borger Police Department that prepares you for a career in law enforcement upon successful completion of a police academy and meeting the requirements to transition into the full-time Police Officer I position. You will attend the South Plains College Law Enforcement Academy in Levelland, Texas, with the City of Borger covering the cost of housing, uniforms, and books while also providing pay during your time at the academy.

Under the guidance and supervision of experienced officers and training staff, you will undergo intensive training and development programs designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become a Certified Peace Officer through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Throughout your assignment, you are expected to uphold the City’s core values of Boomtown PRIDE: Professional, Responsive, Innovative, Diverse, and Empowered, while supporting departmental operations and promoting public safety within the community.

Applicants must be available on the following Dates:
Friday, October 2nd, 2026: Written & Physical Testing
Friday, October 16th, 2026: Formal Interview Board

The Successful candidate(s) must be able to start the police academy in January 2027.

1. Training Program Participation:Participate in structured training programs, including classroom instruction, practical exercises, and field training activities, designed to develop foundational law enforcement knowledge and skills.
2. Physical Fitness:Maintain physical fitness and readiness through regular participation in physical training activities, including running, defensive tactics, and firearms proficiency drills.
3. Academic Studies:Study and learn applicable laws, departmental policies and procedures, law enforcement techniques, and community policing principles to prepare for written and practical examinations.
4. Field Observation:Shadow experienced officers on patrol and other law enforcement activities to observe and learn proper procedures, techniques, and interactions with the public.
5. Report Writing:Assist in the preparation of police reports, documentation, and paperwork related to law enforcement activities, under the guidance and supervision of training staff.
6. Firearms Training:Receive instruction and training in firearms safety, marksmanship, and use of force policies, including range qualification and scenario-based exercises.
7. Ethical Conduct:Uphold ethical standards and professional conduct in all interactions and activities, demonstrating integrity, honesty, and respect for individual rights and dignity.
8. Community Engagement:Engage with community members and stakeholders in positive interactions, events, and outreach activities to build trust and foster partnerships.
9. Compliance:Adhere to departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, as well as state and federal laws governing law enforcement conduct and operations.
10. Professional Development:Seek opportunities for learning and growth, including continuing education, specialized training, and professional certifications relevant to law enforcement.

All applicants must meet the following basic requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• No Felony or Class A convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication.
• No Class B convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication in the past 10 years.
• No family violence conviction.
• Ability to possess a valid Texas driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and no older than 44 years of age on the first day of the academy.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language at a high school graduate level.
• Must have normal hearing and be able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to work under stressful conditions and occasionally work overtime.
• Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. 
  • If an applicant possesses a GED, the applicant must also possess 12 hours from an accredited college with a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average. 
• The applicant must be able to comply with the current Uniform Dress Code.  A copy will be provided to all applicants.
  • Exposed tattoos while wearing a short-sleeved shirt require a waiver by the Chief of Police and may not be vulgar, offensive, provocative, or excessive.
  • Exposed tattoos on the head, neck, and face are prohibited. 
• The applicant must reside within the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle.
  • Preference will be given to applicants residing within and/or have immediate family residing within 20 air miles of the Borger City Limits.
  • Additional Preference will be given to current City of Borger Employees.

The ideal candidate for the Police Recruit position demonstrates a strong commitment to our core values of Boomtown PRIDE by demonstrating:

• Professionalism:Demonstrates integrity, ethics, and professionalism in all interactions and activities, representing the department with dignity and respect.
• Responsiveness:Shows eagerness to learn, adapt, and respond to training and guidance from experienced officers and training staff, demonstrating a commitment to personal and professional growth.
• Innovation:Displays a willingness to learn new concepts, techniques, and technologies, and seeks opportunities to apply innovative solutions to law enforcement challenges.
• Diversity:Respects and values the diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences within the community, recognizing the importance of cultural competency and inclusivity in law enforcement.
• Empowerment:Takes initiative and ownership of the learning process, seeking opportunities for skill development, leadership growth, and community engagement.