Police Recruit

Police Recruit

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Entry-level position for non-certified Police Officer applicants. Applicants applying for this position must be at least 20 years or older.

Job Class: 4651 Department: Police Reports to: Lt./Sergeant

Summary: Entry-level position for non-certified Police Officer applicants. Receives mandatory orientation and training. May be assigned to various department operations until entry into the Odessa Police Academy. Entire responsibility of individual in this job category is to successfully complete orientation and the law enforcement academy in order to become a certified Police Officer. Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the first available daytime law enforcement academy and obtaining a passing score on the TCOLE Peace Officer written test.

Essential Functions: Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists in various department operations.
• May work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED certification required; OR have a completed college degree from an accredited college or university; OR have an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States after at least 24 months of active duty. Some college courses preferred as well as relative law enforcement experience preferred. Knowledge of:

• Safe work practices, occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.

Skill in:

• Maintaining academic and professional standards in accordance with OPD policies.
• Following verbal and written instruction.
• Reading and understanding training materials and completing written, physical, and skills testing.
• Learning and applying training materials and training instructions.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to:

• Read/write and understand oral instruction.
• To work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.

License and Certification Requirements: A valid Texas State Driver's License is required.

Other Requirements:

• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Be at least 20 years of age and attain the age of 21 prior to the completion of the next scheduled OPD Academy.
• Has the ability to fluently read, write, and speak English language.
• Not be currently on court ordered community service or probation for any criminal offense.
• Not have been convicted of, or placed on deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion for a misdemeanor of the classification "Class B", or its equivalent, within the last ten (10) years in any state or federal court.
• Not have been convicted of, or placed on deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion for intoxication offenses as defined by the Texas Penal Code, Title 10, Chapter 49, Section 49.04, 49.05 and 49.06 within the last ten (10) years.
• Not have been convicted at any time of a felony offense, or its equivalent, "Class A" misdemeanor, or its equivalent in any county, state or federal court.
• Not have been convicted at any time of an offense of family violence.
• Not have any criminal charges pending.
• Not have excessive traffic tickets or accidents.
• Be of good moral character.
• Have been honorably discharged from any and all military service or provide proof of acceptable military re-enlistment eligibility if prior service is uncharacterized.
• Not have had a license issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement revoked.
• Must successfully complete an oral interview board, ½ mile run in 5 minutes or less, entry level test, agility test, TABE9 Reading Comprehension test, background investigation, polygraph, medical physical, drug screen, vision and psychological examination.
• Must submit the following additional documentation: Birth certificate, high school diploma or G.E.D., high school transcripts, college transcripts, any college degree, DD-214 (if applicable), driver's license, social security card, current & valid vehicle liability insurance card listing the applicant specifically as an insured driver, or other documents as requested for confirmation of details in application packet.

Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed in a classroom environment, and in the field for training exercises; requires strenuous physical efforts and ability to meet physical standards of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). This job requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions. This position is subject to on-call status. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required use hands to operate equipment, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.