Certified Police Officer and Non-Certified Cadet

TESTING INFORMATION

Entry level testing for the Big Spring Police Department will be on January 16, 2025. The application deadline is January 13, 2025. The Police Officer Application must be completed online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mybigspring. Interested individuals must submit the application by the posted deadline in order to be eligible to test on that date.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND BENEFITS
A Big Spring Police Officer works forty (40) hours per week on different shifts and overtime may be required. Patrol officers work twelve hour shifts with every other weekend off. The City of Big Spring offers excellent benefits including a fully equipped take home patrol vehicle, twelve paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, medical, dental, and vision insurance, deferred compensation program, City paid life and long-term disability insurance, TMRS (7% 2 to 1 match), 120 hours of paid vacation, and 40 hours of paid sick leave. BSPD officers are not required to reside in Big Spring, but they are required to live within a one-hour response time to the City of Big Spring.

Certified officers are eligible for a relocation incentive payment in the amount of $4,500.00, payable on the day of hire. Newly hired certified officers who relocate their primary residence to Big Spring are also eligible for an $800 monthly housing allowance for up to one year.
An officer hired by the Big Spring Police Department and having personally incurred expenses for tuition and fees within the twelve (12) months preceding the date of hire to attend any training school meeting Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education requirements for a basic academy and received his or her certification as a result, will be eligible for reimbursement in an amount not to exceed $5,000.00.

Non-certified academy cadets receive comprehensive training, at your full starting salary, which includes sixteen weeks at the police academy prior to field training at the department. Candidates are provided with a vehicle to travel to and from the police academy in Midland, Texas. Free dormitory type housing is available for non-certified cadets attending the police academy.JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws, the protection of life and property and preserving the peace. Essential duties and functions may include the following:

• Patrols an assigned zone on foot, on bicycle, and by vehicle to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations.
• Enforces traffic and parking laws.
• Receives information on activity in an area and assists in plans to address problems.
• Responds to calls relayed by Communications Officers, including but not limited to domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, public service duties, stranded motorists, and others.
• Gathers information/probable cause to secure either arrest or search warrants as needed.
• Conducts preliminary investigations into traffic accidents and other incidents, including but not limited to interviewing victims, complainants and witnesses, gathering information and evidence, and securing crime scenes.
• Process crime scenes to recognize, collect and preserve evidence.
• Apprehends arrest, and process offenders, including fugitives; subpoenas witnesses and serves warrants.
• Provides assistance and backup support to other officers and emergency service providers as necessary.
• Assists motorists.
• Performs bailiff duties at Municipal Court.
• May provide first-aid and CPR to victims as necessary.
• Provides traffic direction as needed for special events such as parades, funerals, athletic events, and school crossings.
• Preparing for and attending court proceedings as necessary.
• Completes all required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports.
• Inspects and maintains assigned patrol car, uniform, and equipment.
• Provides relief duties for communications officers and jailers.
• May serve as Hazardous Materials Technician.  
• Serves criminal and court-related paper work.
• Participating in mandatory and elective training.
• May serve as a member of the department's SORT team.
• May serve as a field-training officer for the department.
• May serve as School Resource Officer/DARE Officer; provides DARE instruction to school children.
• May serve as relief supervisor in the absence of the Sergeant.
• May be on call after hours to respond to emergency situations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be twenty-one (21) years of age on the day you take the test to become a Texas Certified Police Officer.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education to be certified as a Peace Officer.
• No illegal drug use in the two years prior to the date of hire.
• No arrest record with higher than a Class C misdemeanor or a domestic violence offense. No history of criminal or improper conduct or poor driving record, which may affect the suitability for law enforcement work.
• Meet or exceed physical agility requirements of department.
• Demonstrate proficiency with handgun during scheduled testing with the Police Department.
  

• Familiar with Texas Penal Code, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Texas Transportation Code and Texas Family Code.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, juvenile law, search and seizure laws, and city ordinances.
• Knowledge of City of Big Spring Police Department rules and regulations as well as City of Big Spring ordinances.
• Knowledge of City, department and safety policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
• Knowledge of first-aid and CPR techniques.
• Knowledge of the judicial system and court procedures.
• Skill in operating computer and police software.
• Skill in operating police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
• Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
• Skill in operating radar equipment.
• Skill in evidence packaging.
• Skill in restraining persons without causing physical harm.
• Skill in decision-making.
• Skill in report writing.
• Skill in controlled substance field-testing.
• Skill in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Salary : $52,532 - $63,629