Police Cadet

JOB SUMMARY

The position of Police Cadet will be sponsored to attend a basic police officer certification course to become a licensed Texas Peace Officer with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Upon successful completion of the police academy and passing of the TCOLE licensing examination the Police Cadet will be promoted to a Probationary Police Officer; under the general supervision of the Police Sergeant provide essential services to foster a safe community through crime reduction and deterrence including enforcement of laws protection of life and property preservation of peace apprehension of criminals and investigation of traffic accidents. Routine course of action to be followed is generally clear-cut and specific in accordance with established Police Department policies; however, ability to make independent decisions and act quickly in emergencies is required. Requires contact with public in situations that require the use of tact diplomacy and good judgment. Maintain a positive attitude.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Police Sergeant

Supervises: none

JOB RESPONSIBILITES

• Duty will be assigned according to needs of the Department upon successful completion of Field Training Program.
• Patrol a designated area by car; motorcycle or on foot to deter crime; detect violations of the law; and respond to radio dispatched calls.
• Enforce moving traffic and related ordinances; apprehend violators; issue citations and make arrests.
• Make preliminary investigations to assist in solving crimes against persons and property; gather information; follow up on leads; uncover evidence and gather information and interrogate witnesses; may maintain surveillance of suspects and perform other basic duties to assist Investigators.
• Make investigations of traffic accidents; assume charge at traffic sites; secure emergency medical aid for injured persons; may administer first aid; direct traffic; and see that site is cleared and safe for traffic.
• Prepare and submit written reports of patrol activities, investigative activities and traffic investigations.
• Notify command staff promptly of need for supervisory intervention and/or major and high-profile incidents.
• Communicate effectively via police radio; telephone; and in person; with co-workers and all others; including persons of diverse backgrounds and in altered emotional and psychological states.
• Testify completely and accurately in administrative, civil and criminal proceedings.
• Take enforcement action as a peace officer when appropriate; including firearms qualification and use; and meet all other physical requirements of a police officer.
• Make moral and ethical decisions that conform to law and other applicable regulations.
• Exercise proper judgment when dealing with emergency situations.
• Communicate courteously with the general public and answer questions that may arise about services provided.
• Convey a positive professional image by action, communication and appearance.
• Regular; reliable and punctual attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Contribute to team effort by performing other related duties as assigned.
• Meet all daily requirements as set out by the Department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to meet all Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements; including personal continuing education requirements.
• Ability to maintain firearms qualification and use.
• Exhibit good professional judgment; analyze facts; recognize problems; formulate and implement viable solutions.
• Effectively respond to a stressful or high-pressure environment.
• Provide excellent public relations and customer service.
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship will all levels of management; City officials; police personnel; other employees and the general public.
• Write accurate and complete reports and summaries with proper format; punctuation; spelling; and grammar; using all parts of speech.
• Meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks under pressure.
• Communicate effectively in the English language when writing or speaking.
• Proficiently use computers and related software.
• Ability to meet all knowledge; skill and ability requirements of a Police Officer upon completion of the basic police training academy.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work schedule will be 40 hours per week to attend the basic police officer training academy. Must be flexible to modifications made to academy schedule to accommodate various training requirements set by the police academy. Some evening and weekends are often required.
• May work varying schedules; including nights; weekends and holidays as required.
• Subject to hazards and potential physical dangers inherent in law enforcement work. Possible exposure to blood borne pathogens.
• Required to make arrests or to defend self against assault occasionally; requires considerable physical strength and agility.
• Lakeway Police sworn officers adhere to special provisions of section 7(k) FLSA (codified as 29 U.S.C.A. § 207 k) work period. Section 7(k) is governed by a special definition of “work period” for calculating overtime, which cannot be fewer than seven consecutive days nor more than 28 consecutive days.
• May work at desk or assigned area in squad car or motorcycle, or other conveyance.
• May sit for long periods in squad car or stand for long periods directing traffic or performing other police work.
• Work occasionally requires travel; including over-night stays; involving training and conducting City business.
• Maintain an acceptable physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include but not limited to running; walking; crouching or crawling during emergency operations.
• Effectively deal with personal danger which may include dangerous people; animals; and hazards both natural and man-made.
• Maintain an acceptable level of visual and hearing acuity.
• Must not pose a threat to the health or safety of others.
• Load and unload Police equipment from a vehicle; including lifting object of 50 pounds. Bend or stoop to retrieve materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Able to climb stairs/ladders. Able to walk; stand or sit for extended periods of time.
• Must possess the physical strength and stamina to engage in a physical confrontation or combat.
• Able to perform lifesaving and rescue operations.
• Must possess the ability to inspect remote sites which may require climbing and traversing rough terrain in all weather conditions.
• Must participate and pass requirements of the Department’s Wellness Program.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSES

• High school diploma or GED required.
• No prior law enforcement experience required.
• Be at least 20 1/2 years of age.
• Proof of citizenship and/or eligibility to legally work in the United States.
• Possess and maintain valid Texas Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record as defined by City policy.
• Ability to obtain and maintain first aid/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Ability to obtain and maintain FEMA courses.
• Successfully complete the basic police officer training academy and TCOLE licensing examination within the original start date and course period.

DISCLAIMER

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description may be changed at any time. City of Lakeway is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act & Amendments Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please contact the Human Resources Department at (512) 314-7508.

The City of Lakeway is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you are an individual that has a true desire to help others through your work; this might be the job you’ve been looking for. The ideal candidate will be positive, proactive, professional, a problem-solver, and resilient. We are hiring for a police academy class starting on June 23, 2025. The official start date with the City of Lakeway will be June 2, 2025.

Recruitment Flyer: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/44114/Police-Cadet-20250311

Benefit flyer: 2024-2025-Benefit-Recap (lakeway-tx.gov)

Application Instructions- Deadline to apply is March 25, 2025

Complete the online application. Submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should explain why you want to become a police officer. Do not upload other documents at this time such as driver license or birth certificate. Those items will be collected once you are extended a conditional offer of employment. Failure to complete the application instructions will eliminate you from consideration. Do not use "see resume" when completing the application. Only online submittals will be accepted. Should you have any questions please contact Human Resources Director, Wendy Askey at (512)314-7508 or via email at wendyaskey@lakeway-tx.gov Your application will be considered with others during the application review process, and you will be notified of your status accordingly.

The hiring selection process will be as follows:

1. (Steps A-C will be completed in one day- on Friday, March 28, 2025) by appointment scheduled by HR department.

A. Physical Fitness Test

The Lakeway Police Department conducts a row test utilizing the Concept2 rower set at a resistance level of 5. The applicant will perform the 2000-meter row. Please come in workout clothes and shoes. Please bring your driver license.

B. Written Exam

Applicants who progress beyond the physical fitness phase will be asked to complete a written exam. The test is a Police Officer Selection Test (POST by Standard & Assoc.) which tests for general aptitude in the areas of arithmetic, reading comprehension, grammar, and incident report writing. It is not a civil service exam. It will take approximately 2 hours to complete. It is broken down into 4 timed parts. You must score an overall average of 75% to pass. For more information on the test Stanard and Associates, Inc. » The National Police Officer Selection Test

The National Police Officer Selection Test Exam results will be given to the applicant immediately following the exam.

C.Oral Board

This is a formal panel interview. Dress accordingly. Applicants who pass the oral board will be considered for a conditional offer of employment at the discretion of the Chief of Police. Conditional items to be met include the following: personal history statement/background investigation, executive interview, medical physical, drug analysis, and psychological evaluation.

2. Once all conditional items have been met a final offer letter for employment will be made with a start date of June 2, 2025. Should you have any questions please contact Wendy Askey, HR Director at (512)314-7508 or via email wendyaskey@lakeway-tx.gov