Police Recruit

Police Officer

Upon successful hiring as an Elm Ridge Police Recruit, applicant will be enrolled in a state accredited basic peace officer course in a police academy to be determined. After graduating the police academy, under general supervision, provides responsive and courteous police services in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances, generally consisting of routine patrol, interventions, assistance, investigations, and traffic regulation duties.

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties. Duties are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

• Preserves the peace of the community through mediation, investigation, intervention, assistance, documentation, and arrest; utilizes all lawful means to improve the quality of life by reducing the fear and incidence of crime, recognizing, and resolving problems, and meeting the public safety needs of the citizens of the Elm Ridge WCID.
• Patrols the District to respond to citizens' requests for assistance, enforce traffic regulations, detect crime, apprehend violators, and assure public safety.
• Patrols and provides security for assigned areas, looking for unusual or suspicious activities or persons; responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service; interrogates and communicates with victims, witnesses and suspects in cases; provides scene security and protection for Fire and Medical personnel.
• Enforces local, state and Federal laws, and enforces compliance with local regulations and ordinances, according to Department policies, procedures and regulations.
• Investigates crimes and accidents; secures and processes crime and accident scenes and identifies and collects evidence within scope of authority.
• Arrests law violators; transports and processes suspects, victims and prisoners.
• Completes detailed reports and required paperwork.
• Maintains vehicle and equipment according to Department standards.
• Represents the District Police at court hearings; prepares reports and testifies in court cases.
• Assists and coordinates with other emergency services personnel, outside organizations and businesses, and Federal, state and local law enforcement organizations.
• Presents education and information programs for community and school awareness projects; teaches and counsels residents on law enforcement activities and referral resources.
• Performs specialized functions in areas of expertise, including training, K-9, SWAT, event security, computer systems, and other special enforcement and investigative teams.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values and goals of the Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Education and Experience : High school diploma or GED equivalent; AND be 21 years of age, and have a clear criminal record. Must pass background investigation, a medical, psychological, oral board, and final interview with the Chief of Police. College course credits towards a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Business or Public Administration are preferred. Required Licenses or Certifications : The ability to obtain a Peace Officers License from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License.

Annual salary increases to $77,000 upon successful completion of the police academy.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Salary is commensurate with the salary dictated in the job posting. Step pay plan.

All uniform items including Shadows Systems DR920 sidearm with Red Dot Sight, Springfield Saint Rifle with optic, load bearing ballistic vest, Tasers, encrypted P25 digital radios, Blauer uniforms, boots, and body camera are furnished by the department.

There are ten (10) paid holidays given annually to each employee.

At the employee's request, the employee may accrue compensation time in-lieu of overtime up to 48 hours.

All Elm Ridge Police Officers earn 6.92 personal time off per pay period during years 1-4, 8.46 hours during years 5-9, and 10 hours per pay period upon 10+ years of service with the district.

All Elm Ridge Police Officers become eligible for participation in the district insurance programs on the date they are hired.

The district sponsored health insurance is available to officers and dependents. The district offers two different health insurance plans through Cigna. The district covers 100% off the employee's plan and provides an annual $1000 HSA Medical Account contribution to the employee (based on plan chosen).

Each officer is provided dental insurance at low cost. Officers' dependents may be added at additional low cost.

All Police Officers are provided on-duty workout time in police facility fitness center when time permitted.

Each officer is provided life insurance equal to one year's salary.

All Elm Ridge Police Officers are required to be members of the Texas County & District Retirement System. The plan is a 7% employee contribution in which the district matches the employee contribution with a 2 to 1 match. The plan also provides an annual yearly yield of a 7% return. (Five-year vesting, twenty-year retirement).

There is no state income tax in Texas.

You may participate in a 457 Deferred Compensation Program (Mission Square Retirement) to shelter a portion of your gross annual salary from income taxes. The deferred portion will be placed into investment options of the employees choice and may be withdrawn at termination or retirement. The District provides a free $100 per month for each employee to this program.