Entry Level Deputy

Position Overview

The Entry Level Deputy position is open to external candidates who are currently enrolled and active in a Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) program at a licensed outside academy, have an active Texas Peace Officer License in good standing, or are eligible for commissioning upon completion of BPOC. Candidates are responsible for ensuring all TCOLE training mandates are up to date and ready for commissioning. Successful candidates who complete all pre‑employment steps will be placed on an eligible list, and selections for upcoming classes will be made from that list by the chain of command.

Minimum Requirements

• Currently enrolled and active in a Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) program at a licensed outside academy.
• Hold an active Texas Peace Officer License in good standing or be eligible for commissioning upon completion of BPOC.
• Valid Texas driver’s license and auto liability insurance.
• Successfully complete pre‑employment physical agility test (PAT) and firearm testing.
• Successfully complete a full law‑enforcement background investigation.
• Pass physical and psychological evaluations as required by TCOLE.
• Pass a pre‑employment drug screen.
• Eyesight correctable to 20/20 vision, standard color and peripheral vision, and normal audible range in both ears.
• Employment contingent on successfully passing Entry Level Deputy training, which includes firearms proficiency evaluation and any additional required training.
• Candidates who previously failed the psychological evaluation must wait one year from the evaluation date before reapplying.

Application Process

• Step 1 – Submit Application: Complete the job application, thoroughly documenting education, experience, and veteran status. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Step 2 – Testing Schedule: Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule testing, which includes:
  • Physical agility test: mile run in 11:30 minutes or less, 10 sit‑ups in one minute, and 5 push‑ups in one minute.
  • Firearm qualification.
• Step 3 – Background Investigation: TCOLE requires a thorough background investigation that may include a polygraph. Selected candidates will receive instructions to complete the online Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) and upload required documents. An assigned investigator will contact candidates for an interview; failure to complete this phase promptly may result in removal from the pre‑selection list.
• Step 4 – Physical & Psychological Evaluations: Based on available positions, candidates will be sent for the required TCOLE physical and psychological evaluations.
• Step 5 – Academy Notification: Selected candidates will be contacted at least two weeks before the academy start date.

Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree or higher formal education.
• Military experience.

Required Documents

• Social Security Card.
• Driver’s License (front and back).
• Proof of education: high school diploma or transcript, GED certificate, or college transcript (sealed original required at background investigation stage).
• DD‑214 Military Discharge form (if applicable) – copy of original Member‑4 Form.
• TCOLE Peace Officer license (uploaded with application; original required at background investigation interview).
• Three recent letters of recommendation (original signature, dated, with undersigned phone number).

Citizenship Exceptions

• Must be a permanent legal resident.
• Must be an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces with at least two years of active service (DD‑214 must reflect service time and discharge status).
• Must provide evidence of having applied for United States citizenship.