Lateral Police Officer (2)

About the role

The City of La Porte and La Porte Police Department falls under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 143, Civil Service. To qualify for the lateral entry program, applicants must pass a physical fitness exam, a comprehensive background investigation, to include psychological, polygraph, medical exam, drug screen, and a 12-month probationary period. Applicants must additionally meet the following criteria:

Responsibilities

• Patrol the City in a radar-equipped patrol unit; respond to calls related to traffic incidents and any other required emergencies;
• Observe, monitor and control routing and unusual traffic conditions;
• Assist and advise motorist and enforce traffic safety laws;
• Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complaints and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; testify and present evidence in court;
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses;
• Prepare reports of arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed;
• Stop drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws; warn drivers against unlawful practices; issue citations and make arrests as necessary;
• Check buildings for physical security;
• Search, fingerprint, transport, and book prisoners;
• Direct traffic at fire, special events, and other emergency or congested situations;
• Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public;
• Aid in the performance of special investigative and crime prevention duties as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of: Police methods and procedures, including patrol, traffic control, investigation and identification, equipment, police records and reports and first aid;
• Criminal law, including the apprehension, arrest, questioning, and custody of persons charged with misdemeanors and felonies, including rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and evidence preservation;
• Traffic laws and regulations;
• Department rules and regulations.

Ability

• Observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places;
• Use and care for firearms;
• Think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately;
• Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations;
• Learn and remember City streets, addressing system, and physical features;
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports;
• Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Training and Experience

• Applicant must possess a High School Diploma or GED.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession of a valid Class “C” Texas Drivers License.
• Possession of a current TCOLE license from the Texas Department of Law Enforcement OR must be currently enrolled in an accredited Police Academy to obtain a TCOLE license.

Pay Range

$35.57 - $42.65 per hour