Police Officer

Job Overview

Protect students and school staff members from harm or distractions and property from loss or damage through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Investigate all offenses that occur on school district property and arrest offenders of the laws of the State of Texas and/or the Constitution of the United States.

Position Description

• Enforce general and criminal laws of the State of Texas and/or the Constitution of the United States within the school district

• Perform all the duties of a licensed peace officer as enumerated in Articles 2.12 and 2.13 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures within the school district

• Investigate accidents, criminal and misdemeanor offenses, disturbances and distractions that occur within the jurisdiction of the school district; collect and preserve evidence, question witnesses and take statements; identify and charge perpetrators; make arrests as required by circumstances; has perpetrators placed in jail when necessary; testify as a witness in court

• Provide traffic and crowd control at athletic events, school openings and closing, and other special events; provide security and ensures the safety and welfare of students, school employees and patrons

• Patrol designated areas within school buildings and on school building grounds; monitor activities; respond to disturbances and distractions and restore order; detain and question individuals whose actions are suspicious; assist visitors by giving directions and needed explanations

• Practice relational policing by building positive, professional relationships with all stakeholders

• Confer with school administrators on ways and methods of increasing security; report school rule offenders to proper school authorities

• Instruct and/or participate in crime prevention programs and other programs designed to reduce substance abuse and gang activities; perform liaison duties between school administrators, business organizations, and other law enforcement agencies; assist school administrators with parent/student conferences

• Prepare reports and maintain files and records; perform administrative duties in the management of police records

• Attend training classes and exercises to meet requirements in continuing education and weapons proficiency

• Respond to emergency calls at night and on weekends

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Enforce general and criminal laws of the State of Texas and/or the Constitution of the United States within the school district

• Perform all the duties of a licensed peace officer as enumerated in Articles 2.12 and 2.13 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures within the school district

• Investigate accidents, criminal and misdemeanor offenses, disturbances and distractions that occur within the jurisdiction of the school district; collect and preserve evidence, question witnesses and take statements; identify and charge perpetrators; make arrests as required by circumstances; has perpetrators placed in jail when necessary; testify as a witness in court

• Provide traffic and crowd control at athletic events, school openings and closing, and other special events; provide security and ensures the safety and welfare of students, school employees and patrons

• Patrol designated areas within school buildings and on school building grounds; monitor activities; respond to disturbances and distractions and restore order; detain and question individuals whose actions are suspicious; assist visitors by giving directions and needed explanations

• Practice relational policing by building positive, professional relationships with all stakeholders

• Confer with school administrators on ways and methods of increasing security; report school rule offenders to proper school authorities

• Instruct and/or participate in crime prevention programs and other programs designed to reduce substance abuse and gang activities; perform liaison duties between school administrators, business organizations, and other law enforcement agencies; assist school administrators with parent/student conferences

• Prepare reports and maintain files and records; perform administrative duties in the management of police records

• Attend training classes and exercises to meet requirements in continuing education and weapons proficiency

• Respond to emergency calls at night and on weekends

Qualification Requirements

• High School diploma or GED

• Associate's degree in Criminal Justice preferred

• Valid Texas Drivers License

• Certification as a Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training upon hire

• Basic TCOLE Certification

• Some experience as a police officer performing law enforcement and investigative work

• Knowledge of the Texas Penal Code, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and Federal, state and local laws and ordinances applicable to law enforcement in the school district

• Knowledge of investigation procedures and techniques and police methods, practices and procedures

• Knowledge of Police Department general orders manual, rules and regulations

• Knowledge of personal computers and their application to police records management

• Ability to enforce laws, ordinances, rules and regulations in a firm and courteous manner

• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine proper courses of action to be taken

• Ability to conduct investigations, prepare reports and maintain records and files

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with superiors, school officials, teachers, students, parents, and the general public

• Skill in interpreting and enforcing applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations

• Skill in the use and care of firearms and other police equipment

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms

• The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials

• The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus

• Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties

• May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress

• Work exposes employee to dangerous, hazardous, and potentially life-threatening situations

• Knowledge of all appropriate precautions, procedures, techniques, and use of appropriate safety equipment is an absolute requirement

• Employee must meet all requirements in continuing education and weapons proficiency as set forth by TCOLE