Police Officer - September 19, 2026

Civil Service Exam: Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 8:30 A.M. (CST). Check-in begins at 8:45 A.M. (CST), with the Physical Agility Test (PAT) instructions and video at 9:00 A.M. (CST). Exam location: City of Mesquite Hall, Training Room A & B, 757 N. Galloway Ave., Mesquite, TX 75149.

Only candidates passing minimum qualifications and supplemental questions will receive further instructions via email. A Police Personal History Questionnaire packet will be emailed and must be completed and submitted on the exam date prior to the entrance exam.

Candidates with prior military service must submit a DD214 member 4 copy (if applicable). Five extra points will be added for those who served 180 days of active duty, received an honorable discharge, and score 70 or above on the written exam.

After the Civil Service exam, candidates scoring 70 or above will participate in a Physical Agility Test (PAT) on September 19, 2026. Details can be found at Physical Agility – iwanttobeacop.net. Official college transcripts in a sealed envelope will be required later for candidates passing both exams.

About the Role

Perform a wide variety of tasks in support of law enforcement and crime prevention functions, including investigative work, special assignments, and technical/administrative support for the Police Department.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to assigned work schedule and city/department attendance policies.
• Prepare reports on crimes and activities; attend roll call, briefings, and administrative meetings.
• Participate in firearms and other law enforcement equipment training to maintain proficiency.
• Use departmental computer equipment to input, review, and retrieve records and data; write reports on arrests, investigations, and law enforcement activities.
• Engage in law enforcement activities such as arrests, executing search warrants, issuing citations, and appearing in court.
• Conduct surveillance, apprehend offenders, and perform interviews or interrogations related to investigations.
• Interact with citizens to address law enforcement and crime prevention issues; educate the public on crime prevention.
• Patrol business and residential areas; respond to alarms, enforce traffic/parking laws, and investigate traffic accidents.
• Respond to emergency calls and assist in emergency medical situations, fires, or other disasters.
• Investigate crimes against persons/property; secure crime scenes, preserve evidence, and direct traffic.
• Mediate civil and domestic disputes; confiscate and document illegal, stolen, or found property.
• Participate in technical investigative activities to identify and prosecute criminal offenders.
• May participate in tactical/undercover operations, stakeouts, or intelligence-gathering activities.
• Preserve, evaluate, and record physical/trace evidence at crime scenes.
• May administer polygraph tests or intervene in gang-related activities.
• May prepare and process fingerprint cards or coordinate educational programs (e.g., LETS).
• May inspect home security systems or conduct firearm/equipment training for personnel.
• Collect, package, transport, and inventory impounded property.
• Greet visitors, provide information, receive offense reports, and process impounded vehicles.
• Report conditions requiring immediate attention to other agencies.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old by the next scheduled Academy start date (February 8, 2027).
• Must be a U.S. citizen (per State Civil Service Law).
• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Must meet one of the following:
  • 30+ college credit hours from an accredited institution (no remedial courses or grades below “C”);
  • 2+ years of patrol/investigative experience as a full-time commissioned police officer;
  • 2+ years of active military duty with an honorable discharge;
  • 18+ months of full-time employment with the City of Mesquite.
• Accredited institutions must be recognized by one of the following agencies:
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • New England Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Higher Learning Commission (formerly North Central Association of Colleges and Schools)
  • Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges
  Foreign coursework must be evaluated by a NACES-certified agency.
• Vision must be at least 20/70 uncorrected in each eye, correctable to 20/20, with no color blindness.
• Hearing loss in the unaided better ear must not exceed 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz (ANSI Z24.5 calibration).
• Must be mentally alert, able to work well with others, and in excellent physical condition.
• Must pass a qualifying physical ability/medical examination, including drug testing.

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid Class C Texas driver’s license.
• Certification as a Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) or ability to obtain it.
• Legal qualification to possess firearms and ammunition under U.S. and Texas laws.

Disqualifying Factors

• Marijuana use exceeding limited experimentation or any use within two years prior to testing.
• Use or possession of cocaine within ten years of application or more than three times.
• Any illegal use of controlled substances other than marijuana and cocaine.
• Any felony conviction.

Pay

Starting salary: $83,868.62 minimum to $107,039.97 maximum annually, depending on qualifications.

Benefits

• Medical: Zero-premium Employee-Only coverage under High Deductible Medical Plan (self-insured through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas). Coverage begins the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Access to Mesquite Employee Health Center (MEHC) clinic and pharmacy.
• Dental: Three options (DHMO, DPPO, DPPO Enhanced) at group rates.
• Vision: Free Vision Insurance for employees; dependents can be added for a fee.
• Life Insurance: Basic Group Life Insurance (2x annual salary). Voluntary options: Supplemental Life, AD&D, Cancer Insurance, Long-Term Disability.
• Retirement: Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) – 7% pre-tax deduction with 2-to-1 City matching upon vesting.
• Other Benefits: Social Security, Tax Saver Program (Section 125 Flexible Spending Account), Deferred Compensation Plans, Direct Deposit, Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Personal Leave.

For more details, visit City of Mesquite Employee Benefits.