Police Recruit

About the role

As a Police Recruit you will serve in a temporary position with the Borger Police Department, preparing for a career in law enforcement after successful completion of the police academy and meeting the requirements to transition into a full‑time Police Officer I position. You will attend the South Plains College Law Enforcement Academy in Levelland, Texas, with the City of Borger covering the cost of housing, uniforms, and books while also providing pay during your time at the academy. Under the guidance and supervision of experienced officers and training staff, you will undergo intensive training and development programs designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become a Certified Peace Officer through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Throughout your assignment you are expected to uphold the City’s core values of Boomtown PRIDE – Professional, Responsive, Innovative, Diverse, and Empowered – while supporting departmental operations and promoting public safety within the community.

Application Timeline

• Friday, October 2 2026 – Written & Physical Testing
• Friday, October 16 2026 – Formal Interview Board
• January 2027 – Start the police academy

Responsibilities

• Participate in structured training programs, including classroom instruction, practical exercises, and field training activities.
• Maintain physical fitness and readiness through regular training, including running, defensive tactics, and firearms proficiency drills.
• Study applicable laws, departmental policies, procedures, law‑enforcement techniques, and community‑policing principles to prepare for examinations.
• Shadow experienced officers on patrol and other law‑enforcement activities to learn proper procedures, techniques, and public interactions.
• Assist in the preparation of police reports, documentation, and paperwork under the guidance of training staff.
• Receive instruction and training in firearms safety, marksmanship, and use‑of‑force policies, including range qualification and scenario‑based exercises.
• Uphold ethical standards and professional conduct, demonstrating integrity, honesty, and respect for individual rights and dignity.
• Engage with community members and stakeholders through positive interactions, events, and outreach activities to build trust and foster partnerships.
• Adhere to departmental policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and all applicable state and federal laws governing law‑enforcement conduct.
• Seek opportunities for professional development, including continuing education, specialized training, and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship.
• No felony or Class A convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication.
• No Class B convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication in the past 10 years.
• No family‑violence conviction.
• Valid Texas driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Age 21–44 on the first day of the academy.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English at a high‑school graduate level.
• Normal hearing and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and occasional overtime.
• High school diploma or GED. If GED, must also have 12 college credit hours from an accredited college with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
• Compliance with the current Uniform Dress Code; exposed tattoos on short‑sleeved shirts require a waiver and may not be vulgar, offensive, provocative, or excessive. Tattoos on the head, neck, or face are prohibited.
• Residence within the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle; preference given to applicants residing within or having immediate family within 20 air miles of Borger city limits.
• Additional preference for current City of Borger employees.