Lateral Police Officer

Lateral Police Officer Recruit Program

Lateral Police Officer means entry into the Big Spring Police Department by an officer already trained and experienced in law enforcement at the Police Officer level. The program provides:

• A starting salary based on an officer's whole years of police officer experience.
• Credit for years of service at a public agency in an equivalent qualifying eligible role, for the purposes of vacation accrual in accordance with the established accrual rates.
• A one-time, upfront balance of hours deposited into a non-cashable leave bank (i.e., leave that cannot be cashed out in lieu of utilizing the paid time off) in the following tiers:
• 80 hours – lateral with up to 5 years of full-time service
• 120 hours – lateral with 5-10 years of full-time service
• 160 hours – lateral with 10+ years of full-time service

A qualifying applicant shall be defined as an officer with comparable job duties to a Big Spring Police Officer as a sworn peace officer, sergeant, or lieutenant. Likewise, "years of full-time service" will include the candidate's experience in a position with comparable job duties to those in Big Spring. Years of service with prior public agencies will be verified during the pre-employment background investigation and used solely for vacation accrual. Years of full-time service for sworn positions shall include service in a sworn peace officer position as defined by the Texas Penal Code. Lateral officers will have a six-month probationary period.

Working Conditions and Benefits

A Big Spring Police Officer works forty (40) hours per week on different shifts, and overtime may be required. Patrol officers work twelve-hour shifts with every other weekend off. The City of Big Spring offers excellent benefits, including a fully equipped take-home patrol vehicle, twelve paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, medical, dental, and vision insurance, deferred compensation program, City-paid life and long-term disability insurance, TMRS (7% 2 to 1 match), 120 hours of paid vacation, and 40 hours of paid sick leave. BSPD officers are not required to reside in Big Spring, but they must live within one hour of the City of Big Spring. Certified officers are eligible for a relocation incentive payment of $4,500.00, payable on the day of hire. Newly hired certified officers who relocate their primary residence to Big Spring are also eligible for an $800 monthly housing allowance for up to one year.

Qualifications

• Must have successfully completed a Police Basic Training Academy curriculum that meets Texas Penal Code requirements and be licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Candidates must have a minimum of 12 months' full-time service (current employment preferred) as a certified Peace Officer from a comparable-sized agency with no more than a three-year break in service at the time they make an application with the Big Spring Police Department. *Military police, reserve officer, or other types of unpaid peace officer experience do not count as regular full-time peace officer experience.
• Applicants must be twenty-one (21) years of age on the day of testing for Peace Officer licensure.
• High School diploma or GED as required by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Ability to read, write, and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement to be certified as a Peace Officer.
• No marijuana use in the two (2) years before the application date. No use of a controlled substance in the five (5)years before the application date.
• No arrest record with a higher than a Class C Misdemeanor.
• Pass the department's physical agility test.
• Must reside within a one-hour response time to the City of Big Spring.

Skills and Knowledge

• Familiar with the Texas Penal Code, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the Texas Transportation Code, and the Texas Family Code.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, juvenile law, search and seizure laws, and city ordinances.
• Knowledge of City of Big Spring Police Department rules and regulations as well as City of Big Spring ordinances.
• Knowledge of City, department, and safety policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
• Knowledge of first-aid and CPR techniques.
• Knowledge of the judicial system and court procedures.
• Skill in operating a computer and police software.
• Skill in operating police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
• Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
• Skill in operating radar equipment.
• Skill in evidence packaging.
• Skill in restraining persons without causing physical harm.
• Skill in decision-making.
• Skill in report writing.
• Skill in controlled substance field-testing.
• Skill in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.