Police Officer - Lateral (Out of State)

The City of Sugar Land is inviting law enforcement professionals who are interested in a full‑time position as a Police Officer – Lateral (Out of State) to join our amazing City! Requirements for Police Officer – Lateral (Out of State) A Police Officer – Lateral (Out of State) is an individual who has attended a Police Academy, or its military equivalent, and is certified and commissioned as a Peace Officer by a governmental entity in the United States or the United States Armed Forces. Police Officer – Lateral (Out of State) applicants will be required to challenge TCOLE and obtain licensure within 180 days of this application. Qualifications: At least three years of service as a sworn peace officer, or equivalent, with one agency. This three years of service must be with their most recent police agency. Preferably experience in a role that regularly answers 911 calls, has responsibilities and comparable duties to that of an officer with the Sugar Land Police Department, including powers of arrest, in either the Patrol or Investigations Bureau. Reserve police officer status or other unpaid status will not be used in calculating the three‑year service requirement for entry as a lateral. U.S. citizen with a valid driver’s license, good driving record, and stable employment record with no history of conduct that may affect suitability for law enforcement work. Must pass each step of the selection process, which includes a physical fitness test, oral interview board, polygraph test, and a thorough background investigation. Non‑smokers are preferred. Compensation Starting Pay: $85,072 dependent on experience & qualifications + $10,000 sign‑on bonus. Annual salary increases up to maximum of $105,685 in Step 10. Pay for Performance Awards up to $4,000 per year. Incentive pay for education: Associate’s Degree – $600 annually; Bachelor’s Degree – $1,200 annually; Master’s Degree – $1,800 annually. Incentive pay for TCOLE certificates: Intermediate – $600 annually; Advanced – $1,200 annually; Master – $1,800 annually. Additional Incentive Pays for Field Training Officer ($1,500 annually) or Field Training Coordinator ($3,000 annually), SWAT or Crisis Negotiator Assignment ($1,500 annually). Longevity Pay – $4/month up to $1,200 annually after 13 months of employment. Member of Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) – 7% contribution with 2:1 matching funds. Health benefits, on‑site wellness facilities, and defensive gear provided. 13 paid holidays annually; 80 hours paid vacation annually (up to 160 hours after 11 years of service); paid sick leave accrual of 3.69 hours per pay period; paid parental leave up to 6 weeks. Fitness Incentive Program up to 80 hours paid leave annually. Benefits At‑A‑Glance City‑subsidized Medical and Dental Insurance with a variety of plan options. City‑paid Basic Life Insurance at one times the annual salary and Long‑term Disability. Voluntary Vision, Supplemental Life Coverage (for you and your family), Aflac indemnity plans such as Accident, Cancer, Hospitalization and Critical Illness, Short‑Term Disability, and prepaid legal benefits through Legal Shield. Longevity Pay for each month of service after the first 13 months of employment. On‑site wellness facilities and programming (mind, body spirit & financial preparedness). Access to multiple mental health benefits and resources, including a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 13 paid holidays annually. Generous vacation package with accruals starting on day 1 (up to 160 hours annually after 11 years of service). Paid sick leave accrual of 3.69 hours per pay period. Paid parental leave up to 6 weeks. TMRS pension plan with 7% contribution and 2:1 match by the City. Deferred Compensation (457b) plan available. Recruitment/Selection Process Step 1: Complete an Application – Applications will only be accepted during the specified period. Qualified candidates will be notified by e‑mail of eligibility and provided testing dates. Step 2: Testing (Physical Assessment and Interview Panel – scheduled for same day) – Physical assessment required; must pass Texas DPS 2000‑meter row standard at 50%. Pass‑or‑fail interview with job knowledge and situational reasoning questions. Step 3: Oral Review Board – In‑depth interview covering applicant knowledge and reasoning; pass‑or‑fail. Step 4: Background Packet Submission and Investigation – Submit completed personal history statement; background investigation conducted. Step 5: Polygraph Examination – Polygraph for candidates passing previous steps. Final Steps – Eligibility pool placement; conditional job offer by Chief of Police; medical and psychological testing; final job offer from People & Culture Department. Equal Opportunity Employer – Drug Free Workplace Posted 05/29/2026 Sign‑On Bonus Distribution $2,500 upon initial start $2,500 upon completion of Field Training $5,000 upon completion of 1 year of employment For detailed information and to apply online please visit our website at and look under “Job Opportunities”. For any other inquiries please contact the Sugar Land Police Department Training Unit at View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr