Police Officer/Cadet

Police Officer Salary: $63,623.04 - $76,916.32 Annually Location: Alvarado, TX Job Type: Full-Time Department: Police Opening Date: 06/01/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Description Uniformed patrol works in partnership with the community to maintain law and order, protect members of the public and their property. Perform general patrol functions for the designated area for the purposes of deterrence and observation, maintaining a safe and secure environment. Current certified peace officers may qualify for lateral positions within the department. For more information on our hiring process or lateral transfer, please contact Lieutenant Casey Lopez at View email address on click.appcast.io Duties and Responsibilities The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class. WORK PERFORMED Observe patrol area for statutory violations, perform traffic enforcement to include issuing citations for violations, request warrant checks and license checks by communication personnel, detain suspicious persons for further investigation, serve arrest and search warrants, transport prisoners as needed, seize, test, weigh, and store evidence from investigations, and interview and interrogate witnesses. Answer and respond to citizen calls for service, including visiting with the complaining witnesses, performing investigations through observation, discussion with witnesses, or other techniques, taking reports, and signing complaints. Conduct security checks and respond to various residential and business alarms; assist the Fire-EMS department as necessary. Maintain and use assigned uniforms and equipment, including vehicles, handguns, and radar equipment, and report any maintenance issues as needed. Follow departmental and city safety guidelines, attend training as required and provided, and participate in emergency management activities in the event of an emergency. Prepare official reports. Appear and testify in court and coordinate with attorneys and other law enforcement agencies as needed. Available for special assignments as requested; may also serve in schools, CID, or other areas as needed. Must be able to meet and maintain all job functions of a police officer, including the physical requirements. Represent the department in a professional manner and provide a positive role model on and off duty. Promotes a positive image in performing community services (community meetings, problem-solving resources, etc.) Performs all assigned duties and tasks with the highest regard for highest quality customer service Conducts periodic reviews related to assigned areas of responsibility Performs periodic inspections of issued and non-issued equipment to ensure that it is in good working order Provides effective control and coordination of resources and activities within the section to which assigned Coordinates activities with peers, coworkers, and other departmental personnel to ensure consistency in interpretation, adherence, and implementation of Administrative Orders, City Ordinances, departmental, personnel, and safety policies, procedures, and laws Provides effective control and coordination of resources and activities within the department, unit or section to which assigned Routinely performs inspections of operational functions to identify inefficient or ineffective processes and provides solutions Develops own knowledge, skills, and abilities to enhance and ensure continued success and meets all mandated training requirements Performs other related duties as assigned Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Federal laws, State laws, local laws, and ordinances Principles and procedures of crime prevention and investigation Principles and practices of tactical operations Principles of business writing and report preparation Policies and procedures of the assigned department Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing Maintain a strong command presence, taking effective action in emergency situations Ability to operate motorized equipment and assigned vehicles Ability to discharge a firearm Maintain all skills, knowledge, training, and physical requirements of a police officer Effectively use necessary software and databases Effectively take offensive and/or defensive action during physical confrontations Establish and maintain effective relationships with the public and other city departments Exhibit emotional stability and courage to perform potentially dangerous law enforcement duties under stress Maintain mental capacity that permits making sound judgments regarding work Demonstrate intrinsic motivation, high ethical and moral standards Work a 12-hour shift and maintain regular, reliable attendance Clear a post-offer physical, drug test, polygraph, psychological, criminal background, and other appropriate testing and requirements. Fully understand and implement the fundamental tactics and philosophy of Community-Oriented Policing Must possess a high-level working knowledge of Administrative Orders, City Ordinances, policies, procedures, Federal, State, and Local laws, and be able to ensure proper application by subordinates Understands and displays behaviors consistent with servant leadership To perform the essential functions of the job, must have good hand-eye coordination to operate equipment (vehicles, telephones, copying machines and other office machines, etc.); endure extended periods of exertion and sit for long periods of time; follow verbal and written directives; communicate courteously and effectively with other people; must exercise good judgment and make competent decisions; must be able to maintain confidentiality with public information, vendor confidentiality, and personnel matters Is responsible for encouraging and facilitating a harmonious working environment; therefore, the following interpersonal and personal characteristics are expected: Displays enthusiasm for the job, which includes attendance, performance, and conduct; Ability to work effectively and cohesively with others; Displays courteous, respectful, and polite demeanor towards co-workers and members of the public; and, Recognizes the importance of being a team member who creates a positive working environment Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High School Diploma or G.E.D. required Possession of or ability to obtain a TCOLE Basic Peace Officer Certification Valid Texas Driver's License - driving record must be in compliance with City policy SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS This position requires flexible scheduling, including evenings, weekends, special events, emergency situations, rotating shifts, and call-back duty. Benefits The City of Alvarado is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive benefits packages available, with a variety of options designed to meet the unique needs of every employee and household. From employee-only coverage to dependent care options, our plans provide flexibility and support for all stages of life. With the City covering a significant portion of the cost for most benefit plans, employees also have access to optional supplemental benefits at rates that remain among the most affordable on the market. Medical, Dental, Vision, and Hearing benefits are covered by the city at 100% for all full-time employees, and 65% for all qualifying dependents. Additional benefits paid for by the city at no cost to employees are: Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance GovernmentJobs.com