Police Officer Trainee

Salary : $71,115.20 Annually
Location : Harker Heights Police Department, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: PD 5/11/2026
Department: Police
Opening Date: 05/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/22/2026 11:59 PM Central


JOB SUMMARY


Phase 1. Trainee must complete the basic academy by passing all phases and passing the TCOLE test.
Phase 2. Trainee must satisfactorily complete the field training regimen.
If a person is hired having already completed Phase 1, then they must satisfactorily complete Phase 2.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Work is performed under the general supervision of a Field Training Officer.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

1. Patrols City in radio-equipped car.

1. Answers calls for the protection of life and property and the enforcement of City, County and State laws.

1. Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, deaths, and other criminal incidents as assigned.

1. Responds to calls related to traffic incidents and any other required emergencies.

1. Observes, monitors, and controls routine and unusual traffic conditions.

1. Stops drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws.

1. Warns drivers against unlawful practices.

1. Issues citations.

1. Assists and advises motorists and enforces traffic safety laws.

1. Makes arrests, as necessary.

1. Interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses.

1. Administers first aid, as necessary.

1. Interrogates suspects.

1. Searches and transports prisoners.

1. Prepares reports of arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed.

1. Testifies and presents evidence in court.

1. Serves warrants and subpoenas.

1. Keeps up-to-date on laws and procedures required for processing warrants.

1. Retrieves and requests information involving arrests and subpoenas.

1. Files complaints and performs other work related to the processing of misdemeanor and felony complaints.

1. Collects and preserves evidence at accident scenes and crime scenes.

1. Lifts fingerprints.

1. Draws sketches and takes photographs.

1. Maintains contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserves good relationships with the general public.

1. Truthful and honest, maintaining the ability to be a credible and qualified witness in court proceedings and reliably truthful in internal police operations.

1. Performs related duties as assigned.

1. Attendance is an essential function of this job. Be prompt and reliable in reporting for duty, working a complete assigned schedule and responding for duty whenever required by the Department.

1. Exhibits the City of Harker Heights' Core Values.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Must possess a high school diploma or GED with proof of at least 12 hours of credit from an accredited institution of higher education.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, appropriate Police certification issued by the Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid Texas driver's license.
The City of Harker Heights offers a variety of competitive benefit packages for regular full-time employees which include:

Health Insurance - Scott & White Health Plan & Prescription, Superior Vision, and UnitedHealthcare Dental .
(100% paid by City for employee - spouse and dependent coverage premiums paid by employee)

Health Savings Account (HSA) - Available with the High Deductible Health Plan option

Paid Vacation

Sick Time

Holidays
(13 paid holidays per year)

Member Texas Municipal Retirement System
(Contribution rate of 7% - City Matching 2 to 1)


457 Deferred Compensation Plan (Participation Voluntary)

Section 125 Cafeteria Plan
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Supplemental Insurance Plan
Long Term Disability (Provided by the City)
Group Life (Provided by the City)

Longevity pay

Incentives

Certification Pay (Fire Department, Parks & Recreation, Police Department, and Public Works)