How to Become A Police Officer With The Abilene Police Department
| Testing Process | Training
| The Patrol Officer | Promotional Opportunities | Qualifications | Salary
| Incentive
Pay |
|General
Information |
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Because the position of police officer in
Testing Process
Upon successful completion of the entrance level examination, an applicant
is given a battery of extensive tests. The tests will include a physical
assessment, a video-based situational reasoning exercise, a medical exam, an
oral interview, an extensive background investigation, and a psychological examination.
Applicants successfully completing all of the test requirements are placed on
an eligibility roster for hire. An applicant's ranking on an eligibility roster
will be established by the hiring process and the oral interview board as per
the Meet and Confer contract with the City of
Training
Persons selected for appointment to the
The
The Patrol Officer
When an Abilene Police Cadet successfully completes the training academy, he or she is now ready to begin the 14-week Police Officer Training Program. The police officer's job is not only one of importance in the community, but is one of sensitivity and action. The complex problems of today's society have made it necessary to have highly trained personnel to meet the needs and demands placed upon law enforcement services. The police officer must be a teacher, an arbitrator, an orator, a mediator, a parent, a friend, a social worker, a counselor, and an enforcer of the law. The Field Training Officer Program is the final step toward assessing the probationary officer's ability to perform the job. The task is not an easy one, and many cannot meet such a demanding responsibility. The Abilene Police Department works on the principles of Total Quality Management, and is looking for individuals who can think on their feet and are willing to face a problem and make decisions. Officers are expected to use their abilities along with the training afforded to them through the Academy to take charge of critical situations and be problem-solvers. For whatever reason a person decides to pin on the badge, one must be a dedicated, conscientious, concerned citizen who wants to serve the community through a career in law enforcement.
The patrol officer is the first line officer, the backbone of the entire
department. The community's image of a police officer is often formed through
the actions of the patrol officer. Usually the first to arrive at the scene,
the patrol officer must be mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared to
respond to any situation. The safety and welfare of thousands of people who
reside in
Men and women of integrity, initiative and talent have the opportunity to
grow both personally and professionally with the Abilene Police Department. All
new officers begin their career in the Patrol Division. However, there are
opportunities for specialized work in traffic, youth, vice and narcotics,
community services, and criminal investigation. Whatever the position filled,
an officer should find a great deal of personal satisfaction through the
services provided to the citizens of
Promotional Opportunities
Patrol Officers may be promoted to a higher rank in the department by a competitive job-related examination and a skills assessment center. Civil Service examinations are offered as the need for supervisory personnel arises. Officers are eligible to compete in this process after serving a specified period of time in his or her present grade.
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications for the position of Police Officer with the City of
- U.S. Citizen.
- 21 years of age, but cannot have reached 36th birthday, on hire date
- Age limitations are raised to include persons who have not reached their 46th birthday, provided that person has 5 years of continuous active military service, or 5 years of continuous qualified service in law enforcement at hire date.
- Visual acuity no worse than 20-200 in each eye uncorrected, corrected to 20-20 in each eye. Uncorrected acuity worse than 20-100 must be corrected with contact lenses. Normal color vision.
- Excellent health and physical condition.
- Valid Texas Operator's License without restrictions (except Code A).
- 45 College level hours required at the time of application, or 30 college-level hours plus 2 years active military service, or 30 college-level hours plus 2 years of continuous service in law enforcement at hire date.
College hours must be from an accredited college or university as recognized by the American Council on Education.
Salary (Monthly)
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Current Salary |
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Cadet in Training |
$2852 |
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Completion of PTO Program |
$3311 |
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2 years |
$3488 |
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3 years |
$3598 |
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5 years |
$4025 |
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8 years |
$4257 |
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Incentive Pay
- Associative of Arts Degree or 65 College Hours $ 50.00
- Four Year Degree $ 100.00
- Intermediate Certification $ 60.00
- Advanced Certification $ 120.00
- Masters Certification $ 200.00
- Longevity - Four dollars per year of service after one year, paid biweekly
- Time and one-half for all overtime in the line of duty.
General Information
- Pay Periods - Every two weeks
- Retirements - The Abilene Police Department uses the Texas Municipal Retirement System. The City matches employee contributions of 7% - two to one.
- Work Schedule - Forty hours per week (four 10 hour work days, three days off).
- Sick Leave - Paid accumulation up to 90 days; 15 sick days per year.
- Vacation - Fifteen vacation days per year; nine paid holidays.
- Insurance - Health/Family plan available at reasonable rates. Deferred compensation plan available. Personal accident insurance available. Life/Paid insurance for employee. Dental plan available.
THE
CITY OF
e-mail: apd@abilenetx.com