Lateral Police Officer

Wichita Falls, TX
Wichita Falls Police Department

Lateral Entry Officers attend an abbreviated academy of 6 weeks, followed by a Field Training Program where they ride with a Field Training Officer.

Upon entry into the academy, lateral applicant’s pay will be commensurate with experience up to $64,792.
Lateral applicants must be TCOLE Certified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this position is to enforce federal, state and local laws and provide protection to citizens. This is accomplished by responding to general and critical incidents to investigate and enforce violations, patrolling geographical limits, responding to crime scenes, processing information; and identifying, restraining and/or transporting suspects. Additional duties include answering questions from the public, testifying in court, assisting other officers and departments, educating the public, and preparing and maintaining reports and logs.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:
Certification as a police officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education. Employees, assigned to training duties, must also obtain certification as an instructor from the Commission. Officers, assigned to the Motorcycles, must possess a valid Texas Operators and Motorcycle License, Class C/M. Driver’s License Required – Y Type – C Endorsements – N/A

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Note: This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position. Additionally, please be aware of the legend below when referring to the physical demands of each essential function.

  • Regular and reliable attendance in compliance with given schedules is a mandatory requirement of this position. Schedules may be subject to change with or without advance notice
  • Patrols assigned geographical areas and enforces laws and regulations by observing areas, responding to calls; enforcing traffic laws, issuing citations, conducting security checks; gathering information from the public or callers, processing crime scenes, interviewing callers and making arrests.
  • Investigates accidents by interviews witnesses, clearing vehicles and debris from roadways, completing reports, and assisting other departments as necessary.
  • Prevents crime by meeting with the public and discussing crime topics and prevention techniques, enforcing school zone and regular speed limits, and writing citations to violators.
  • Investigates activities and processes reports by documenting incidents, interviewing witnesses, investigating cases, gathering evidence, booking prisoners, completing arrest and incident reports; compiling statistics; and gathering information for further investigations.
  • Conveys information to the public by advising citizens of services available to them, providing support, assisting with understanding of local, state and federal laws, and/or directing to legal services.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Formal Education Graduation from high school or GED Certificate with 12 semester hours credit from an accredited college or university with a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 Scale and successful completion of the prescribed course of instruction for Police Officers as administered by the Wichita Falls Police Department or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills: