Police Cadet – Patrol

Abilene, TX
Abilene Police Department

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to train at the Abilene Police Academy to learn the fundamentals of law enforcement and crime prevention work in preparation to become an Abilene Police Officer. Training may include physical fitness training and self-defense training and may include assisting with control traffic flow, and assisting with investigative work as well as other related work as assigned.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • Participate in rigorous physical conditioning as part of training to include, but not limited to self-defense, boxing, weight training, and aerobic conditioning.
  • Learn to affect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers, skills and techniques; resort to the use of hands, feet, and approved chemical, impact weapons or firearms in self-defense.
  • Learn to prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols, and mathematical computations.
  • Study and learn the Federal, State and case law; proper maintenance, care, and use of firearms; professional policing; arrest search and seizure, and professional ethics as well as other required TCOLE topics.
  • Train to exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain; when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree force is used.
  • Practice to communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
  • Carry, wear, and/or transport weapons, handcuffs, uniforms, and other equipment as appropriate to the assignment and in the manner prescribed by Department policy.
  • Practice pursuing fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations, which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling oneself over obstacles; jumping over ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
  • Learn to load, unload, aim, and fire handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms from a variety of body positions under conditions of simulated stress.
  • Learn to identify people, vehicles, and objects from descriptions given by others and accurately describe people, vehicles, and objects to others.
  • Practice performing searches of people, vehicles, buildings, and/or large outdoor areas, which may involve feeling and detecting objects; walking for long periods of time; detaining people, and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.

Qualifications

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Age:
    • Be at least twenty-one years old by the date of commission or not more than forty-five years old at the time of hire -OR-
    • Be at least eighteen years of age and:
      • Have an associate’s degree; or sixty semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university -OR-
      • Have received an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States with at least two years of active service.
  • Has graduated from high school or completed the general educational development (GED) test
  • Successfully pass a Civil Service Exam
  • Has the ability to fluently read, write, and speak the English language
  • Excellent health and physical condition
  • Possess a valid Texas driver’s license without restrictions other than eyeglass restrictions (Code A)
  • Is not addicted to narcotics and does not indulge in excessive use of intoxicants
  • Has never been convicted of a Class A misdemeanor or any felony at any time
  • Is not under indictment for any criminal offense
  • Has never executed at any time a confession to a felony offense, such confession being admissible as evidence against the person in any criminal proceeding in any state or federal court
  • Has not been convicted of family violence
  • Has not been convicted or been on court-ordered community supervision for any Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years
  • Has not been discharged from military service under less than honorable conditions