Police Officer Lateral – Patrol

Abilene, TX
Abilene Police Department

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. The academy begins on Monday, August 21, 2023. Out of state applicants are highly encouraged to begin and/or complete the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) 1018 program before starting the modified lateral academy.

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.
  • Effective 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.
  • Load, unload, aim, and fire handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms from a variety of body positions under conditions of simulated stress.
  • Identify people, vehicles, and objects from descriptions given by others and accurately describe people, vehicles, and objects to others.
  • Perform 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.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

Two (2) years of previous law enforcement experience is required.

All candidates must have been previously employed as a Peace Officer in a position with responsibilities similar to those of a Patrol Officer for the Abilene Police Department.

Police Administration establishes each applicant’s suitability for consideration for Lateral Entry.

Education/Training:

A high school diploma or a GED is required.

License or Certificate:

A valid State issued driver’s license is required at the time of application.

A valid Texas driver’s license is required by the date of hire.