Police Officer (In-State Lateral Entry)

Summary

Patrols assigned areas, investigates traffic accidents, performs escort and guard duties, writes reports of activities, and responds to all calls for service.

Essential Responsibilities

• Performs uniformed patrol functions, including traffic enforcement; answering calls for service; routine preventative patrol.
• Patrols on foot and in vehicle.
• Enforces traffic laws.
• Directs traffic as assigned.
• Documents work performed and completes all mandatory paperwork.
• Investigates traffic accidents.
• Investigates criminal offenses.
• Serves subpoenas.
• Check bars for liquor violations.
• Transports suspects and prisoners.
• Operates radio communication systems and mobile computers.
• Interviews victims and witnesses and prepare written reports.
• Gives first aid.
• Performs surveillance.
• Provides dignitary protection and security for City Council meetings and other special events as assigned.
• Arrests suspects.
• Searches persons, vehicles, and structures.
• Collects and photographs evidence and maintains chain of custody through booking.
• Collects fingerprints, shoe prints tire prints and the like.
• Searches crime scenes.
• Interrogates suspects.
• Provides presentations, counseling and resource services to schools, camps and other organizations, as assigned.
• Locates documents in filing system and computer system.
• Maintains public relations.
• Testifies in court.
• Participates in training programs as required and assigned.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of law enforcement practices and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of statutes and ordinances.
• Ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to function professionally under extreme duress during emergency/crisis situations.
• Ability to work long hours and varying schedules/shifts which will include nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to operate computers for data entry and word processing.
• Strong verbal and written communication skill.
• Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.

Required Qualifications

Must have a current peace officers license.
Must have a high school diploma or GED plus 12 hours of college credit.
Must have a current peace officers license.
Must be actively employed as a full-time police officer for a municipal, county, or state law enforcement agency that handles a full array of police work such as responding to all types of calls for law enforcement services.
You must have reached your 21st birthday by hire date as a lateral entry officer.

Test dates and times: Contingent on scheduling availability.
All applicants who pass the written exam will take the physical readiness test after the written exam.

***Civil Service Test and Physical Readiness Test MUST BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 18, 2026****

Start Date: NOVEMBER 12, 2026

Must provide originals or certified copies of driver's license, social security card, birth certificate, high school diploma or GED and college transcript, and DD-214 member 4 (if applicable).

Physical Demands

Must have uncorrected vision of at least 20/200, correctable to 20/20 in both eyes (eyesight between 20/100 and 20/200 must have a letter from their doctor stating eyesight is in static condition).
Must pass a physical readiness test after written exam.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required to exert up to up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The employee must also balance, climb, crawl, crouch, walk, stand, kneel, stoop, sit, hear, feel, finger, grasp, handle, reach, pull, push, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.
 

EEO/ADA

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at (806) 378-4294.

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.