Lateral Police Officer - 26th Academy Class

To qualify for the Lateral Police Officer position.. You must have a high school diploma or GED plus 12 semester hours of college credit.. At least three years of full-time patrol duty experience.. And a current Texas Peace Officer license. You must also be 21 years or older by the application date.

• High School Diploma or GED plus twelve (12) semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of three (3) years of patrol duty (calls for service/street duty) while employed full-time by a state, county, or municipal police department, college or school police department, sheriff’s department, or county constables.
• Must be twenty-one (21) years of age on or before the date of application.
• Must have received or be eligible for an Honorable Discharge (as defined by TCOLE) from all law enforcement agencies of previous employment.
• Hold a current Texas State Peace Officer License from TCOLE.
• Experience as a deputy, detention officer, jailer, or officer at a correctional facility, District Attorney’s office, or Federal/Military Police Officer does not count toward the patrol duty requirement.
• Applicants separated from commissioned police officer employment must apply within one (1) year of their separation date.
• All MOS codes accepted for military applicants.

Respond to calls for service and emergency situations.

• Conduct street patrols to deter and detect criminal activity.
• Enforce state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Investigate incidents, gather evidence, and prepare reports.
• Make arrests and testify in court as needed.
• Engage with the community to build trust and address public safety concerns.
• Operate police vehicles and equipment safely and effectively.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development.

Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

• Must possess a valid Texas driver's license.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation, including criminal history check.
• Must pass a physical agility test and medical examination.
• Must pass a psychological evaluation.
• Must be willing to work shifts, weekends, and holidays as assigned.
• Must maintain TCOLE certification and complete required training hours.

Competitive salary range of $65,743

• $86,546 per year.
• Complete health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) pension plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement and career advancement opportunities.
• Uniform and equipment provided.
• Access to employee wellness programs.

This position is open to lateral transfers only; candidates must have prior patrol experience.

• The 26th Academy Class is a specialized hiring track for experienced officers.
• Applicants must apply within one year of separation from their last commissioned police officer role.
• All military MOS codes are accepted; veterans are encouraged to apply.
• The City of El Paso is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• For questions, contact the El Paso Police Department Recruitment Unit.
• Selected candidates must successfully complete a field training program.
• Probationary period may apply for new hires.

The City of El Paso is the municipal government serving the sixth-largest city in Texas. It operates numerous departments including public safety, public works, and community services to support over 680,000 residents. The El Paso Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency committed to community policing and professional standards. This Lateral Police Officer role is part of the department's ongoing effort to recruit experienced officers who can immediately contribute to patrol operations. Working for the City of El Paso offers stable public-sector employment with defined benefits and opportunities for career growth within a diverse and growing border community.

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