The Victoria Police Department is hiring qualified police officer candidates to join our team and to help enhance the livability of our community. VPD sets the bar for professionalism, innovation and a progressive approach to our policing strategies. Our workforce of more than 115 officers and 32 civilian support personnel are a dedicated, enthusiastic group of professionals who proudly serve over 65,000 Victoria residents.
The Victoria Police Department offers a competitive salary and retirement structure, great health benefits, and many other incentives such as paid time off and department-issued uniforms and equipment.
Officers have lateral and promotional opportunities. Regardless of the assignment, you will work in an environment that fosters leadership, teamwork and courteous service to our community.
No prior law enforcement experience is required but must be certified as a TCOLE Peace Officer. Upon employment, you will participate in the City of Victoria Police Department Field Training Program. You will receive specialized training from some of the finest officers in law enforcement.
All Police Department applicants are required to fill out their complete work history on the application. Selected applicants will also be requested to successfully complete the following:- Personal Information and History Packet
- Written Examination
- Physical Ability Course
- Oral Review Board
- Submit all additional required documentation as described on the Document Checklist for Police Positions on page 4 of the Personal Information and History Packet.
Important… Care should be given to make sure that you meet the minimum standards set forth in the Personal Information and History Packet. Those that do not meet the minimum standards will not be allowed to complete the process and be considered for employment. Information will be provided to applicants concerning the dates, times and locations for any exams after all applications have been received. Applicants will be disqualified for:- Failure to meet established deadlines
- Not meeting the minimum standards as set out by the City of Victoria
- Refusal or failure to provide requested documents
- Willful deceit and/or furnishing false or misleading information in the application, Personal Information and History Packet, or other application process
- Failure to complete the entire online application or Personal Information and History Packet
NOTICE:- Background Investigations begin following all testing.
- Credit Check will occur before the Background Investigation begins.
- The following occur after the background is complete: Chief’s Interviews, Chief makes contingent Job Offer, A tentative hire date will be given to allow for two week notices, etc.
Police Officer responds to emergency and non-emergency requests for police service and enforces all federal laws, state laws, and city ordinances.
Salary amount offered will depend on qualifications. This is a non-exempt position.
Applicants currently attending a TCOLE Academy are encouraged to apply. Employment eligibility requires successful completion of the Academy courses and certification as a TCOLE Peace Officer.- Patrols the city and responds to citizen’s requests and complaints regarding possible criminal activity such as disturbances, burglaries, prowlers, suspicious persons, etc...
- Allocates patrol time to identify and solve business and residential problems by applying proven problem solving techniques.
- Issues warnings and citations to violators of city and state regulations and laws.
- Arrests suspects, guards and transports prisoners to other facilities.
- Investigates suspicious and criminal activity.
- Responds to emergency calls, traffic accidents and general requests for assistance.
- Secures crime scenes, interviews witnesses, victims, and suspects. Takes written and video statements and confessions.
- Collects and preserves evidence.
- Guards and transports mental patients to out of town facilities.
- Writes offense reports, arrest reports, incident reports, supplemental reports, and other police related documents, forms and memorandums.
- Informs the community of crime prevention, public safety and public awareness programs.
- Advises citizens concerning laws and ordinances.
- Appears in court and testifies.
- May be assigned to specialized programs such as Special Crimes, Investigations, Crime Prevention Unit etc.
- Regular attendance at work and arrives on time.
- Performs duties according to the City and departmental safety rules and policies.
- Performs all other job related duties as assigned or as become apparent.
- Ability to get along with other employees and the public.
In addition to the above, the Senior Police Officer is expected:
To assist in the training of cadet officers and provides guidance to officers of lesser rank.Employee is exposed to possibly dangerous criminals on an ongoing basis. Employee must work in seasonal temperatures and may be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals and diseases. Sufficient physical ability and stamina to bend, run, lift and crawl into small spaces and to restrain suspects. May ride patrol in either a patrol vehicle, bicycle, or on a motorcycle. Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle at high speeds during emergencies. Ability to lift 35-40 pounds frequently, up to 70 pounds occasionally, and to pull or drag up to 150 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, co-peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Police procedures, laws, and regulations
- Reading and interpreting reports and policies
- Clear verbal and written communication
- Computer and typing proficiency
- Firearms and equipment use
- Public and agency relations
- Lifting, restraining, and assisting individuals
- Working in extreme weather
- Pursuing suspects and operating vehicles
- Observing and responding to incidents
- Understanding radio and phone communication
- Following safety protocols
- Organizing tasks and meeting deadlines
- Data entry and report writing