Police Officer

The Universal City Police Department is hiring qualified police officer candidates who wish to provide “Excellence in Service” to our community. Universal City PD is a highly motivated, fast paced, professional agency. You will work in an environment that fosters leadership, teamwork, and courteous service to our community.

 The Universal City Police Department offers a competitive salary and retirement structure, great health benefits, and many other incentives such as certificate pay, paid leave, and uniform and equipment allowance.

• We are committed to hiring the right people and creating a positive and enthusiastic environment.
• Lateral pay opportunities for experienced officers.
• Eligible for promotion after performance introductory period, with required experience.
• Flexible applicant processing procedure.

Testing: Qualified applicants who have returned their completed Employment Application and Application Packet will be notified by phone and/or email when a testing date is set.

Job Description       

Patrol Officers are responsible for the conduct of routine patrols, preliminary investigations and traffic control duties on an assigned shift.  Patrol Officers interact with the general public, public officials, and members of other agencies, for this reason they must always conduct themselves in a professional manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Patrols a designated area to direct traffic and to enforce traffic regulations.
• Checks business, houses and other premises for fire, burglary and other disturbances.
• Investigates any suspicious activity.
• Responds to radio and maintains radio contact with dispatcher.
• Makes arrests and issues citations for breaking of laws and ordinances.
• Keeps records and makes reports.
• Testifies in court proceedings when required.
• Lectures on police related matters before schools and may be called for emergency duty at any time.
• Attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Other activities deemed necessary by the Police Chief or Patrol Sergeant.
• The City expects all employees to be customer-service oriented and to work cooperatively and pleasantly with other City employees and with the general public. 

Education and/or Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations  

• Required:  TCOLE Basic Peace Officer Certification (or greater)
• Required:  Valid Texas Driver’s License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

• Knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of municipal ordinances, people and geographical area of the City.
• Ability to conduct routine patrols to aid citizens.
• Ability to read, interpret and enforce policies, laws and ordinances.
• Ability to speak, read and write the English language.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills.  This position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with internal and external personnel. 
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions within the framework of the established guidelines are necessary.

Physical Demands  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to operate office equipment (including telephone and computer keyboard), reach with hands and arms, drive a vehicle, and talk and hear.  The employee frequently is required to use hands to handle weapons and equipment; stand, walk and, occasionally, run; lift a maximum of 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus and identify colors.  The employee is required to maintain physical stamina under extreme working conditions.

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee has frequent contact with other employees in multiple departments; is required to interact with employees at other agencies and organizations, the general public and citizens of Universal City; and must remain calm and professional in tense, emotionally charged, and stressful situations.  The employee may face difficult and stressful situations; and may be required to work under time pressures to meet deadlines, to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, to change tasks frequently, to perform tedious and exacting work, and to work closely with others as part of a team.  The noise level in the work environment varies from low to high.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time position working 12-hour shifts; however, the work schedule is subject to change based on the operational needs of the City and the department. Overtime will be required as necessary.

Travel  

This position requires daily operation of a vehicle during work shifts and regular travel to attend meetings, events, and functions. Occasional out-of-town travel may also be necessary to represent the City at conferences, training sessions, and official meetings. Pre-Employment Testing If a conditional offer of employment is accepted, employment is contingent upon receiving acceptable results from the pre-employment physical exam, psychological exam (if required), drug/alcohol testing and background investigation.          

The City of Universal City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.