Description

Join a department where your work truly matters. At the Vernon Police Department, we’re building a team of motivated, community-minded officers who want more than just a job—they want a purpose. Our officers work a 4-on / 3-off 12-hour rotation that gives you every other weekend off, providing the work-life balance today’s generation values. We also offer a take-home car program, giving you pride in ownership, quicker response capability, and added convenience.

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact, build meaningful community relationships, and be part of a forward-thinking agency that values professionalism, and personal growth. If you’re looking for a career where you can protect, serve, grow, and thrive—Vernon PD is the place to start.

NATURE OF WORK

Police Officers with the Vernon Police Department serve as frontline protectors of the community, working to preserve peace, uphold the law, and enhance public safety through proactive engagement, problem-solving, and professional policing practices. Officers perform a wide range of duties including responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, conducting investigations, enforcing local, state, and federal laws, and building positive relationships with residents, businesses, and community partners.

This position requires critical thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure. Officers are expected to act with integrity, respect, and professionalism while working collaboratively with colleagues and the public to prevent crime, resolve conflict, and support community well-being. The nature of this work involves service-oriented policing, active community involvement, and a commitment to protecting life and property while demonstrating leadership, compassion, and a dedication to the mission of the Vernon Police Department.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

Police Officers with the Vernon Police Department are responsible for performing a wide range of law enforcement duties with professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment. Essential job functions include:

Know and enforce applicable City ordinances, and State and Federal laws.
Make ethical decisions that conform to laws, policy, and regulations, including working independently when appropriate.
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively and professionally with the public and with co-workers.
Communicate clearly and effectively with citizens, supervisors, and co-workers in person, in writing, by telephone, and via radio.
Maintain alertness, composure, and professionalism in all circumstances, including high-stress or emergency situations.
Follow the chain of command and departmental procedures.
Be receptive to supervision and feedback.
Comprehend and carry out orders from supervisors and adapt procedures as necessary.
Initiate work assignments without requiring direct supervision.
Recognize when supervisory intervention is needed and seek assistance appropriately.
Keep supervisors informed of relevant activity, concerns, or incidents.
Maintain conduct on and off duty that contributes to high morale, professionalism, and a positive image of the Vernon Police Department.
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REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

Police Officers must possess the knowledge, skills, and physical ability necessary to perform essential law enforcement duties. Requirements include:

Knowledge of police methods, practices, procedures, municipal ordinances, and State and Federal laws.
Ability to make lawful custody arrests when warranted.
Ability to physically hold, arrest, and control resisting subjects.
Ability to physically search individuals, places, and vehicles for weapons, evidence, and persons.
Ability to work in all weather conditions, at any hour of the day, and under emergency circumstances or special assignments.
Ability to perform duties including, but not limited to: protection of life and property; prevention of crime; apprehension of violators; enforcement of laws and ordinances; investigation of criminal offenses; investigation of traffic offenses; and investigation of traffic crashes.
Ability to obtain information through interviews, interrogation, and observation.
Ability to detect, analyze, and investigate crimes.
Ability to preserve crime scenes and properly collect, handle, and document evidence.
Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and maintain accurate records.
Ability to respond to situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully while respecting the rights of others.
Ability to remain calm, focused, and decisive during emergency conditions.
Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.
Ability to develop and maintain effective public relations through positive and professional interactions.
Ability to meet physical requirements necessary to perform police duties safely and effectively.
Ability to properly operate, maintain, and account for all assigned equipment, ensuring it remains in clean and working condition.
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MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Basic Eligibility

Be at least 21 years old
Be a U.S. Citizen
Have a high school diploma or GED
Honorable discharge from the United States Military 
 
Criminal History Requirements

Cannot have any felony convictions - Includes deferred adjudications.
Cannot have any Class A misdemeanor convictions - Includes deferred adjudications.
No Class B misdemeanor convictions within the last 10 years - Includes deferred adjudications.
Cannot be currently charged with any criminal offense
Cannot have been convicted of family violence
Cannot be prohibited by state or federal law from carrying a firearm
 
Character & Background Requirements

Undergo a thorough background investigation, including:
Employment history
Personal references
Criminal history
Driving history
Credit check 
Demonstrate good moral character and stable employment history
 
Medical & Psychological Requirements

Pass a TCOLE-approved psychological examination
Pass a TCOLE-approved medical examination, stating:
        No physical defects or conditions that interfere with duties

Pass a drug screening
 
Training Requirements

Have successfully completed a TCOLE-approved Basic Peace Officer Course (Police Academy)
Have passed the TCOLE State Licensing Exam and currently hold a valid Texas Peace Officer License.