Description

City of Garrett Police Department
Full-Time Police Officer – Basic Job Description
Position Title: Full-Time Police Officer
Department: City of Garrett Police Department
Reports To: Chief of Police or Assigned Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

General Purpose
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Police or designated supervisor, a Full-Time Police Officer performs law enforcement duties to preserve the peace, protect life and property, enforce federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, and provide professional police services to the citizens and visitors of the City of Garrett.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Patrol assigned areas by vehicle and on foot to deter crime and maintain a visible police presence.
Enforce federal, state, and local laws, including traffic laws and city ordinances.
Respond promptly to calls for service, including emergencies, criminal offenses, traffic crashes, disturbances, and medical assists.
Conduct traffic enforcement and investigate traffic crashes.
Conduct criminal investigations, interview victims, witnesses, and suspects, and collect evidence.
Make lawful arrests and transport prisoners.
Prepare clear, accurate, and timely offense reports, incident reports, citations, and supplemental reports.
Testify in municipal, justice, county, and district courts as required.
Serve warrants and assist other law enforcement agencies when requested.
Conduct preliminary investigations of suspicious persons, crimes, and complaints.
Maintain proficiency with department-issued firearms, less-lethal weapons, and other equipment.
Operate police vehicles safely during routine patrol and emergency responses.
Provide courteous assistance and professional customer service to the public.
Maintain confidentiality of criminal justice information and comply with CJIS, TCOLE, and department policies.
Attend required training to maintain peace officer licensure and department standards.
Perform other law enforcement duties as assigned by the Chief of Police.
Minimum Qualifications
Licensed Texas Peace Officer in good standing with TCOLE, or eligible for licensing.
Valid Texas driver's license.
Ability to pass background investigation, drug screening, medical examination, and psychological evaluation as required.
Ability to meet all requirements established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of Texas criminal and traffic laws.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in stressful situations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prepare accurate reports and maintain records.
Ability to interact professionally with the public and other agencies.
Ability to operate police equipment, computers, radios, and mobile data systems.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, bend, kneel, climb, lift, drag, and restrain individuals when necessary.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Ability to wear body armor and duty equipment for extended periods.
Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and respond to emergency call-outs.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in office, patrol, and outdoor environments. Officers may be exposed to hazardous conditions, violent individuals, infectious diseases, inclement weather, and other conditions associated with law enforcement.

Employment Statement
Employees serve at the pleasure of the City of Garrett and are expected to conduct themselves in a professional, ethical, and courteous manner at all times. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The Chief of Police may assign additional duties as needed to meet the operational needs of the department.

This version is broad enough for everyday patrol duties while giving you flexibility to assign officers to traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, interdiction, community policing, warrant service, or any other lawful police function without having to amend the job description.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Requirements

City of Garrett Police Department
Full-Time Police Officer – Job Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must be a United States citizen or otherwise eligible for licensing under Texas law.
Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
Must hold a current Texas Peace Officer License issued by TCOLE or be eligible to obtain one before employment.
Must possess a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation.
Must pass a drug screening, psychological evaluation, medical examination, and any additional testing required by the City of Garrett.
Must be legally authorized to possess and carry a firearm.
Must have no felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history under Texas law or TCOLE regulations.
Knowledge Requirements
Working knowledge of the Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, Transportation Code, Health and Safety Code, and Local Government Code.
Knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and procedures.
Knowledge of constitutional rights, search and seizure laws, and arrest procedures.
Knowledge of report writing, evidence collection, and courtroom testimony.
Basic computer skills and the ability to operate law enforcement software and mobile data terminals.
Skills and Abilities
Ability to make sound decisions quickly under stressful and rapidly changing conditions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and timely reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, other agencies, and the public.
Ability to de-escalate conflicts while using appropriate force when necessary.
Ability to conduct criminal investigations and traffic enforcement.
Ability to safely operate emergency vehicles under routine and emergency conditions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive law enforcement information.
Physical Requirements
Ability to wear body armor and duty equipment for extended periods.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, climb, crawl, kneel, bend, push, pull, drag, and lift at least 75 pounds.
Ability to physically restrain, control, or arrest resisting individuals.
Ability to work outdoors in extreme heat, cold, rain, and other adverse weather conditions.
Ability to maintain the physical fitness necessary to perform all essential law enforcement duties.
Work Schedule Requirements
Must be willing to work days, nights, weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and overtime as required.
Must be available for emergency call-outs, disaster response, and special events.
Must maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
Professional Standards
Employees are expected to:

Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor while on duty.
Conduct themselves ethically and honestly both on and off duty.
Comply with all City of Garrett policies, Police Department policies, TCOLE standards, CJIS security requirements, and applicable federal and state laws.
Successfully complete all required in-service training and maintain all certifications.
Demonstrate initiative, self-motivation, sound judgment, and a commitment to serving the community with integrity, professionalism, and respect.
This set of requirements is appropriate for a small municipal police department like Garrett and provides flexibility while clearly outlining the minimum standards expected of every full-time police officer.