The City of La Porte and La Porte Police Department fall under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 143, Civil Service.To qualify for the lateral entry program, applicants must pass a physical fitness exam, a comprehensive background investigation, to include psychological, polygraph, medical exam, drug screen, and a 12-month probationary period. Applicants must additionally meet the following criteria: - Education and Experience: Graduation for an accredited Police Academy.
- Licenses and Certificates: Possess a Basic Peace Officer license issued by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), by the time of appointment.
LATERAL POLICE OFFICERCategory: Full-Time
Status: Open
Hourly: Step 0, $35.578 up to Step 7, $42.652 DOQ.
Published: April 17, 2026
Closing: Ongoing
DEFINITIONTo perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; to control traffic flow and enforce state and local traffic regulations; to perform investigative work; and to participate in and provide support and assistance to special Department crime prevention and enforcement programs.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives general supervision from a Police Sergeant or higher level police manager.
May exercise indirect supervision over sworn and non-sworn personnel.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSDuties may include, but are not limited to, the following:- As a Patrol Officer, to patrol City in radio-equipped car; answer calls for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents.
- Patrol the City in a radar-equipped patrol unit; respond to calls related to traffic incidents and any other required emergencies; observe, monitor and control routing and unusual traffic conditions; assist and advise motorist and enforce traffic safety laws.
- Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complaints and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; testify and present evidence in court.
- Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.
- Prepare reports of arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed.
- Stop drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws; warn drivers against unlawful practices; issue citations and make arrests as necessary.
- Check buildings for physical security.
- Search, fingerprint, transport, and book prisoners.
- Direct traffic at fire, special events, and other emergency or congested situations.
- Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.
- Assist in the performance of special investigative and crime prevention duties as required.
- As a Field Training Officer, provide thorough training, guidance, and evaluation of police officers.
- Perform undercover and surveillance activities as assigned.
- Conduct complete investigations of crimes involving juveniles and adults, crimes against persons and property, and crimes involving vice, gaming, and narcotics violations as assigned.
- Prepare investigative reports and case information, provide evidence and testimony in court.
- Answer questions from the public concerning local and State laws, procedures, and activities of the Department.
- Collect, preserve and maintain evidence and property found that is involved with suspected crimes.
- Develop and maintain good relationships with the public, including informants and contacts which may be helpful in criminal investigations.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge of:- Police methods and procedures, including patrol, traffic control, investigation and identification, equipment, police records and reports and first aid.
- Criminal law, including the apprehension, arrest, questioning, and custody of persons charged with misdemeanors and felonies, including rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and evidence preservation.
- Traffic laws and regulations.
- Department rules and regulations.
Ability to:- Observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
- Use and care for firearms.
- Think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately.
- Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations.
- Learn and remember City streets, addressing system, and physical features.
- Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
- Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE- Applicant must possess a High School Diploma or GED.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES- Possession of a valid Class "C" Texas Drivers License.
- Possession of a current TCOLE license from the Texas Department of Law Enforcement OR must be currently enrolled in an accredited Police Academy to obtain a TCOLE license.
*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
*Duties, responsibilities and actions may change at any time with or without notice.
Pay Range: $35.57 - $42.65 per hour
