Police Officer (Entry-level or Certified)

Position Details

Position Information

Posting Number


Position Title
Police Officer (Entry-level or Certified)

Position #
5018

FLSA
Non-Exempt

Classification Type
Police

Department
Police Services

Job Type
Full Time

Work Schedule

Shifts vary

Hiring Pay Rate
$72,925 (as a Cadet) up to $92,144/year (depending on certification)

Posting Opening Date
09/08/2026

Posting Closing Date
10/16/2026

Job Summary

The City of Bryan is currently accepting applications for Police Officer (entry level cadets or certified). This position performs a wide variety of tasks in support of law enforcement and crime prevention functions; performs investigative work and other special assignments; and performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the police department.

Application Deadline:Friday, October 16, 2026
Written Exam:Friday, October 23, 2026

(The Physical Fitness Assessment will be immediately following the written exam.)

Essential Job Functions

• Effects an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdues resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resorts to the use of hands, feet, and other approved weapons in self-defense.
• Prepares investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols, and mathematical computations.
• Exercises independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Operates a law enforcement vehicle during both day/night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice, and snow.
• Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Gathers information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informers.
• Pursues fleeing suspects and performs rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifts, carries, and drags heavy objects; climbs over and pulls up oneself over obstacles; jumps down from elevated surfaces; climbs through openings; jumps over obstacles, ditches, and streams; crawls in confined areas; balances on uneven or narrow surfaces; and uses body force to gain entrance through barriers.
• Loads, unloads, aims, and fires from a variety of body positions handguns, shotguns, and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at the levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.
• Performs searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
• Conducts visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
• Engages in law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as working rotating shifts, walking on foot patrol, and physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure.
• Effectively communicates with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.
• Demonstrates communications skills in court and other formal settings.
• Detects and collects evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
• Endures verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.
• Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging, and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.
• Processes and transports prisoners and committed mental patients using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.
• Puts on and operates a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions are being deployed.
• Extinguishes small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.
• Reads and comprehends legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits & warrants.
• Processes arrested suspects to include taking their photographs and obtaining a legible set of inked fingerprints.
• Demonstrates efforts of initiative as evidenced by self-growth and persistence in striving to obtain personal objectives; makes suggestions for improved efficiency or productivity.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Responds regularly and promptly to work.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications include:

• U.S. Citizen;
• High School Diploma or have a high school equivalency certificate/GED;
• At least 21 years of age at the time of licensing;
• Valid Texas driver's license with good driving record at the time of hire;
• Good moral character, stable employment record and no history of any conduct which may affect suitability for law enforcement work;
• If applicable, military service discharge must be under honorable conditions as stipulated on DD-214 form;
• No felony or Class A misdemeanor convictions; no Class B misdemeanor convictions within the past 10 years.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ability to:

• Remain alert at all times and react quickly, calmly, and rationally in times of extreme stress.
• Prioritize decision-making and make decisive actions.
• Remember names, faces, and details of incidents and physical surroundings.
• Enforce laws firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
• Interpret and apply federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality in the performance of duties.
• Use a variety of police equipment which may include radar units and specialized computer equipment.
• Work under stress and balance good judgment with common sense in emergencies.
• Respond effectively to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Interpret, explain, and abide by City and department administrative directives, policies, and procedures.
• Deal with and adapt to the gruesome aspects of the job.
• Resolve a variety of situations characterized by conflict or danger.
• Understand and respond quickly and accurately to written and verbal directions, instructions, inquiries, and requests.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Safely operate departmental vehicles.

Licenses, Certifications & Special Requirements

License/Certification Requirement:

• Certification as a peace officer is not required, however applicants must possess a valid Texas driver's license with a good driving record at the time of hire.

Applicants must submit to a complete assessment process to include:

• Written Exam
• Physical Fitness Assessment
• Personal History Statement
• Preliminary Interview
• Background Investigation
• Polygraph Exam
• Oral Interview Board
• Psychological Exam
• Police Chief Interview
• Medical Exam/Drug Screen (to include a TB test)

Applicant Disqualifiers:

Criminal History

• Applicant has engaged in, received deferred adjudication or pre-trial diversion for, or has been convicted of: conduct that constitutes a Class A Misdemeanor under the Penal Code or equivalent under federal law, to include the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or a Class B Misdemeanor within the past 10 years, or any other conduct that may be unsuitable for employment.

Tattoos/Brands/Body Art

• No tattoos/brands/body art will be permitted on the applicant's head/face, neck, or hands, except for a single ring tattoo on one hand.
• Tattoos/brands/body art that could be deemed offensive, profane, or inappropriate by the department shall be covered.
• Tattoos/brands/body art that are discriminatory in nature, in any way, are prohibited.

Dental Appliances and Contact Lenses

• Elaborate, decorative, or non-functional dental appliances, special effect contact lenses, or contact lenses of a color unnatural to the human eye are prohibited. If the applicant is hired, he/she will not be permitted to wear or use it while on duty or otherwise representing the department.

Body Modifications

• Body modifications such as: tongue-splitting, trans-dermal implantation of an object, abnormal shaping of the ears, eyes, nose, or abnormal filing of the teeth visible in an authorized uniform or attire are prohibited.

Tunnels (large diameter ear piercing)

• Tunnels (large diameter ear piercing) larger than ½" in diameter are prohibited. Tunnels that exceed ½" must be repaired/corrected prior to the applicant's final offer of employment.

Illicit Substance Use

• Applicant must not have consumed marijuana or any substance under Texas Health and Safety Code Penalty Group 2-A (i.e. K2, "Spice", synthetic cannabinoids) within the last three (3) years.
• Applicant must not have engaged in unlawful consumption of paints, gases, or other abusable chemicals.
• Applicant must not have engaged in unlawful consumption of any Texas Health and Safety Code Penalty Groups 1 (i.e. opiates, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine), 1-A (i.e. LSD, isomers), and 2 (i.e. Ecstasy, hashish) drugs.
• Applicant must not have engaged in unlawful consumption of any Texas Health and Safety Code Penalty Groups 3 (i.e. barbiturates) or 4 (i.e. Tylenol 3, prescription drug without prescription) drugs within the last ten (10) years.

Physical Demands

• Maintain physical conditions appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following: effecting arrests, subduing resisting individuals, chasing feeling subjects, running, walking, crouching or crawling during emergency operations, transporting equipment and injured/deceased persons, climbing stairs/ladders, walking, standing or sitting for extended periods, performing lifesaving and rescue procedures, and operating assigned equipment.
• Effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to: armed/dangerous persons and animals, communicable diseases, hazards of emergency driving, hazards associated with traffic control and working in and near traffic, and natural and man-made disasters.
• Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: making observations, communicating with others, reading, writing, and operating assigned shifts.

Working Conditions

• Works in varied weather conditions.
• Works irregular hours including weekends, holidays and extended hours in emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload or staffing needs.
• Works in extremely stressful and dangerous situations with potential exposure to personal injury. Situations include (but are not limited to) dealing with: armed/dangerous persons and animals, communicable diseases, hazards of emergency driving, hazards associated with traffic control and working in and near traffic, and natural and man-made disasters.

Equipment

Work shall be performed with tools, appliances, and equipment approved by those agencies and bodies that have control, authority, or approval of the design working ranges or limitations of those items; the employee has the responsibility to conform to those ranges and limitations.

Equipment may include but is not limited to: law enforcement vehicles, firearms, restraining devices, intoxilyzer, radar equipment, communications equipment, and computers.

Additional Notes/Instructions for Applicants

Important:To ensure that you have submitted your application properly to this posting, you should receive an online confirmation # upon completion.

If you 'Meet' all requirements, you will also receive a confirmation email within one (1) week of applying. You must have received this email in order to be admitted to the exam site.

If you have not already done do, once you have submitted your application and received confirmation, be sure to download and review the information packet and study locatedHERE

This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. City management has exclusive rights to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an 'at-will' relationship.

Quicklink for Posting
https://www.bryantxjobs.com/postings/5145