Police Officer - Civil Service Examination

The City of San Marcos will conduct a Civil Service Examination to establish an eligibility list for hiring Police Officers. This eligibility list will be in effect for a period of one year from the test date or until the list has been exhausted, whichever occurs first.

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE EXAMINATION IS SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2026.

• • Candidates not TCOLE certified – Cadet: $61,734 Annually
  • TCOLE Sworn Officer: $70,223.65 Annually
  • Lateral Entry Program: Testing is not required for TCOLE-certified officers. An experienced TCOLE-certified candidate may earn up to $88,883 annually.
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Hiring Incentive: Certified TCOLE Officers hired from this list will be eligible for a $5,000 hiring incentive $2,500 at hire, and $2,500 upon successful completion of training.

Candidates should be prepared to take the Physical Fitness Assessment:
Date: January 16, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Place: San Marcos Police Department, 2300 I-35 S, San Marcos, Texas 78666  

Row test details can be found at SMPD Jobs. 

Applicants not passing the Physical Fitness Assessment may retest on:

• • Tuesday, January 20 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (By Appointment Only)
  • Thursday, January 22 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (By Appointment Only)

• • Application & ID Requirement:
    Applicants must apply online by January 9 and bring a valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, ID card) to the test site. Roll call begins promptly at 8:00 AM. Late arrivals will not be admitted.

  • Personal History Statement:
    Due date is January 30, 2026. Begin gathering required documents now. Waiting until January 16 may not allow enough time to collect everything needed.

  • Testing Room Rules:
    Personal items (e.g., hats, purses, briefcases, phones, food, drinks) are not allowed. Once the test begins, no one may leave the building until their test is submitted.

  • Scoring:

    • A score of 70 or higher is required to pass.

    • Applicants who qualify for additional points may receive up to 8 bonus points.

    • The eligibility list will be ranked by final score. In case of a tie, the application submission timestamp will determine order.

  • Eligibility List Posting:
    The final list will be posted on the City’s website by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

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  Study Guide:
  Applicants may order the “Police Aptitude and Character Test (PACT) Candidate Orientation Guide” here:
  https://www.fpsi.com/product/pact-orientation-guide/

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  The PACT Candidate Orientation Guide is a helpful tool to prepare for the exam. It can be downloaded as a PDF and saved or printed. Payment can be made via PayPal or credit/debit card on FPSI’s site. After payment, the download link will appear on the order details/checkout status page. Be sure to follow all instructions on both the FPSI and PayPal websites to access the download successfully!

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Under general supervision, Police Officers provide professional, responsive, and community-oriented police services to protect life and property, maintain public order, and uphold the rights of all individuals.  This role supports the mission of public safety by preserving peace, preventing crime, and fostering a safe and engaged community through lawful enforcement, proactive engagement, and service delivery.

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position.  While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned.   Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

• Enforces local, state, and federal laws and ordinances in accordance with department policies and procedures.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, including crimes in progress, accidents, disturbances, and requests for assistance.
• Participates in crime prevention, criminal investigations, recovery of stolen or missing property, and the arrest and prosecution of offenders.
• Aids the sick and injured and supports other emergency services personnel.
• Prepares organized, detailed, and concise written reports and documentation using proper grammar and spelling.
• Engages in community policing efforts, including public education, mediation, and conflict resolution.
• Attends shift briefings, court proceedings, training sessions, and community meetings.
• Operates police vehicle and specialized equipment safely and effectively.
• Performs specialized functions based on assignment (e.g., K-9, SWAT, training, investigations).
• Maintains professional integrity, accountability, and adherence to department values and protocols.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Age: Must be at least 20 years and 6 months of age at the time of the entrance examination and not more than 50 years of age at the time of hire.
• Must meet all TCOLE and Local Government code chapter 143 requirements.
• If not currently certified, must successfully complete a police academy and obtain TCOLE Basic Peace Officer Certification.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• Extensive background investigation required.

BONUS QUALIFICATIONS

• Thirty (30) college credit hours from a regionally accredited institution, or
• Two (2) years of active military service, or
• Six (6) years of reserve military service or National Guard experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of law enforcement methods, criminal justice systems, and applicable laws.
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents, maps, and reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in basic math and reasoning under stress.
• Ability to mediate, de-escalate, and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to operate police vehicles and specialized equipment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in high-pressure situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to lift up to 75 pounds occasionally.  Frequent activities include sitting, walking, running, handling, fine dexterity, vision, hearing, and talking.  Occasional activities include standing, pushing/pulling, reaching, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting, climbing, and balancing.  Must be able to physically restrain individuals and perform duties in various environments and weather conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.  Officers may be exposed to hazardous substances, infectious diseases, and physically combative individuals.  The role requires shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays.  This is a safety-sensitive position.

Salary : $61,734 - $88,878