LATERAL POLICE OFFICER

All candidates must carefully review and understand the qualifications and processes of becoming a Wichita Falls Police Officer. Before proceeding, visit:
Police Recruiting
All candidates must complete a personal history statement found at the above URL.

Lateral applicants must be TCOLE Certified. Federal and out of state candidates please contact the Police Training Division at (940) 720-5059 for more information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this position is to enforce federal, state and local laws and provide protection to citizens. This is accomplished by responding to general and critical incidents to investigate and enforce violations, patrolling geographical limits, responding to crime scenes, processing information; and identifying, restraining and/or transporting suspects. Additional duties include answering questions from the public, testifying in court, assisting other officers and departments, educating the public, and preparing and maintaining reports and logs.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:
Certification as a police officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education. Employees, assigned to training duties, must also obtain certification as an instructor from the Commission. Officers, assigned to the Motorcycles, must possess a valid Texas Operators and Motorcycle License, Class C/M.
Driver’s License Required – Y Type – C Endorsements – N/A

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Note: This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position. Additionally, please be aware of the legend below when referring to the physical demands of each essential function.

# Code Essential Functions
1 L Regular and reliable attendance in compliance with given schedules is a mandatory requirement of this position. Schedules may be subject to change with or without advance notice
2 M Patrols assigned geographical areas and enforces laws and regulations by observing areas, responding to calls; enforcing traffic laws, issuing citations, conducting security checks; gathering information from the public or callers, processing
crime scenes, interviewing callers and making arrests.
3 H Investigates accidents by interviews witnesses, clearing vehicles and debris from roadways, completing reports, and assisting other departments as necessary.
4 M Prevents crime by meeting with the public and discussing crime topics and prevention techniques, enforcing school zone and regular speed limits, and writing citations to violators.
5 M Investigates activities and processes reports by documenting incidents, interviewing witnesses, investigating cases, gathering evidence, booking prisoners, completing arrest and incident reports; compiling statistics; and gathering information
for further investigations.
6 L Conveys information to the public by advising citizens of services available to them, providing support, assisting with understanding of local, state and federal laws, and/or directing to legal services.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Formal Education Graduation from high school or GED Certificate with 12 semester hours credit from an accredited college or university with a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 Scale and successful completion of the prescribed course of instruction for Police Officers as administered by the Wichita Falls Police Department or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills: Knowledge of modern police practices and methods. Knowledge of departmental procedures, rules and regulations. Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances including laws of arrest. Knowledge of street layout and geography of the city. Ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to maintain required records and to prepare reports. Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses of action. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to meet such physical requirements as may be established by competent authority. Skill in the use of firearms and such other regular and special police equipment as may be assigned.

Code : 5241-7

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : POLICE CIVIL SERVICE

Grade : POLICE CS NE

Job Family : 33-3051.01 POLICE PATROL OFFIC

Job Class : POLICE OFFICER

Posting Start : 09/23/2025

Posting End : 12/31/9999

HOURLY RATE RANGE: $35.10-$40.85