Police Cadet

Job Title: Police Cadet
Reports To: Chief of Police
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

SUMMARY:
To provide a safe environment for students and patrons of the district by performing assigned duties upon completion of a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) approved Basic Peace Officer Course.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Take and pass examinations covering a variety of topics covered by the Basic Peace Officer Course curriculum.

Maintain a minimum GPA of 80% while attending the Basic Peace Officer Course.

Successfully complete all practical examinations administered during the Basic Peace Officer Course.

Complete all assignments on time.

Take part in physical training designed to teach each recruit the importance of physical fitness in law enforcement.

Maintain availability for special events or training outside of the Basic Peace Officer Course when necessary for Killeen Independent School District Police Department.

Performs such other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS
1. Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age by the start of the next scheduled Basic Peace Officer Course.
2. Must successfully complete the initial hiring interview board.
3. Must maintain a minimum uncorrected vision of 20/100 in each eye, corrected to 20/20 in each eye, with normal color vision.
4. Must meet all minimum employment requirements.
5. Must meet Killeen Independent School District response time requirements.
6. Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License by date of hire.
7. Must successfully meet the department’s physical agility standards for applicants.
8. Must successfully meet and maintain the department’s physical standards upon completion of the Basic Police Officer Academy.
9. Must be able to meet all licensing requirements of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
10. Must be of good moral character.
11. Must successfully complete physical examination and psychological test and such other job content related tests that may be administered during the hiring process.
12. Must submit to a thorough, comprehensive background investigation prior to appointment.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and two years related experience in law enforcement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Ability to learn applicable laws, ordinances and firearms proficiency and handling.
2. Ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
3. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
4. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and supervisors.
6. Ability to deal courteously but firmly with citizens, students, staff, and parents.
7. Ability to learn District’s geography.
8. Ability to learn and operate the tools and equipment listed below.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Police vehicle; police radio; radar; handgun and other weapons as required, handcuffs, ballistic shield, cell phone, body worn camera, mobile data terminal, applicable records management, first aid equipment, and safety equipment.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be willing to work extended hours, weekends and holidays as required. Must possess proficient Computer Skills, including experience using PC and laptop computers with Windows 7 and 10, and Microsoft Office.

FIREARMS QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be able to operate and qualify with a pistol and (if required) rifle. Qualification is in accordance with TCOLE standards.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read, write and interpret documents such as policies, rules, law books, and procedure manuals. Ability to write essential reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before members of the board of trustees, administrators, teachers, students, parents, law enforcement agencies, and general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to exercise discretion between ethnic and culture differences.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
Valid Texas Driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must possess the physical strength and skills to restrain combatants and to apply accepted defensive tactics.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is required to operate a vehicle for extended periods. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to do moderate lifting and carrying 15-44 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While in the training academy, the employee is in a classroom environment. During the field training process, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat and vibration. The employee is periodically exposed to persons who represent a danger to health and life.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
To ensure eligibility as a Texas Peace Officer, individuals not already licensed must undergo a recruit-training course at a TCOLE approved police academy. This comprehensive program includes classroom and field instruction, covering fundamental police procedures, techniques, and laws. Following the successful completion of the police academy training, the field training process commences. As a newly commissioned sworn officer, the employee undergoes on-the-job training and gains valuable experience under the direct supervision of an experienced training officer. Newly commissioned sworn officers shall give a two-year commitment to the Killeen Independent School District or shall be subject to reimbursing the district for costs associated with training and equipping the officer to qualify as a licensed Texas Peace Officer.

Starting pay for Police Cadet is MT6 of the paygrade. Upon completion of the program, pay will be increased to the MT8 paygrade.

Revised Date: August 18, 2023
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.