Police Officer; In-State Lateral

Position Overview

Allen Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of TCOLE certified Lateral Police Officer. The role protects and serves the city’s property and citizens through patrol, traffic enforcement, crime investigation, and community relations. The officer does not provide direction to other employees.

• Patrol the City on foot, by car, or on bike; deter crime, assist in high‑risk situations, provide special surveillance operations, and conduct lawful arrests.
• Enforce traffic laws: patrol roadways, respond to calls, observe violations, make traffic stops, search vehicles when probable cause exists, issue citations or warnings, and file reports.
• Report motor‑vehicle accidents: respond, clear roadway, interview parties, record evidence, assess the incident, issue citations, and file reports.
• Investigate crimes: respond to calls, interview witnesses, victims, and suspects, gather and document evidence, submit evidence, file reports, and coordinate charges with the District Attorney’s office.
• Maintain positive community relations: answer citizen inquiries, provide civic services, survey public concerns, and engage the community in police matters.

Education and Experience
Pathway A – Minimum of 30 college credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher and at least two years of full‑time law‑enforcement service with arrest powers, successful completion of a Field Training Program, and assignment to patrol duties.
Pathway B – High‑school diploma or GED, at least three years of full‑time law‑enforcement service with arrest powers, successful completion of a Field Training Program, and assignment to patrol duties.

• Current and valid Texas driver’s license.
• Valid TCOLE license.
• Minimum age of 21 years.

• Citizen of the United States.
• At least 30 college credits (PGA 2.0+) and two years of full‑time law‑enforcement service, OR high‑school diploma and three years of full‑time law‑enforcement service.
• Current, valid Texas driver’s license.
• No felony convictions or Class B misdemeanor convictions within the past ten years.
• No pending criminal charges or ongoing probation beyond Class B misdemeanor.
• Good moral character, ability to work shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to read and comprehend training materials and departmental policies.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with other employees, agencies, and the public.
• Physical fitness that allows lifting, running, bending, and walking. Vision and hearing must meet specified standards (20/20 vision; hearing loss not exceeding 25 dB).
• Ability to learn use and care of firearms and specialized equipment.

• 1.5‑mile run within 15:26 minutes.
• 300‑meter run within 62 seconds.
• At least 26 push‑ups (no time limit).
• At least 30 sit‑ups within 60 seconds.

• Entrance examination: four sections—reading comprehension, basic arithmetic, spelling/grammar, and writing—requiring a score of 70% or higher in each section.
• Physical assessment to determine fitness for duty.
• Background investigation covering criminal, driving, employment, education, and credit records.
• Interview board covering background, experience, and situational reasoning.
• Polygraph examination conducted in accordance with state guidelines.
• Psychological examination evaluating suitability for law enforcement work; a rating of 4.0 or above is required.
• Physical examination and drug screen.
• Final interview with the Chief of Police or designee.