Police Officer - Lateral; In State

Police Officer – Lateral (In State)

The City of Sugar Land invites law enforcement professionals who are interested in a full‑time position as a Police Officer – Lateral (In State) to apply to join our amazing City.

Sugar Land is one of America’s safest cities, growing at a rapid pace and home to over 111,000 residents. The Police Department is CALEA accredited with more than 180 sworn officers and offers specialized assignments, training, and the opportunity for career growth.

We pride ourselves on a healthy work‑life balance, diversity, and professional development. In return, lateral officers receive a competitive starting salary ranging from $37.62 to $40.90 per hour based on qualifications, a $10,000 sign‑on bonus, and a suite of benefits.

• City‑subsidized medical and dental insurance with multiple plan options
• City‑paid basic life insurance and long‑term disability
• Voluntary vision, supplemental life, Aflac indemnity plans, and legal shield benefits
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous vacation—up to 160 hours annually after 11 years of service
• Paid sick leave—3.69 hours per pay period
• Paid parental leave—up to 6 weeks
• Robust pension plan (TMRS) with 7% contribution and 2:1 city match
• Longevity pay for each month of service after the first 13 months
• On‑site wellness facilities and mental health resources
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

To be eligible, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, hold a valid driver’s license with a good record, possess a stable employment history, and pass a full background investigation. In addition:

• At least three years of sworn peace officer service with the most recent agency, with duties that include answering 911 calls, powers of arrest, and comparable responsibilities to a Sugar Land officer.
• Prior officer experience must exclude communications, detention, or courtroom roles.
• Valid Texas law enforcement license or equivalent; candidates who cannot obtain TCOLE licensure within the required timeframe will be disqualified.
• Candidates must succeed in a physical fitness test, oral interview board, polygraph test, and full background examination.

• Starting pay: $85,072 (dependent on experience) plus a $10,000 sign‑on bonus
• Annual salary increases up to maximum Step 10 ($105,685)
• Pay for performance awards up to $4,000 per year
• Incentive pay for education: $600 (associate), $1,200 (bachelor), $1,800 (master)
• TCOLE certificate incentive pay: $600 (intermediate), $1,200 (advanced), $1,800 (master)
• Field training officer ($1,500) or coordinator ($3,000)
• SWAT or crisis negotiator assignment ($1,500)
• Longevity pay: $4 per month up to $1,200 annually after 13 months
• Uniforms, weapons, and equipment provided
• Health benefits, 13 paid holidays, 80 hours paid vacation annually (up to 160 hours at 11 years), paid sick leave, paid parental leave, fitness incentive program (up to 80 hours paid leave annually), and other specialty pays

Equal Opportunity Employer – Drug Free Workplace

Posted 12/29/2025

Sign‑on bonus distribution: $2,500 upon start, $2,500 upon completion of field training, $5,000 after one year.

For more information or to apply online, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). under “Job Opportunities.” For inquiries, contact the Sugar Land Police Department Training Unit at 281‑275‑2914.