Police Officer - Certified

Overview

The City of Sugar Land invites law enforcement professionals who are interested in a full-time position as a Police Officer – Certified to apply to join our amazing City!

Located on the south‑west side of Houston, Sugar Land is one of the fastest‑growing communities in the state and has consistently been ranked as one of America’s safest cities. With a population of 111,000+, a diverse community, entertainment venues, and a vibrant business community, the Sugar Land Police Department is a CALEA accredited department of 180 sworn officers offering opportunities for specialized assignments and training.

Our informal work environment is serious about what we do. We believe that happy, diverse, and talented employees add value to the City. We strive to hire friendly, professional people who work hard and play well together, promote a healthy work‑life balance, and support personal development.

• Starting Pay: $78,250 ($37.62 per hour)
• Annual salary increases up to a maximum of $105,685 in Step 10 (9+ years of service as a Police Officer with Sugar Land)
• Pay as a Police Officer – Non‑Certified (Recruit) ($64,314 annually) if the start date is prior to academy graduation or TCOLE licensure
• Pay for Performance Awards: up to $4,000 per year
• Incentive pay for education: $600 annually for an Associate’s Degree, $1,200 for a Bachelor’s Degree, $1,800 for a Master’s Degree
• Incentive pay for TCOLE Certificates: $600 annually for an Intermediate Certificate, $1,200 for an Advanced Certificate, $1,800 for a Master Certificate
• Additional Incentive Pays: $1,500 annually for Field Training Officer, $3,000 annually for Field Training Coordinator, $1,500 annually for SWAT or Crisis Negotiator Assignment, $4/month (up to $1,200 annually after 13 months of employment) for Longevity Pay
• Member of Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) – 7% contribution with 2:1 city match
• Uniforms, weapons, and equipment provided
• Excellent health benefits
• 13 paid holidays annually
• 80 hours paid vacation annually (up to 160 hours at 11 years with City)
• Paid sick leave accrual of 3.69 hours per pay period
• Paid parental leave – up to 6 weeks
• Fitness Incentive Program (up to 80 hours paid leave annually)
• Other specialty and assignment pays are available

• City-subsidized Medical and Dental Insurance with multiple plan options
• City-paid Basic Life Insurance @ 1x your annual salary and Long‑term Disability
• Voluntary Vision, Supplemental Life Coverage, Aflac indemnity plans such as Accident, Cancer, Hospitalization, and Critical Illness, Short Term Disability, and pre‑paid legal benefits through Legal Shield
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous vacation package with accruals starting on day 1 (up to 160 hours annually after 11 years of service)
• Paid sick leave accrual of 3.69 hours per pay period
• Paid parental leave – up to 6 weeks
• Robust pension plan with TMRS includes your 7% contribution with 2:1 city match
• You won’t contribute to Social Security; you can further your retirement income by contributing to a Deferred Compensation (457b) plan
• Longevity pay for each month of service after your first 13 months of employment
• On‑site Wellness facilities and programming (mind, body, spirit & financial preparedness)
• Access to multiple mental health benefits and resources, including a robust Employee Assistance Program

A Police Officer – Certified has attended a Police Academy and is certified and licensed as a Peace Officer by TCOLE, or will be certified within 180 days of application submission. Candidates who have, or are in the process of, challenging TCOLE as an Out‑of‑State or Federal applicant but do not have at least three years of service as a sworn peace officer with their most recent agency may be eligible to apply as a Police Officer – Lateral.

Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens, hold a valid driver’s license with a good driving record, and have a stable employment record with no history of conduct that may affect suitability for law enforcement work. Candidates must pass each step of the selection process, including a physical fitness test, oral interview board, polygraph test, and a thorough…