Certified Police Officer and Non-Certified Cadet
: Job Details :

Salary : $52,532.00 - $63,629.00 AnnuallyLocation : Big Spring, TXJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 2024-00088Department: PoliceDivision: Police DepartmentOpening Date: 12/11/2024Closing Date: 12/31/2025 11:59 PM CentralTESTING INFORMATIONEntry level testing for the Big Spring Police Department will be on January 16, 2025. The application deadline is January 13, 2025. The Police Officer Application must be completed online at Interested individuals must submit the application by the posted deadline in order to be eligible to test on that date.WORKING CONDITIONS AND BENEFITSA Big Spring Police Officer works forty (40) hours per weekon different shifts and overtime may be required. Patrol officers work twelve hour shifts with every other weekend off. The City of Big Spring offers excellent benefits including a fully equipped take home patrol vehicle, twelve paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, medical, dental, and vision insurance, deferred compensation program, City paid life and long-term disability insurance, TMRS (7% 2 to 1 match), 120 hours of paid vacation, and 40 hours of paid sick leave. BSPD officers are not required to reside in Big Spring, but they are required to live within a one-hour response time to the City of Big Spring.Certified officers are eligible for a relocation incentive payment in the amount of $4,500.00, payable on the day of hire. Newly hired certified officers who relocate their primary residence to Big Spring are also eligible for an $800 monthly housing allowance for up to one year.An officer hired by the Big Spring Police Department and having personally incurred expenses for tuition and fees within the twelve (12) months preceding the date of hire to attend any training school meeting Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education requirements for a basic academy and received his or her certification as a result, will be eligible for reimbursement in an amount not to exceed $5,000.00.Non-certified academy cadets receive comprehensive training, at your full starting salary, which includes sixteen weeks at the police academy prior to field training at the department. Candidates are provided with a vehicle to travel to and from the police academy in Midland, Texas. Free dormitory type housing is available for non-certified cadets attending the police academy.JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThis position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws, the protection of life and property and preserving the peace. Essential duties and functions may include the following:

• Patrols an assigned zone on foot, on bicycle, and by vehicle to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations.
• Enforces traffic and parking laws.
• Receives information on activity in an area and assists in plans to address problems.
• Responds to calls relayed by Communications Officers, including but not limited to domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, public service duties, stranded motorists, and others.
• Gathers information/probable cause to secure either arrest or search warrants as needed.
• Conducts preliminary investigations into traffic accidents and other incidents, including but not limited to interviewing victims, complainants and witnesses, gathering information and evidence, and securing crime scenes.
• Process crime scenes to recognize, collect and preserve evidence.
• Apprehends arrest, and process offenders, including fugitives; subpoenas witnesses and serves warrants.
• Provides assistance and backup support to other officers and emergency service providers as necessary.
• Assists motorists.
• Performs bailiff duties at Municipal Court.
• May provide first-aid and CPR to victims as necessary.
• Provides traffic direction as needed for special events such as parades, funerals, athletic events, and school crossings.
• Preparing for and attending court proceedings as necessary.
• Completes all required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports.
• Inspects and maintains assigned patrol car, uniform, and equipment.
• Provides relief duties for communications officers and jailers.
• May serve as Hazardous Materials Technician.
• Serves criminal and court-related paper work.
• Participating in mandatory and elective training.
• May serve as a member of the department's SORT team.
• May serve as a field-training officer for the department.
• May serve as School Resource Officer/DARE Officer; provides DARE instruction to school children.
• May serve as relief supervisor in the absence of the Sergeant.
• May be on call after hours to respond to emergency situations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be twenty-one (21) years of age on the day you take the test to become a Texas Certified Police Officer.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education to be certified as a Peace Officer.
• No illegal drug use in the two years prior to the date of hire.
• No arrest record with higher than a Class C misdemeanor or a domestic violence offense. No history of criminal or improper conduct or poor driving record, which may affect the suitability for law enforcement work.
• Meet or exceed physical agility requirements of department.
• Demonstrate proficiency with handgun during scheduled testing with the Police Department.

• Familiar with Texas Penal Code, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Texas Transportation Code and Texas Family Code.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, juvenile law, search and seizure laws, and city ordinances.
• Knowledge of City of Big Spring Police Department rules and regulations as well as City of Big Spring ordinances.
• Knowledge of City, department and safety policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
• Knowledge of first-aid and CPR techniques.
• Knowledge of the judicial system and court procedures.
• Skill in operating computer and police software.
• Skill in operating police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
• Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
• Skill in operating radar equipment.
• Skill in evidence packaging.
• Skill in restraining persons without causing physical harm.
• Skill in decision-making.
• Skill in report writing.
• Skill in controlled substance field-testing.
• Skill in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

There are a wide variety of benefits available to City of Big Spring employees. These benefits include health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, optional life insurance plans, flexible spending account for health and dependent care, an Employee Assistance Program, and a Tuition Reimbursement Program.The City of Big Spring provides the following benefits to all regular, full-time employees:

Texas Municipal Retirement System

Deferred Compensation (Retirement)

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life and Long Term Disability Insurance

Cafeteria Plan

Workman's Compensation

Longevity Pay for years of service

Paid Uniforms

Stand By Pay

Paid Vacation and Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Recreation Privileges

Wellness Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Texas Municipal Retirement SystemThe City of Big Spring is a member of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). Employee/employer supported retirement begins at the date of employment. An employee contributes seven percent of their monthly wages to TMRS. The City then matches the employee contribution two to 1 upon retirement. Employees are eligible to retire after 20 years of service. Retirement becomes vested after five years of participation in TMRS.

• Applicants with prior or current military could receive up to 60 months towards their retirement for TMRS.

Deferred Compensation (Retirement)The 457b Deferred Compensation plan is provided to City employees in lieu of Social Security. Employees pay 6.7% of their adjusted gross salary. This amount is matched by the City as follows: 5.51% Contributed to the deferred compensation retirement 2.19% Pays for the life and disability insurance package 7.70% Total matched fundsHealth InsuranceThe City of Big Spring pays the cost of employees insurance and supplements the cost of dependent insurance. Dependent health insurance coverage is available at the following rates: Family Coverage $755.06/Monthly $377.53/Bi-Weekly Spouse Coverage $557.72/Monthly $278.86/Bi-Weekly Child Coverage $277.05/Monthly $138.53/Bi-WeeklyPayment for dependent health insurance coverage is deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Pharmacy cards are included in the health insurance package. If dependent insurance coverage is purchased, dependents will also receive the pharmacy card. Dental InsuranceDental insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates: Employee Only $22.08/Monthly $11.04/Bi-Weekly Employee and Spouse $44.78/Monthly $22.39/Bi-Weekly Employee and Children $49.64/Monthly $24.82/Bi-Weekly Employee and Family $72.40/Monthly $36.20/Bi-WeeklyPayments for dental insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Employees enrolled in the dental plan will also be eligible for the discount Vision Access program and receive discounts on vision care services or supplies.Vision InsuranceVision insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates: Employee Only $7.22/Monthly $3.61/Bi-Weekly Employee and Spouse $14.43/Monthly $7.21/Bi-Weekly Employee and Children $13.71/Monthly $6.85/Bi-Weekly Employee and Family $18.40/Monthly $9.20/Bi-WeeklyPayments for vision insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Life and Long Term Disability InsuranceThe City of Big Spring's life insurance policy provides for a death benefit equal to four times the employee's annual salary. In addition to the standard life insurance, employees may purchase optional life insurance. The long term disability package ensures that in the event of a permanent disability, a maximum of 20% of the employee's monthly salary is paid up to a maximum or $3,000.00 per month.Cafeteria Plan (AFLAC)The City provides a program to allow employees to tax shelter day care and certain medical expenses. This insurance provides a tax savings increasing the employee's take home pay.Workman's CompensationThe City of Big Spring meets the standard state requirements for Workman's Compensation. If an employee is injured on the job, he/she report the incident to the department supervisor immediately.Longevity Pay for Years of ServiceCity employees are given longevity pay based on their length of service with the City of Big Spring. After one year of service, City employees receive longevity payments on their bi-weekly paycheck. After two years of service, employees are given the option to continue to receive a bi-weekly payment or they can elect to bank their longevity payments. Employees who bank their longevity payments will receive a lump sum payment once a year, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. Years of service Annual Bi-Weekly 1 to 9 $72.00 $2.7710 to 14 $96.00 $3.7015 to 19 $120.00 $4.6220+ years $144.00 $5.54UniformsThe City provides uniforms for employees who are required to wear certain attire to work. Three to five uniforms are furnished to employees, along with other suitable foul weather and safety gear. Police and Fire Department personnel may have different benefits.Stand By PayCity employees in certain positions are eligible for stand-by pay. Stand-by pay is $75 for each week the employee is required to serve on stand-by time. Stand-by time means a period of time outside an employee's regularly scheduled work hours, during which the employee is required to remain available within a specified response time. Each employee on stand-by who is called in to work shall be compensated for the actual hours worked at the appropriate rate of pay.Paid Vacation and Sick LeavePaid vacation days are time off work that the City of Big Spring voluntarily provides its employees as a benefit. The number of paid vacation days is accrued by full-time, permanent employees based on years of service. Vacation time is accrued based on the following schedule:Police Officer Vacation Accrual

• Probationary - 5 days/year

Non-Probationary

• 1-9 years - 15 days/year
• 10-14 years - 17 days/year
• 15-19 years - 18 days/year
• 20-24 years - 19 days/year
• 25 plus years - 20 days/year

Sick TimeFull-time permanent employees shall earn sick time based on the following schedule:

• 1-2 years - 5 days/year
• 3-4 years - 10 days/year
• 5-9 years - 12 days/year
• 10+ years - 15 days/year

Vacation Buy Back Every November, eligible employees can sell back to the City, for cash, up to sixty-eight (68) hours of their accumulated vacation leave. Paid Holidays The City of Big Spring recognizes the following public holidays for City employees. Please note that most City employees work on a Monday through Friday schedule. As such, when a holiday falls on a non workday -- Saturday or Sunday -- the holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).New Year's DayMartin Luther King Jr. DayPresidents DayGood FridayMemorial DayIndependence DayLabor DayVeterans DayThanksgiving Day and the day followingChristmas (two days given)Wellness ProgramIn an effort to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, the City of Big Spring has implemented a Wellness Program for its employees. By joining the Wellness Program, employees receive access to the following benefits:

• Tobacco Cessation Program
• Employee Assistance - counseling for chemical and/or alcohol abuse and mental health screenings
• Reduced cost gym memberships to the YMCA of Big Spring

Tuition Reimbursement ProgramThe City of Big Spring offers its full-time permanent employees a college Tuition Reimbursement Program. This program is designed to support employees with their personal and professional development by increasing their knowledge and skill level. The City reimburses employees for college tuition and books based on grades. Recreation PrivilegesCity employees are eligible for free entry into Moss Creek Lake and discounted fees at the Comanche Trail Golf Course.Relocation IncentiveCertified Police Officers are eligible for a relocation incentive payment in the amount of $2,400.00, payable upon hire. Employees must relocate their primary residence to Big Spring within 6 months of hire. Academy Expense ReimbursementAn officer hired by the Big Spring Police Department and having personally incurred expenses for tuition and fees within the twelve (12) months preceding the date of hire to attend any training school meeting Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education requirements for a basic academy and received his or her certification as a result, will be eligible for reimbursement in an amount not to exceed $1,500.00.Take Care Home ProgramThe Big Spring Police Department prides itself in having a take home car program. This program is designed for officers and citizens alike. The program allows police officers that live within a one-hour response time to the city limits of Big Spring to take their patrol units home at the end of their shift. Officers that live inside the city limits are allowed to drive their unit while off duty. This program enables officers to serve the public better by offering a crime deterrent by having extra officers driving the streets of Big Spring.