CITY OF MARSHALL
POLICE OFFICER
Entry-level
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Police Officers and Fire Fighters employed by the City of Marshall are governed by Civil
Service statues as provided by the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 143, and Local Civil
Service Rules and Regulations established May 24, 1999 as amended.
All required documents must be received by the City of Marshall’s Human
Resources Division by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline.
¨ Complete an official City of Marshall Employment
Application.
¨ Provide a copy of your high school diploma or
GED
¨ Provide a copy of your certified birth certificate.
¨ Provide a copy of your Military Separation Report DD-214. (Must
include discharge status)
(Applicants with 180 days active duty AND an honorable discharge will receive
an additional 5 points to a passing test score)
¨ Provide a copy of your Driver’s License.
¨ Provide a copy of your TCLEOSE license (or exam score) or proof of
current enrollment in a recognized Police Academy.
FAILURE TO PROVIDE A COMPLETED APPLICATION AND/OR REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MAY
RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE HIRING PROCESS.
Upon successful completion of a 12-18 month probationary period, the employee
will be governed by the provisions of the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 143 and Local Civil
Service Rules and Regulations.
There is no minimum or maximum height or weight limit. However, your weight
must be appropriate for your height and build.
Employees are required to maintain a residence that will provide a thirty
(30) minute
response time to the Marshall Police/Fire Complex.
The Marshall Police Department hires only Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) Certified applicants or those who are currently enrolled
in a recognized Police Academy. Applicants must meet all legal requirements necessary to
become eligible for future licensing by the TCLEOSE.
Must be a citizen of the United States and be able to read and write
English.
If you need additional information, you may visit:
City of
Marshall Human Resources Division
401 S. Alamo Blvd.
Marshall, TX 75670
(903) 935-4425 Office
(903) 935-4429Fax
Law enforcement officers have unique job functions, some of which
can be physically demanding and dangerous. An officer’s capability to perform these functions
can affect personal and public safety. Training for the required skills is often more vigorous
and demanding than the day-to-day job functions. The minimum fitness standards identified are
the requisite levels for an officer to effectively learn the frequent and critical motor
skills.
Before you can participate in the Physical Agility Test, you will be
required to complete a liability release form exempting the City of Marshall from liability for any
injury you might receive from participating in the Physical Agility Test. This liability
waiver must contain your notarized signature and must be presented before you take the
test. You will be required to obtain a signed, written statement from a physician attesting to
your fitness to participate in the physical agility test.
Applicants must complete the entire course; failure to complete an
individual exercise will automatically disqualify you. Applicants must complete all timed
events as specified or they fail the examination. Applicants who fail to achieve the minimum
number of sit-ups and push-ups will automatically be disqualified.
All applicants will be provided an orientation and
walk-through. No one will be allowed to take the test unless they affirm that what is expected
of them is fully understood. Time and pass/fail status will be given upon completion of the
test.
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR COMFORTABLE, SPORTS-TYPE CLOTHING AND
ATHLETIC-TYPE SHOES.
Self-directed warm-up - 5-10 minutes
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST
1. Maximum
push-ups -
minimum 15 to pass
(Measures muscular endurance in the chest and arms used in high
intensity arrest simulation training.)
2. Maximum
sit-ups (1 minute) -
minimum 25 to pass
(Measures muscular endurance in the abdominal region used in high
intensity arrest simulation training.)
3. Endurance Run and Rescue
(6 minutes) – 880 yard continuous run with the following activities:
·
Run 440 yards, drop, and do two (2) push-ups;
·
Turn around and run 60 yards, drop, and do two (2) push-ups;
·
Run another 60 yards, drop, and do two (2) push-ups;
·
Run another 60 yards, drop, and do two (2) push-ups;
·
Run 205 yards to where you will pick up a person of similar body size and using
fireman’s carry, carry them the remaining fifteen (15) yards to the end of the course
(This test measures aerobic capacity used in extended control and
defensive tactics training.)
Cool Down - Minimum 10 minutes
AN OVERVIEW
The Selection Process consists of eight steps, all of which must be
successfully completed before a candidate may be hired as a Probationary Police Officer. Generally,
candidates must complete each step before being scheduled for the next. Successful candidates may
expect to make four to five visits to various City testing sites during the process.
WRITTEN TEST
The entrance examination consists of a written test usually
containing 100 questions. This is a multiple choice test that measures aptitude, reading
comprehension and English usage. You must score at least 70% correct in order to pass the entrance
examination and move forward in the hiring process. The score you receive on the entrance
examination will determine your ranking on the hiring roster. (§ 143.025)
PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST
The Physical Agility Test consists of events designed to measure
your strength, agility, and endurance. This is a pass/fail qualifying test. (See detailed
Physical Agility Testing Information Sheet)
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
The background investigation includes a criminal history check of
police records, driving record evaluation, personal, military and employment histories, reference
checks, personal characteristics and general mode of living. You are evaluated on your respect for
the law; honesty; mature judgment; respect for others; employment and military record, financial
record, driving record, ability to maintain confidential information, and use of drugs and
intoxicants. You must submit comprehensive biographical information for this investigation. You
will also be subject to a pre-employment Polygraph Examination.
INTERVIEW PANEL
The oral interview is a behavior-based review of your personal
history, providing evaluation of your problem-solving abilities, respect for diversity, community
service orientation, role adaptability, oral communications ability and motivation. The interview
panel will be comprised of various members of the Marshall Police Department.
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
A Polygraph Examination is conducted to confirm information obtained
during your background investigation, as well as to determine honesty and integrity.
PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVIEW
The Psychological Interview consists of an interview and evaluation
by a City selected psychologist on factors related to the mental fitness required to perform the
difficult and stressful job related requirements of being a Police Officer. (§ 143.022)
CONDITIONAL OFFER/HIRING
In order to be hired, all phases of the testing process must be
successfully completed. Your original entrance examination score determines your placement on
the hiring roster. Each hiring roster is valid for a period of not less than six months, and not
greater than twelve months, unless all names on the hiring roster have been exhausted (§
143.025). As positions become available, you may be offered a position with the Marshall
Police Department (§ 143.026). All offers of employment are contingent upon successful
completion of a medical examination and substance abuse screening.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION/SUBSTANCE ABUSE SCREENING (URINALYSIS)
The post-offer medical examination and substance abuse screening
tests are administered by a City selected Physician. It is essential that candidates have no health
conditions that would restrict their ability to safely perform all essential functions of police
work. (§ 143.022)
POLICE OFFICER JOB PREVIEW
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION
The City of Marshall strives to hire the best people to join our
Police Department. Our goal is to fill each position with a person who is well qualified, has an
interest in the job, and who will be committed to law enforcement. To do this, we feel it is
important to give each applicant a realistic description of the job and its tasks so that each
candidate can determine their interest level and willingness to succeed.
As a Police Officer with the City of Marshall, you will be required
to perform a large variety of tasks that encompass many diverse aspects including learned skills
and "people" skills. We have provided you with a realistic preview of the types of tasks,
which will be required; this list is non-exclusive and does not describe every task required of a
Police Officer. We urge you to look past the exciting and glamorous aspects and consider the job of
a Police Officer as a whole.
The Marshall Police Department has been proudly serving the
community of Marshall for 111years currently employing 52 sworn police officers and 19
civilians. The Department is led by Chief James R. Wilkins and is supported by Assistant Chief
Stan Spence and two Captains. Each Captain is responsible for one or more major components within
the Department's structure: the Administrative, Investigative, and Patrol Divisions.
The Marshall Police Department strives to remain at the forefront of
professional policing. This is accomplished by addressing community safety as the department's
primary concern. The men and women of the Marshall Police Department are wholeheartedly committed
to the goal of keeping our neighborhoods crime free. From the officers on patrol to the officers in
our schools teaching children; from the Chief to the newest rookie officer...all maintain a strong
spirit of commitment, teamwork, and service to the Marshall community.
The Marshall Police Department features many specialized "Divisions"
playing a critical role in the overall effectiveness of the Department. Specialized Divisions
consist of the Crime Scene Investigation, Special Response Team (S.R.T.), Canine Patrol, Narcotics
Unit, Motorcycle Patrol and a Juvenile Section. The Marshall Police Department also features
Community Policing, Crime Stoppers, and D.A.R.E. Programs.
Police Officers must evaluate situations, determine whether a crime
has taken place, and make an independent decision as to what action is appropriate. In doing so,
the Officer must simultaneously consider numerous factors, recognize patterns, and develop theories
based on available information and evidence.
Police Officers must attend daily roll call meetings. In these
meetings, vital information is given about suspects, planned or suspicious activities, and crimes
in their area. This information must be organized for use during their shift. Police Officers
must pay attention to detail, noticing minute elements or components of a particular person or
crime scene. Officers must also be able to visualize and recall an event after the fact in order to
construct documentation of the event, possibly for future court testimony. Officers also
recognize and gather evidence at the scene of a crime, and they are responsible for the safe
storage and transportation of this evidence.
Police Officers are required to learn and memorize large quantities
of complex and detailed material, including Penal Codes; legal terms; Marshall Police Department
Rules and Regulations; Health and Safety Codes; Laws of Arrest; Search and Seizure Law, Laws of
Evidence, etc.
Officers must quickly learn the Marshall Police Department call
codes and language to access the various types of information needed. Officers must be able to
accurately initiate and respond to clear, precise communications over the radio.
Police Officers must develop problem solving and reasoning skills in
order to initiate innovative solutions to difficult and unique problems which are faced while on
duty.
POLICE OFFICER JOB PREVIEW
(continued)
Police Officers frequently resolve citizen conflicts such as
business, neighbor, family and traffic-related disputes which are often loud, emotionally charged,
combative and/or time-consuming. Interpersonal skills are used to calm distraught persons, verbally
subdue angry or combative persons, coax uncooperative persons into cooperation and pursued persons
to provide information.
Crowd control activity/intervention is necessary at scenes where
tension is high (such as picket lines and other demonstrations). Officers observe crowd
behavior and communicate with group leaders in order to keep peace and order among those
gathered. Police Officers frequently exhibit leadership skills by taking control of
situations, inspiring confidence, delegating tasks, and providing a positive example for
others.
Many different forms, logs, and reports and must be completed
legibly and clearly. Therefore, it is necessary that you have a good working knowledge of
English grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary and spelling, and have the ability to be concise,
descriptive and thorough in all written documents.
Effective communication and interpersonal interaction is frequent
and crucial to initiate contact with members of the community to better understand the needs and
problems of a particular area. Excellent listening skills must also be employed in person and
on the telephone in order to listen closely to what is being said and retain that information,
identify needs and emotions being expressed, and demonstrate interest and involvement. Police
Officers also must interview and obtain information from victims and witnesses of crimes in a
manner appropriate to the situation and culture of the people involved.
The ability to interact well with the public is essential in
numerous day-to-day situations including answering phone calls from the public; taking reports;
explaining the law and Marshall Police Department policies; listening and responding to complaints
about police service, and handling complaints from citizens who walk into the station. Police
Officers must testify accurately and credibly in court regarding arrests, reports taken, evidence
recovered, and victims' statements.
Police Officers deal with all segments of society. Some members of
the general public may have hostile feelings toward Police Officers and may express their hostility
to the Officer in words and actions. A Police Officer must always behave professionally in the face
of provocation.
A number of physically demanding activities are regularly
required. These include, but are not limited to: pursuits by foot and/or vehicle,
physically subduing, detaining and/or arresting combative subjects, physically searching subjects,
performing rescues by dragging and/or carrying victims, performing CPR and first aid procedures,
maintaining crowd control, serving arrest or search warrants, and driving a patrol vehicle for long
periods of time.
Police Officers work in all parts of the City, under all types of
conditions, with all types of people. Officers may be required to search and/or touch suspects who
are dirty, neglected, injured, and/or bleeding. It will be necessary to enter buildings or
establishments, which are unsanitary or structurally unsound. After establishing probable cause,
subjects must be detained and/or taken into custody. This involves using Department-approved
techniques and equipment such as verbalization, control holds, batons, guns and handcuffs to
physically subdue suspects using the minimum force necessary and at the same time treating them
with as much dignity as possible. Officers are required to prove their firearms proficiency by
regularly meeting qualification standards.
POLICE OFFICER JOB PREVIEW
(continued)
All Officers must maintain professional, cooperative working
relationships with co-workers and persons from other agencies. Police Officers work under a
great deal of pressure, yet must maintain a clear head and a positive attitude and work
ethic. Police officers in the City of Marshall deal with a wide variety of people and must be
open-minded, fair, unbiased and sensitive to people of diverse backgrounds, cultures and
life-styles.
Police Officers work 12-hour shifts, including weekends and
holidays, that rotate every 28-days. Schedules are subject to change, and overtime is required
at times. Work schedules are determined by the needs of the department and are sometimes determined
by circumstances and unforeseen events. All Officers must be adaptable and willing to adjust
to frequent compulsory changes in work shifts, work locations, and other factors. Officers are
required to maintain residency within a 30 minute response time to the Marshall Police
Department. All officers must maintain telephone service at their private residence and that
phone number must be provided to the department.
POLICE OFFICERS ARE SYMBOLS OF STABILITY AND TRUST AND MUST ALWAYS
BEHAVE ETHICALLY AND RESOLVE MORAL CONFLICTS APPROPRIATELY, BOTH ON AND OFF THE JOB.
Salary Information:
Base Salary-Police Officer
$35,012.64 Annually (Academy enrolled)
$36,383.36 Annually (TCLEOSE certified)
$37,454.56 Annually (1 year base salary)
Additional Pay/Benefits
Seniority Step
Plan Annualized
Seniority + Base
3 Years of
service
$1000.00
$38,454.56
5 Years of
service
$1,900.00
$39,354.56
7 Years of
service
$2,800.00
$40,254.56
9 Years of
service
$3,700.00
$41,154.56
10 Years of
service
$4,600.00
$42,054.56
Certification
Pay
Annualized
TCLEOSE
Basic
Required
TCLEOSE
Intermediate
$ 600.00
TCLEOSE
Advanced
$1,200.00
TCLEOSE
Master
$1,800.00
*Paid vacation, sick leave, longevity pay, educational incentive
pay, medical, and retirement benefits.
Where and when to apply:
Human Resources office 1st floor city hall (located at the
north-west corner of South Alamo and East Travis Streets). Mon. - Fri. 8:00a - 12:00 noon and
1:00p - 5:00p.
An equal opportunity employer M/F/D/V
Cherilyn Garrison, PHR
HR Manager/Civil Service Director
P.O. Box 698
Marshall, TX 75671-0698
(903) 935-4426 Office
(903) 935-4429 Fax
(903) 935-4454 Job line
cgarrison@marshalltexas.net
