Applications will be accepted until Sunday July 5 2026
The Civil Service Exam is scheduled for Saturday July 18 2026. Bring your completed Personal Information Packet with you on the exam day. If you need assistance call the Training Academy at 325-676-6537. Additional information will be emailed to the applicants prior to the exam. We have attached a map showing the available parking area and nearby lots for exam day. The Abilene Police Academy is scheduled to begin on Monday January 11 2027.
For more information visit the Abilene Police Departments recruiting page at httpswww.abilenetx.gov572
Qualification
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision to train at the Abilene Police Academy to learn the fundamentals of law enforcement and crime prevention work in preparation to become an Abilene Police Officer.
Training may include physical fitness training and self-defense training and may include assisting with controlling traffic flow and assisting with investigative work as well as other related work as assigned.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position exercises no supervision.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Participate in rigorous physical conditioning as part of training to include but not limited to self-defense weight training and aerobic conditioning.
Learn to affect an arrest forcibly if necessary using handcuffs and other restraints subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers skills and techniques resort to the use of hands feet and approved chemical impact weapons or firearms in self-defense.
Learn to prepare investigative and other reports including sketches using appropriate grammar symbols and mathematical computations.
Study and learn the Federal State and case law proper maintenance care and use of firearms professional policing arrest search and seizure and professional ethics as well as other required TCOLE topics.
Train to exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree force is used.
Practice to communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
Carry wear and or transport weapons handcuffs uniforms and other equipment as appropriate to the assignment and in the manner prescribed by Department policy.
Practice pursuing fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles lifting carrying and dragging heavy objects climbing over and pulling oneself over obstacles jumping over ditches and streams crawling in confined areas balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
Learn to load unload aim and fire handguns shotguns and other agency firearms from a variety of body positions under conditions of simulated stress.
Learn to identify people vehicles and objects from descriptions given by others and accurately describe people vehicles and objects to others.
Practice performing searches of people vehicles buildings and or large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects walking for long periods of time detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
Learn how to conduct visual and audio surveillance.
Learn to detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal investigations of offenses and infractions and that have the potential to indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
Assist with rescue functions at accidents emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for extended periods of time administering emergency medical aid lifting dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations.
Learn how to read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents including the preparation and processing of documents i.e. affidavits warrants and citations.
Learn to develop and maintain good relationships with the public including informants and contacts which may be helpful in criminal investigations.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
Safe work practices occupational hazards and safety precautions.
Fluent in English usage spelling grammar and punctuation.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Skill to Maintain the required academic and professional standards in accordance with Abilene Police Academy.
Follow both verbal and written instruction.
Read and understand training materials and successfully complete written physical and skills tests.
Learn to apply the training materials and training instruction.
Operate office equipment including computer equipment.
Safely operate a motor vehicle.
Use and care for firearms safely.
Ability to
Learn police methods and procedures including patrol crime prevention traffic control investigation and identification techniques.
Learn criminal law and criminal procedure with particular reference to the apprehension arrest and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies including rules of evidence pertaining to the seizure and preservation of evidence.
Learn offensive and defensive weapons nomenclature and theory.
Learn self-defense tactics.
Learn interviewing and interrogation techniques.
Learn standard broadcasting procedures over a police radio system.
Learn understand and interpret Federal State and local policies procedures laws and regulations.
Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values - Respect Integrity Service Above Self and Excellence in All We Do.
Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Divisions mission and treats team members with dignity courtesy and respect.
Experience and Training Guidelines
For positions with more than one level all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels.
Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge skills and abilities may be qualifying.
Knowledge skills and abilities may be obtained through
Experience
No previous law enforcement experience is required.
Education Training
A high school diploma or a GED is required.
License or Certificate
A valid State issued drivers license is required at the time of application.
A valid Texas drivers license is required by the date of hire.
Special Requirements
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment
Ability to sit stand walk run kneel crouch stoop squat crawl twist and climb.
Must have corrected eyesight to 20 20 vision.
Must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for a Police Officer as outlined in the local rules.
Must pass the physical psychological examination requirements.
With or without accommodation ability to lift up to 75 pounds.
With or without accommodation ability to take and pass a 2-hour entrance examination with a passing score of 70 percent.
Ability to travel to different work sites and locations.
Ability to meet the physical requirements established by the department.
Exposure to cold heat noise outdoors vibration confining workspace chemicals explosive materials mechanical electrical or other hazards.
Must be at least 21 years old by the date of commission and not more than 45 years old at the time of hire OR
Must be at least 18 years old and a have an associates degree or at least 60 semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university or b have received an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States after at least 2 years of active service.
With or without accommodation the X" indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday
___ Sedentary - lifting of no more than 10 pounds
___ Light - lifting no more than 20 pounds carrying up to 10 pounds
___ Medium - lifting no more than 50 pounds carrying up to 25 pounds
___ Heavy - lifting no more than 100 pounds carrying up to 50 pounds
_X__ Very Heavy - team lifting over 100 pounds carrying more than 50 pounds
Physical Demand Codes
The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task
Codes for how often
N No
E Extensive 100 - 70 of the time
M Moderate 60 - 30 of the time
I Infrequent 20 - 10 of the time
A Almost Never <10 of the time
Code Task
_M__ Standing
_M__ Sitting
_M__ Walking
_M__ Lifting
_M__ Carrying
_M__ Pushing Pulling
_M__ Overhead Work
_E__ Fine Dexterity
_M__ Kneeling
_M__ Crouching
_M__ Crawling
_M__ Bending
_M__ Twisting
_M__ Climbing
_M__ Balancing
_E__ Vision
_E__ Hearing
_E__ Talking
_ Other___
Personal Information Packet