Police Officer

Primary Purpose:
The Police Officer is responsible for protecting students, district personnel, visitors, and district property through proactive law enforcement, crime prevention, campus security, and emergency response. The officer patrols district campuses, facilities, and properties to deter criminal activity, prevent theft and vandalism, maintain order, and provide a safe and secure learning and working environment.
The position requires an individual who demonstrates a high level of professionalism, integrity, dependability, accountability, sound judgment, and commitment to public service. Officers are expected to establish and maintain positive relationships with students, employees, parents, administrators, and members of the community while enforcing applicable criminal and education laws of the State of Texas.
Officers must be capable of working independently, exercising sound discretion, following supervisory direction, and responding effectively to routine and emergency situations.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Valid Texas Peace Officer license issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), or successful completion of law enforcement training from a TCOLE-approved institution, as applicable to the appointment
High school diploma or GED
Valid Texas driver's license with a driving record insurable by the District's insurance carrier
Must be eligible to be bonded as required by Texas Education Code §37.081(h)
Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting check

Special Knowledge/Skills:
General knowledge of criminal investigations, police report writing, criminal laws, and law enforcement procedures
Ability to respond to emergency and after-hours calls as required by departmental needs
Training and demonstrated ability to safely and effectively subdue offenders, including the use of firearms, handcuffs, and other authorized equipment
Ability to successfully pass required physical, psychological, and drug screenings
Must meet applicable criminal background requirements
Acceptable driving record as verified by the Texas Department of Public Safety and District requirements
Ability to work varied hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and special events

Ability to maintain composure, exercise sound judgment, and make appropriate decisions under stressful conditions
Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
Ability to maintain consistent attendance, punctuality, and dependability
Ability to perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Experience:
One year of full-time law enforcement experience
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
1. Demonstrates thoroughness, reliability, accountability, and a high degree of accuracy in completing all work assignments.

2. Maintains a professional attitude and appearance while representing the Southwest ISD Police Department.

3. Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, integrity, and appropriate decision-making in all professional responsibilities.

4. Reports to work on time and maintains regular and dependable attendance.

5. Recognizes that attendance and punctuality are essential job requirements and that an officer's absence may directly affect campus security, staffing levels, emergency response capabilities, and the overall operations of the department.

6. Follows established procedures for requesting leave, reporting absences, and notifying supervisors of circumstances that may affect scheduled work assignments.

7. Uses work hours productively and remains engaged in assigned responsibilities throughout the scheduled shift.

8. Complies with all District and Police Department policies, procedures, directives, rules, and regulations.

9. Accepts supervisory direction and demonstrates accountability for assigned duties and responsibilities.

10. Maintains a positive, cooperative, and professional working relationship with fellow officers, supervisors, campus administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents, and visitors.

11. Demonstrates initiative in improving job knowledge, law enforcement skills, and professional development.

12. Exercises tact, courtesy, respect, and sound judgment when interacting with all District stakeholders.

13. Provides exceptional customer service through professional conduct, effective communication, and a commitment to maintaining public trust.

14. Maintains appropriate boundaries and demonstrates ethical conduct both on and off duty when representing or acting in an official capacity for the department.

15. Reports to work on time, properly equipped, and prepared to perform assigned duties at the beginning of each scheduled shift.

16. Maintains dependable and consistent attendance throughout the established work schedule.

17. Understands that failure to report for duty may result in an assigned campus or operational area being left without appropriate police coverage.

18. Provides timely notification to the immediate supervisor when an absence, emergency, or unforeseen circumstance prevents reporting to work as scheduled, in accordance with departmental policy.

19. Follows all established procedures for requesting vacation, personal leave, and other authorized time off.

20. Maintains responsibility for assigned shifts, special assignments, campus coverage, and scheduled District events.

21. Demonstrates flexibility when operational needs require schedule adjustments, additional hours, or reassignment, consistent with applicable policies and law.

22. Understands that excessive absenteeism, habitual tardiness, failure to follow call-in procedures, or unapproved absences may negatively affect departmental operations and may result in corrective or disciplinary action in accordance with applicable District policies and law.

23. Patrols District buildings, campuses, and properties to identify suspicious activity, unauthorized persons, and unauthorized entry during and after normal operating hours.

24. Monitors vehicular and pedestrian traffic on campuses and District facilities.

25. Maintains order and protects students, employees, visitors, and District property.

26. Uses only the level of force authorized by applicable law and departmental policy.

27. Monitors parking areas and takes appropriate enforcement action regarding vehicles parked in violation of established rules and regulations.

28. Responds promptly to calls from campuses involving emergencies, crisis situations, accidents, disturbances, and reported criminal activity.

29. Investigates criminal offenses occurring within the Department's jurisdiction or involving District operations and safety.

30. Collects, documents, and preserves evidence, including witness statements and physical evidence, for criminal investigations.

31. Makes lawful arrests, files appropriate criminal charges, and coordinates the appropriate placement of arrested individuals in jail or juvenile detention facilities when necessary.

32. Prepares accurate, thorough, and legally sufficient incident reports and investigative documentation.

33. Testifies in court and other legal proceedings as required.

34. Works cooperatively with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to exchange information and provide assistance when appropriate.

35. Serves as a liaison between District administration and outside law enforcement agencies.

36. Maintains regular communication and professional working relationships with campus principals and administrators.

37. Provides guidance and assistance to students, employees, and community members regarding law enforcement matters.

38. Promotes positive relationships between the Police Department, District personnel, students, parents, and the community.

39. Provides traffic control at athletic events, school openings and closings, special events, and other District activities as needed.

40. Provides protection, security assistance, and escorts for District personnel when necessary.

41. Operates all Department-issued equipment, including firearms, in accordance with established safety procedures and departmental policies.

42. Remains alert and prepared to respond to security threats, emergencies, and other situations that may compromise the safety of the District.

43. Participates in emergency preparedness activities, drills, and security operations as assigned.

44. Compiles, maintains, and submits all required physical and electronic reports, records, and documentation, including arrest affidavits, incident reports, investigative reports, and activity reports.

45. Maintains accurate records and ensures that required documentation is completed and submitted within established deadlines.

46. Attends mandatory departmental meetings, training sessions, briefings, and professional development activities.

47. Works assigned District and school-related events, including evening, weekend, and holiday activities as operational needs require.

48. Maintains and accounts for all department-issued equipment and property.

49. Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None.
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals; ability to
operate a motor vehicle
Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Requires strenuous walking, standing, climbing, and the
Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
Environment: May be exposed to adverse and hazardous working conditions, including violent encounters,
armed confrontations, and potentially life-threatening situations; may require working outdoors and
conducting traffic control in varying weather conditions for extended periods; frequent travel throughout the
District at various hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Mental Demands: Must maintain emotional control and sound judgment under stressful conditions

Other Information:
Must meet applicable hearing and visual requirements and possess the physical ability to control sudden, violent, or extreme physical actions of others while maintaining rapid mental and muscular coordination. The position requires availability to respond to emergency situations and after-hours calls as directed by departmental operational needs. Officers must demonstrate flexibility, dependability, and the ability to adapt to changing assignments and schedules.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Reviewed by:______________________________________________ Date:
Received by:_______________________________________________ Date: