Minimum Eligibility
- Applicant must be twenty-one years of age on the day you take the test to become a Texas Certified Police Officer.
- Applicant must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
- Applicant must have the ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
- Applicant must possess a valid driver's license issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated
- Applicant must have the ability to meet current requirements set forth by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement to be certified as a Peace Officer.
- Applicant must not have a history of illegal drug use.
- Applicant must not have an arrest record with higher than a Class C Misdemeanor.
- Applicant must reside within a 6o-minute travel time to the City of Big Spring.
- Applicant must meet or exceed the physical agility requirements set forth by the department.
- Applicant must demonstrate proficiency with handgun during scheduled testing with the department.
Disqualifications
Any of the following will disqualify an applicant from further consideration at any stage of the Police Officer application process:
- Having a conviction for, being under indictment for, or currently charged with any felony offense.
- Having a conviction for or currently charged with any misdemeanor offense that would be considered as one involving moral turpitude.
- Having a conviction for Driving under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated (DUI or DWI).
- Currently being on probation for ANY offense.
- Inability to comply with Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements.
- For all of the above, a person is convicted of an offense when a court of competent jurisdiction enters an adjudication of guilt on the offense against the person whether or not:
- The sentence is subsequently probated and the person is discharged from probation including deferred adjudication;
- The accusation, complaint, information or indictment against the person is dismissed and the person is dismissed and released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense; or
- The person is pardoned for the offense, unless the pardon is expressly granted for subsequent proof of innocence.
- Having habitually used excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages in the past.
- Having illegally used marijuana within two (2) years preceding the written examination.
- Any use of a powder or liquid controlled substance within five (5) years preceding the written examination. Having illegally used any controlled substance or dangerous drug to the extent beyond "experimental." Having illegally furnished any controlled substance or dangerous drug to another person.
- Having an excessive record of traffic convictions or negligent traffic collisions as defined in the City of Big Spring Personnel Policies and Procedures.
- Not being of good moral character; or being known to habitually associate with those of questionable moral character.
- Having a series of delinquent payments or not meeting financial obligations or repeated occurrences of issuing checks without sufficient funds, when there are no extenuating circ*mstances present to explain the situation.
- Having been discharged from military service with a dishonorable discharge or having been convicted of any offense tries before a general court martial (discharge must meet TCOLE standards).
- Being a member of any organization that advocates the overthrow of the government by force or violence.
- Having been discharged from any commissioned or recruit position within a law enforcement agency for disciplinary reasons, resigning to avoid suspension or discharge or having resigned during a disciplinary investigation without a final judgment having been rendered.
- Failing to cooperate fully with and keep all scheduled appointments with staff personnel involved in the selection process.
- Failing to provide added personal information as needed or failing to submit information within fifteen days of the change.
- Refusal to submit, if requested, to a polygraph exam to resolve any conflict(s) that may arise during the background investigation.
- Making any false statement of fact, being deceptive by statement or omission in the written application or by any means in any part of the selection process. Where evidence exists to indicate that in any official matter or in any significant business transaction the applicant has made false statements, falsely sworn to statements or in any other manner falsified testimony.
- Without being specifically enumerated in the above disqualifications, if circ*mstances exist that indicate the applicant is clearly unsuited for a career with the Big Spring Police Department, the application will be rejected.
The Chief of Police or his designee will make all interpretations regarding these requirements.
