Police Officer (Certified &  Non-Certified)

Eligibility / Disqualifiers 

• Be at least 21 years of age at the time of application
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be a United States Citizen
• All applicants must be in possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Be able to perform the essential duties of a police officer.
• Meet all legal requirements necessary for licensing and certification as required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Must be able to work any and all shifts, as needed, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to meet the needs of the Department, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2 years or more of law enforcement experience
• Current TCOLE peace officer license

 Disqualifiers: 

• An incomplete application, falsified information, or omissions found on the initial application.
• An incomplete application, falsified information, or omissions found in the Personal History Statement/packet.
• Conviction or admission of any felony.
• Conviction of any Class A or B misdemeanor in the past 10 years.
• Conviction or admission of illegal drug use within the past 5 years, or use of marijuana within the past 2 years.
• Conviction of family violence within the past 10 years.
• Dishonorable discharge or other than honorable discharge from the military (misconduct-related discharges will not be accepted).
• Being prohibited by state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle.
• Use of substances, including but not limited to LSD, PCP, cocaine, methamphetamine, or similar substances.
• Conviction of the misdemeanor offense of indecent exposure or delivery of any amount of marijuana, with or without remuneration.
• Conviction of 4 or more hazardous traffic violations within 12 months preceding the date of application.
• Conviction of 7 or more hazardous traffic violations within 24 months preceding the date of application.

Hiring Process (TCOLE Certified / In State Lateral)

These are the hiring steps for applicants who already hold or will hold a valid TCOLE Basic Peace Officer License/Certification at the time of application. 

Requirements:

1. Possession of a valid TCOLE Basic Peace Officer License/Certification.

2. Possession of a valid driver's license.

The selection and hiring process for a TCOLE Certified Police Officer will involve the following steps:  

1. Submit a fully COMPLETED initial application (resume will not be accepted in-lieu of)
2. Completion of the department's Personal History Statement (PHS) packet (including the submission of any required or requested documents.) See tab below for PHS. 
3. Completion of an extensive Background Investigation
4. Complete a departmental Oral Review Board
5. Complete a Police Chief Interview
6. Complete a Psychological Assessment from a department designated Psychologist (required only if break in service exceeds 180 days)
7. Complete the department's Physical Agility Test/Worksteps
8. Complete a Town designated medical exam and/or subsequent required testing to assure fitness for duty.
9. Successfully pass a Town designated Drug Screen

Only qualified applicants will move to the next step after successful completion of the previous step.  The entire process may take approximately 2 months.

Hiring Process (Out of State Lateral – Non-TCOLE Certified)

For information on obtaining TCOLE certification for those who are certified police officers in other states or military police officers please visit the TCOLE website. 

After completion and approval of the initial eligibility form TCOLE requires completion of the following course prior to mailing the application and fee:

• Texas Supplemental Peace Officer Course #1018 (online)
• Human Trafficking Course #3270 (online) 
• Civilian Interaction Training Program (CITP) Course #30418 (online)
• De-escalation Techniques Course #1849 (classroom only)
• Crisis Intervention Training 40 hr. Course #1850 (classroom only)
• Canine Encounter #4065 (classroom only)
• Interacting with Drivers Deaf or Hard of Hearing #7887 (classroom only)

For out of state applicants who are not TCOLE certified we advise you to start the process prior to application. The Prosper Police Department will sponsor well qualified candidates through a four-week mini-academy to meet the requirements for TCOLE certification at the Chief of Police’s discretion. 

The selection and hiring process for a non-TCOLE certified Police Officer will involve the following steps:  

1. Submit a fully COMPLETED initial application (resume will not be accepted in-lieu of)
2. Completion of the department's Personal History Statement packet (including the submission of any required or requested documents)
3. Completion of an extensive Background Investigation
4. Complete a departmental Oral Review Board
5. Complete a Police Chief Interview
6. Complete a Psychological Assessment from a department designated Psychologist (required only if break in service exceeds 180 days)
7. Complete the department's Physical Agility Test/Worksteps
8. Complete a Town designated medical exam and/or subsequent required testing to assure fitness for duty.
9. Successfully pass a Town designated Drug Screen

Only qualified applicants will move to the next step after successful completion of the previous step.  The entire process may take approximately 2 months.

Hiring Process (Recruit)

These are the hiring steps for the Recruit position. This is the position for those interested in attending the police academy. 

The selection and hiring process for a Recruit position will involve the following steps:

1. Submit a fully completed initial application (resume will not be accepted in-lieu-of).
2. Pass the department-administered entrance exam.
3. Completion of the department's personal history statement packet (including the submission of any required or requested documents).
4. Completion of an extensive background investigation.
5. Complete a departmental oral review board.
6. Complete a police chief interview.
7. Complete a psychological assessment from a department-designated psychologist.
8. Complete the department's Physical Agility Test/Worksteps.
9. Complete a Town designated medical exam and/or subsequent required testing to assure fitness for duty.
10. Successfully pass a Town designated drug screen.

Only qualified applicants will move to the next step after successful completion of the previous step.  The entire process may take approximately 2 months.

Salary

Police Recruit salary while attending the police academy - $75,000. Upon graduation from the police academy recruits will advance to Police Officer Step 1 ($80,000). 

Lateral officers are eligible to enter up to Step 5 depending upon their qualifications. 

The Prosper Police Department currently has a seven (7) step pay plan. Officers advance to the next step every year on the anniversary of their hire date based on their annual evaluation. Once they reach the top step (Step 7) they will not be able to go any higher but are eligible to receive an annual 1-4% lump sum payment. Click here to see the Police Pay Plan. 

Current Salary Ranges: 

Officer - $80,000 - $95,542.18

Corporal – $96,000 - $104,901.79

Sergeant - $104,433 - $114,872

Lieutenant - $118,110 - $129,936

Incentive / Differential Pay 

               Shift Differential Pay - $100 per month for officers assigned to night shift.

               TCOLE Certification Pay - 

               Intermediate Police Officers Certification - $600 per year.

               Advanced Police Officers Certification - $960 per year.

               Master Police Officers Certification - $1,500 per year. 

On-Duty Workout time 

Officers working a 12 hours shift are provided two 15-minute breaks and an one-hour lunch break. Officers are allowed to work out while on duty during their lunch break. Officers who are assigned to the Special Response Team (SRT) are allowed an additional hour of on duty workout time. 

Monthly Firearms / Defensive Tactics Training 

Officers are provided the opportunity to attend firearm related training and defensive tactics training on a monthly basis.

Off Duty Defensive Tactics Training

The Prosper Police department has teamed up with a local Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai gym to offer sworn personnel the opportunity to train BJJ/Muay Thai. This program allows personnel to attend any of the classes offered by the gym at no cost to the employee. 

Uniforms and Equipment 

Uniforms and equipment to include load bearing vest, duty pistol, and duty rifle provided to the officer at no cost. Officers are responsible for the purchase of their boots.

Training Opportunities

The Prosper Police Department offers and encourages a wide variety of training and training opportunities for officer development and growth.

Schedule

Officers assigned to patrol work 12 hours shifts (6am – 6pm or 6pm-6am) with every other weekend off. Shifts bids are done annually based on seniority. Officers assigned to non-patrol assignments work four 10-hour shifts.

Tattoo Policy

Any tattoo, body art, or branding that displays any design, logo or wording will be regulated by the following standards: these standards are applicable to all PPD employees:

(a) Tattoos, body art, and/or brands that are offensive, inappropriate and/or presents an unprofessional appearance are prohibited. This includes, but not limited to those that are racist, sexually suggestive or explicit, depicts hatred or undermine the Town or PPD’s values. The Chief of Police makes the final decision on what meets these criteria.

(b) Tattoos, body art and branding of the head, neck, ears and hands must be approved by the Chief of Police prior to hire. Current employees should seek approval from the Chief of Police prior to obtaining any tattoo, body art, or brand to the head, neck, ears or hands.

(c) Tattoos, body art, and branding of the face are prohibited other than those deemed cosmetic. Cosmetic tattooing and wedding band tattoos are allowed if it is within reason and if it does not present a gaudy appearance.

(d) The Chief reserves the right to require any employee to cover a tattoo that is visible in work attire and deemed unprofessional.

Facial Hair Policy

Moustaches, goatees, and beards – facial hair, are permissible within these guidelines:

(a) All facial hair will be neatly trimmed, groomed to ensure a professional image of the PPD.

(b) Facial hair shall be of natural hair color. The Chief of Police is the final authority on approving the color of facial hair.

(c) Moustaches will not extend more than 1/2” horizontally beyond the corner of the mouth and no lower than the corner of the mouth. “Handlebar” and “fu-man chu” moustaches are forbidden.

(d) The discretion to revert to a “no beard” policy is reserved by the Chief of Police.

Insurance

Life, health and dental insurance are available to employees, as well as their dependents. For information about Town of Prosper benefits click here. 

Vacation

Full Time Certified Police Officers

0-1 years - 80 hours of vacation

1-5 years – 120 hours of vacation

5-10 years – 160 hours of vacation

10+ years – 200 hours of vacation

Sick Leave

Regular Full-Time Employees receive 3.7 hours of sick time per pay period for a total of 96.2 hours per year. 

Holiday Leave

Employees are provided 80 hours of Holiday leave each year. This leave is use or lose and must be used by the end of each year.

Military Leave

Employees engaged in authorized military training will receive full pay and accrue benefits for up to 15 workdays in any one calendar year. 

Wellness Incentive Pay

Employees who voluntarily meet the Town of Prosper’s wellness criteria may be eligible for a physical allowance of $50 per month ($600 per year). For wellness criteria and more information visit page 11 of the current benefits guide. 

Tuition Reimbursement 

The Town of Prosper offers Tuition assistance for up to $7,500 a year or no more than 24 college credits. Employees have to have completed at least six (6) months of service and be in good standing to be eligible.

Retirement

The Town of Prosper is a member of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) and all regular employees are enrolled in this system. Sworn personnel contribute 7% of their salary into their retirement with the Town of Prosper matching 2 to 1. Members are 100% vested in the retirement system after 5 years. Employees are eligible for retirement at an age with 20 years of service or at age 60 with 5 years of service. The only way to receive the Town’s 2 to 1 match is to retire from TMRS.

TMRS Restricted Service time – Bring your prior experience to TMRS. Restricted prior service credit provides time credit for your active-duty military service or previous full-time employment with any U.S. public employer, including federal, state, county, or city. There is no limit on the amount of time credit you can be granted. See the TMRS website here or contact Town of Prosper Human Resources for further information. 

Town of Prosper employees also have access to traditional deferred compensation plans (457) and Roth IRAs through MissionSquare Retirement Corporation. click here for more information.

• Patrol
• Criminal Investigations Division
• Traffic unit
• K9 Unit
• Special Response Team (SRT)
• Crisis Negotiation Team
• Honor Guard
• Bike Patrol
• Community Engagement Officer
• Defensive Tactics Instructor
• Firearms Instructor 
• Driving / EVOC Instructor 
• And more 

Completion and submittal of a Personal History Statement (PHS) is a vital step in the hiring process.

• The PHS requires an extensive amount of biographical information and various documents to be completed. 
• The background investigation will include examination of police, education, financial and military records. 
• The background investigator will conduct interviews with your family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and supervisors.

We recommend interested applicants review the PHS and start collecting information and required documents early. Some documents such as school transcripts may require time if they have to be ordered. 

To review the PHS click here 

Required Documents  (will need to be submitted at the same time as the PHS)