How long does the hiring process take from the initial application to the hire date?

Typically, the hiring process takes approximately 90 days.

How long is the eligibility list good for?

The eligibility list is good for six months.

Is there special consideration for applicants who are already certified Peace Officers?

Law enforcement applicants who are TCOLE certified and desire to have a law enforcement service credit of ten (10) points added to a passing written exam score of 74 points or better, must provide proof of TCOLE license and service record meeting the requirements set forth below:

  1. Qualifying Agency
    1. A municipal law enforcement agency with 911 service response and a population of 10,000 or greater as determined by the census or other official population estimates at the time the applicant was employed with the qualifying agency; or
    2. A county law enforcement agency with 911 service response and a population of 50,000 or greater as determined by the census or other official population estimates at the time the applicant was employed with the qualifying agency; and
    3. The Chief of Police may consider commuter or tourist population estimates provided by the applicant, from an official source, in lieu of official population estimates; and
    4. The Chief of Police will make any qualifying agency final determinations.
  2. Experience as a certified peace officer
    1. Sworn service must have been with an agency that operates in a 911 system and the applicant enforced laws, investigated crimes, made arrests, responded to calls for service, carried a firearm, and used discretion as part of the assigned duties;
    2. Sworn service in a non-law enforcement capacity does not qualify. For purposes of this section, a non-law enforcement capacity includes deputies or constables who work in jails, courtrooms, or communications;
    3. Specialized law enforcement agencies do not qualify regardless of sworn status. This includes but is not limited to: transit police, campus police, housing authority police, department of corrections, park rangers, private police, health district police, etc.
  3. Applicants must
    1. Have a minimum of one (1) year of paid, full-time experience as a certified peace officer at a qualifying agency.
    2. Must not have a break in service as a peace officer of more than two years from the time the candidate left a qualifying agency to the entrance examination date.

All other TCOLE-certified law enforcement veterans who desire to have law enforcement credit of 5 points added to a passing test score of 74 points, must provide proof of service showing a minimum of 1 year of continuous active, unbroken service in a law enforcement agency that does not otherwise meet the requirements above.

Is there any special consideration for military applicants?

Military Service Credit for Military veterans who desire to have military service credit of five (5) points added to a passing test score of 74 points or better must provide a DD214 at the time of the written exam showing a minimum of 180 total days of active military service in the armed forces of the United States of America. Any discharge other than an honorable discharge is not creditable for the purpose of this section.

FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL: Active duty military personnel who desire to have military service credit of five (5) points added to a passing test score of 70 points or better, must present a letter on the day of the civil service exam from the candidates commanding officer stating the following:

  • the candidate is in good standing,
  • has served a minimum of 180 days of active military service,
  • the candidate will separate from the military within 6 months from the date of the exam, and
  • it is anticipated the candidate will separate from the military with an honorable discharge.

 

Does the Georgetown Police Department have a lateral transfer policy for TCOLE-licensed officers?

Yes. Applicants hired under lateral entry pay will be placed upon entry at the step in the department’s step schedule commensurate with their years of experience up to and including step ten (10). The officer will then progress through the steps as he/she completes his/her years of service.

Eligibility for Lateral Entry Pay

  1. Qualifying Agency
    1. A municipal law enforcement agency with 911 service response and a population of 10,000 or greater as determined by the census or other official population estimates at the time the applicant was employed with the qualifying agency; or
    2. A county law enforcement agency with 911 service response and a population of 50,000 or greater as determined by the census or other official population estimates at the time the applicant was employed with the qualifying agency; and
    3. The Chief of Police may consider commuter or tourist population estimates provided by the applicant, from an official source, in lieu of official population estimates; and
    4. The Chief of Police will make any qualifying agency final determinations.
  2. Experience as a certified peace officer
    1. Sworn service must have been with an agency that operates in a 911 system and the applicant enforced laws, investigated crimes, made arrests, responded to calls for service, carried a firearm, and used discretion as part of the assigned duties;
    2. Sworn service in a non-law enforcement capacity does not qualify. For purposes of this section, a non-law enforcement capacity includes deputies or constables who work in jails, courtrooms, or communications;
    3. Specialized law enforcement agencies do not qualify regardless of sworn status. This includes but is not limited to: transit police, campus police, housing authority police, department of corrections, park rangers, private police, health district police, etc.
  3. Applicants must
    1. Have a minimum of one (1) year of paid, full-time experience as a certified peace officer at a qualifying agency.
    2. Must not have a break in service as a peace officer of more than two years from the time the candidate left a qualifying agency to the entrance examination date.

 

Does the applicant have to pay to attend the police academy?

If the Georgetown Police Department hires a non-certified applicant the City of Georgetown will pay for the applicant’s academy. The applicant will receive their salary while attending the academy, will be provided all equipment needed for the academy, and will be provided transportation to and from the academy.

 

What is the Georgetown Police Department’s policy on visible tattoos and/or body art?

Tattoos are generally allowed but no offensive tattoos or body art shall be visible. The Chief of Police has final authority on what is considered excessive or appropriate.

 

Will an applicant be disqualified for having a low credit score?

Having a low credit score is not necessarily an automatic disqualifier. The Georgetown Police Department looks at credit reports as one barometer of the applicant’s ability to be responsible. If an applicant shows they are attempting to pay off their debt they may be allowed to continue through the process.

 

Can I still apply to the Georgetown Police Department if I have used drugs?

Drug usage is one of many factors that the Georgetown Police Department considers when determining an applicant’s suitability for hire. We understand that some people have experimented with drugs and that even good people make mistakes. The Georgetown Police Department considers the type of drug taken as well as the duration of time last used when determining whether to disqualify an applicant for drug use.

For any questions contact the Professional Standards Division

For any Questions contact Lieutenant Bert Witcher at 512-930-2519 or Sergeant David Lanier at 512-930-6540

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