Lateral Police Officer

Civil Service applications for law enforcement positions will only accepted when a hiring process is about
to begin. This is generally once a year and historically has been in the fall. Persons interested in applying
for any Police Officer or Police Cadet position should watch the City of Cedar Park, Human Resources page
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/cedarparktx/default.cfm for the application link to be listed or complete
a job interest card. Applications submitted outside of the enrollment period (either before or after) will not
be accepted. The Civil Service Exam is conducted and those passing with a 70% or higher are then placed on
the hiring eligibility list. The list will remain in effect for the next 180 days. Applicants will need to re-apply if
the list expires.
1. 2. 3. In order to be considered applicants must complete the basic City of Cedar Park on line application
available on our website NEOGOV.COM, (Click here to view and/or apply for positions. If this is the first
time you are using our new on-line application system, you will need to create an account and select
a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can build an application by
clicking on the “Build Job Application” link. This application can be saved and used to apply for more
than one job opening. In order to apply, a current, valid email address is required. If you do not have an
email address, you can create a free account by utilizing various online.)
When Applicants complete the appropriate application, they are then screened for Texas Commission
On Law Enforcement (TCOLE) eligibility requirements. More information can be found here. http://www.
tcole.texas.gov/content/commission-rules Click Chapter 217 then select minimum standards for initial
licensure (217.1)
If no disqualifiers are noted then the Applicant is eligible to participate in the Civil Service Examination.
This examination will be posted in accordance with Civil Service Law and Rules and will be available
to those applying. Applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70% to proceed through the
remainder of the process. Applicants with appropriate military experience will have additional “Veteran’s
Points” added to their overall score in accordance with Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government
Code. Once any applicable points are added, applicants will then be placed on a list for consideration.
Placement on this list does not guarantee the candidate employment with the City of Cedar Park Police
Department.
Candidates who successfully pass the written exam will then be provided with a Preliminary and a Full
Background Investigation packet. Candidates will be required to complete these packet and return them
with all requested documentation. Incomplete packets or failing to return requested documentation will
not allow a full and complete background to be conducted. Applicants who fail to provide the necessary
information to complete the background portion of the process will be disqualified from further
consideration in the process.

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4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. When the Preliminary Background Investigation is complete, those candidates who passed their
preliminary background check will then appear before an Interview Board. The Board will consist
of members of the Police Department and possibly members of the community. Candidates will be
asked questions about their background, skills and training, and should be prepared to answer some
situational questions structured around the Cedar Park Police Department Core Values and Mission
Statement. Applicants must pass this portion of the process before proceeding through the remainder of
the process.
After the candidate successfully passes the Interview Board, they will then participate in the physical
ability course. Candidates must be prepared to take the physical ability course the same day as the
Interview Board. Proper athletic clothes are recommended.
Candidates who successfully pass the physical ability course will then be requested to return the Full
Background Investigation packet. Candidates will be required to complete this packet and return it with
all requested documentation. Incomplete packets or failing to return requested documentation will not
allow a full and complete background to be conducted. Applicants who fail to provide the necessary
information to complete the background portion of the process will be disqualified from further
consideration in the process.
Those candidates, who successfully complete the preceding portions of the process, will then be
interviewed by a Chief’s Board of Review. The Board of Review is a group of police personnel designated
by the Chief of Police to conduct an interview. After this interview, the Chief of Police will determine
whether to extend a conditional offer of employment to the applicant or pass over the candidate at that
time.
Entry level officer candidates who are given a “conditional offer of employment” must then pass a “post
job offer” psychological examination and medical examination that includes passing a visual acuity
test, and physician certification that the applicant is not dependent on and does not use illegal drugs.
A candidate must pass all examinations to be considered for employment, this in accordance with the
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and Civil Service Rules.
The Chief of Police reserves the right to offer or rescind any offer of employment. If candidates are
given and accept a full offer of employment, they will remain on probationary status for one year from
their date of hire. Probationary officers will not be covered by Civil Service until this 1-year probation
is over. Probationary officers must complete a Field Training Program. Officers who cannot complete
this program may be discharged from employment depending on the circumstances surrounding their
inability to complete the training.
10. Applicants must have passed the State Licensing Exam as administered by the Texas Commission on Law
Enforcement (TCOLE) at the time of appointment as scheduled by the Chief of Police.