The Texas State University Police Department is hiring Police Officers. Join us to serve a dynamic university community. Be a partner, mentor, and leader to over 40,000 students and staff.
Enjoy competitive pay, State benefits, tuition assistance, and specialized training.
Ready for a rewarding career?
Serve the Bobcat Nation!
Take the Next Step: Ride Along with UPD!
Interested in applying to the University Police Department? Spend a shift with an officer to gain a clear, realistic view of the job. Observe daily duties, campus patrol dynamics, and community engagement before you apply.
Only Police Recruits and Applicants are approved for ride-outs at this time.
TCOLE Certified Officers (Lateral)
Detective Sanchez is a pillar of UPD, with nearly 6 years of dedicated service ensuring our community's safety and security. His commitment is commendable.
This path is for officers already commissioned in the State of Texas or those meeting lateral transfer requirements.
- Requires current and active TCOLE Peace Officer Certification.
- Must meet lateral experience requirements.
- Eligibility for Lateral Step Increases up to Step Level 6 based on experience.
-
Learn more about being a Lateral Officer for UPD
-
Requirements and Qualifications
- TCOLE Certification: You must already be licensed by TCOLE as a Peace Officer.
- Experience: It is preferred to have at least one year of prior work experience as a full-time commissioned peace officer with similar duties in a comparable law enforcement agency.
- Discharge Status: You must have left your previous agency with an honorable discharge.
- Age: Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Education: While a high school diploma/GED is required, it is preferred to have 60 college credit hours, an Associate's Degree, or a Bachelor's Degree.
-
Hiring Process Overview
- Online Application & Screening
- Interviews: This process includes an interview with an oral interview board.
- Chief's Interview: The final stage involves an interview with the Chief of Police, who makes the final employment decision, contingent on successful completion of all checks.
- Required Testing:
- Background check
- Polygraph test
- Physical assessment
- Psychological exam and medical evaluation
- Field Training Program: Once hired, all new officers complete an intense field training program to integrate into UPD operations.
-
Pay and Benefits
Salary and Step Placement
- Lateral Step Increases: TXST UPD offers lateral step increases up to Step Level 6 of the department's pay schedule.
For a more comprehensive benefits package click here.
-
Out-of-State Certified Officers
We welcome certified officers from other states. Your primary goal will be to convert your certification to a TCOLE license.
- Must be certified or licensed as a peace officer in your current state.
- You must successfully obtain TCOLE licensing (Basic Peace Officer or higher) within 90 days of hire.
- UPD provides support and guidance through the TCOLE licensing process.
-
Learn more about being an Out of State Officer for UPD
-
Requirements and Qualifications
- TCOLE License: Must be a certified or licensed peace officer from another U.S. state and successfully obtain the TCOLE Basic Peace Officer License within 90 days of hire.
- Experience: It is preferred to have at least one year of prior work experience as a full-time commissioned peace officer with similar duties in a comparable law enforcement agency.
- Discharge Status: Must have separated from all previous law enforcement agencies with an Honorable Discharge.
- Age & Citizenship: Must be at least 21 years of age and authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
- Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Candidates with 60 college credit hours or a degree are preferred.
-
Hiring Process Overview
- Complete and obtain approval via the Out of State Officers Eligibility Form.
- Online Application & Screening
- Interviews: This process includes an interview with an oral interview board.
- Chief's Interview: The final stage involves an interview with the Chief of Police, who makes the final employment decision, contingent on successful completion of all checks.
- Required Testing:
- Background check
- Polygraph test
- Physical assessment
- Psychological exam and medical evaluation
- TCOLE Exam & Commissioning: The TCOLE exam must be completed and passed.
- Field Training Program: Once hired, all new officers complete an intense field training program to integrate into UPD operations.
-
Pay and Benefits
- Paid Employment: Receive step increases up to Step Level 6 of the department's pay schedule while obtaining TCOLE certification.
For a more comprehensive benefits package click here.
-
Originally from Louisiana, Officer. Pinot demonstrated great initiative by achieving his TCOLE certification during his time with the department.
Cadet / Recruit Path (Non-Certified)
Meet Corporal Tate! Starting as a sponsored cadet in 2023, she now holds the crucial position of Sexual Assault Investigator, providing essential support to our community.
While the University Police Department (UPD) primarily recruits certified officers, we occasionally offer opportunities for non-certified applicants through our Police Recruit or Cadet programs.
If a Cadet or Recruit position is available, this path includes:
- Full sponsorship through a TCOLE-approved Police Academy.
- Completion of certification before starting patrol duties.
-
Learn how to become a cadet for UPD
-
Requirements and Qualifications
- Experience None required. This position is for individuals with little to no prior law enforcement experience.
- Education: Must possess a High School Diploma or GED.
- Age: Must be at least 21 years of age on the date of commissioning (when you graduate the academy and receive your TCOLE license).
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen by birth or naturalization.
- Licensure: Must be eligible to attend and graduate from a TCOLE-approved Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC).
-
Hiring Process Overview
- Online Application & Screening
- Interviews: This process includes an interview with an oral interview board.
- Chief's Interview: The final stage involves an interview with the Chief of Police, who makes the final employment decision, contingent on successful completion of all checks.
- Required Testing:
- Background check
- Polygraph test
- Physical assessment
- Psychological exam and medical evaluation
- Conditional Offer & Academy Enrollment: Upon receiving a conditional offer, the department sponsors your enrollment into a TCOLE-approved Police Academy.
- The Police Academy: Attendance of a full-time academy.
- TCOLE Exam & Commissioning: Upon graduating the academy, the TCOLE exam must be completed and passed.
- Field Training Program: Once hired, all new officers complete an intense field training program to integrate into UPD operations.
-
Pay & Benefits
- Paid Academy Time: You receive the Entry-Level Officer pay grade (currently starting around $48,000/year) while attending the police academy. This means you earn income while completing your TCOLE training.
- Post-Academy Salary: Upon graduation and commissioning as a Police Officer, your salary will advance to Step Level 2 of the department's pay schedule on the one-year anniversary of your hire date.
For a more comprehensive benefits package click here.
-
Hiring and Selection Process
Application & Review
Initial submission and screening for minimum qualifications.
Interview & Investigation
Oral Board, formal background check, and reference validation.
Final Assessments
Physical, psychological, and polygraph testing, followed by Chief's final offer.
Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.