Certified Police Officer

Job Description

Eligible to Apply

• Currently TCOLE-certified peace officers.
• Candidates scheduled to take the TCOLE licensing examination within 60 days of applying.

What to Expect: Hiring Process & Timeline

We want applicants to know what to expect throughout the process. The anticipated timeline is outlined below. Dates are subject to change based on Department needs and the number of applicants.

Hiring Step _ Date

Applications open - October 5, 2026

Applications close - October 26, 2026

Personal History Statement (PHS) due - November 2, 2026

Initial interviews and agility test - November 10–12, 2026

Chief’s interview - November 30–December 4, 2026

Application review and eligibility verification, the situational reasoning assessment, background investigation, conditional offers and post-offer testing, and the anticipated hire date will be scheduled as part of the hiring process. Applicants will receive specific scheduling information from the Department.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants for this recruitment must:
• Possess a current and valid Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Peace Officer Certification or be scheduled to take the TCOLE licensing examination within 60 days of applying;
• Have graduated from a basic peace officer academy or academic equivalent by the time of hire;
• Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of hire;
• Be a graduate of an accredited high school or possess an equivalency certificate;
• Possess a valid Texas driver's license by the date of hire;
• Be a citizen of the United States by birth or naturalization;
• Be able to read, write, and speak the English language;
• Be of good moral character;
• Not be prohibited from carrying a firearm or possessing ammunition; and
• Meet all applicable requirements established by Texas Civil Service law, Cedar Park Local Civil Service Rules, and provisions established through the Meet and Confer process.

There is no maximum hiring age under the current Meet and Confer Agreement.

Experienced Officers - Lateral Entry Program

Certified Police Officers with qualifying prior law enforcement experience may be eligible for placement in the City's Lateral Entry Program. More information regarding the Lateral Entry Program can be found at Lateral-Transfers-PDF.

Compensation

Effective October 11, 2026, the FY27 Police Officer Pay Plan provides the following probationary and lateral-entry pay opportunities: FY 27 Police Pay Plan

Application Process

Applications open October 5, 2026, and must be submitted through the City of Cedar Park's online application system no later than October 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

It is important that your application include all education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, cover letters, or other documentation will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application. Applicants must describe their duties in the Work History section and should not enter only "See Resume."

Applicants must provide documentation necessary to verify their current TCOLE Peace Officer Certification or their scheduled TCOLE licensing examination date within 60 days of applying, as well as any experience claimed for consideration under the Lateral Entry Program.

Upon submission, applicants will receive an automatic notification that their application has been received. Human Resources will review applications for completeness and minimum qualifications.

Even if you have previously applied with the Cedar Park Police Department, you must submit a new application to be considered for this hiring process.

The online application must be completed in its entirety. Deliberate misstatements or omissions may result in disqualification from further consideration.