All interpretations regarding these rules will be made by the Chief of Police or his designate.

Police Officer Requirements
U.S. Citizenship.

By the date of commission as a Copperas Cove Police Officer be at least 21 years of age.

Must have high-school diploma; A high school equivalency certificate and has completed at least 12 hours at an institution of higher education with at least a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale; Or an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States after at least 24 months of active duty service.

Must have a valid and current Texas driver’s license.

Visual acuity must be at least 20/200 uncorrected in each eye and must be corrected to 20/30 with either glasses or contact lenses. Color blindness is an automatic disqualification.

Police Officer Automatic Disqualifications
Any of the following will disqualify an applicant from further consideration at any stage of the process:

Having a conviction for, being under indictment for, or currently charged with any felony offense.

Having a conviction for or currently charged with any offense involving family violence.

Having been or currently on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years.

Having a conviction for an offense above the grade of a class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last 10 years.

Currently under indictment for any criminal offense.

Prohibited by state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle.

Prohibited by state or federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Currently being on probation or any court ordered community supervision for any criminal offense.

Within two (2) years preceding date of application, having used marijuana.

Within five (5) years preceding the date of application, having illegally used any controlled substance or dangerous drug other than marijuana.

Having illegally furnished any controlled substance or dangerous drug to another.

Having an excessive record of traffic convictions or negligent traffic collisions. This is defined as:
During the five year period preceding date of application, convictions for four or more moving violations in a twelve month period

During the five year period preceding date of application, a driver’s license suspension for: driving while intoxicated, failing to maintain financial responsibility, or for any reason that would indicate poor driving behavior or habits.

A series of negligent collisions during the five year period preceding date of application that would indicate poor driving behavior or habits, whether or not citations were issued.

Not being of good moral character; or being known to habitually associate with those of questionable moral character.

Tattoos/Body Art/Brandings
1. Tattoos, including body art and brandings, must not be visible when wearing any authorized police uniform, when on duty in plain clothes, including civilian employees while on duty, or otherwise representing the department. The only acceptable methods for covering tattoos, body art, or branding are with the official uniform or plainclothes apparel.

2. Tattoos, including body art and brandings, on the head, face, lips, ears, nose, and neck are prohibited. It is highly recommended to have any visible body art approved through a waiver prior to application.

Having a history of delinquent payments or of not meeting financial obligations or repeated occurrences of issuing checks without sufficient funds, without extenuating circumstances.

Having been discharged from any commissioned or recruit position within a law enforcement agency for disciplinary reasons, resigning to avoid suspension or discharge or having resigned during a disciplinary investigation without a final judgment being rendered.

Having resigned or been terminated from a Regional Police Academy or Field Training Program due to a lack of proficiency in an academic or skill area will disqualify the applicant for a period of 24 months from the date of resignation or termination.

Failing to cooperate fully with and keep all scheduled appointments with staff personnel involved in the selection process, failing to provide added personal information as needed, or failing to submit information update/changes within ten days of the change.

Refusal to submit to a polygraph exam during the background investigation.

Having made application with the Copperas Cove Police Department within the previous 12 months and was not selected based on a background investigation or oral board rejection.

Making any false statement of fact, being deceptive by statement or omission in the applicant screening checklist and/or the written application or by any means in any part of the selection process. Disqualification is for a minimum of one year from the date of application.

Failure to supply the needed documents and/or submit the application within the specified time limits.

Making false statements, falsely swearing to statements or in any other manner falsifying testimony in any official matter or in any significant business transaction.

Without being specifically enumerated in the above disqualifiers if circumstances exist which indicate the applicant is clearly unsuited for a career with the Copperas Cove Police Department, the application will be rejected.

Benefits
Starting Salaries:
Certified: $27.16/hour

Medical: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas

Dental: MetLife Insurance

Life and Accident Insurance

Long Term Disability

Incentives Program

College Reimbursement

Take Home Car Program

Paid Leave: Vacation, Sick Leave, 13 Paid Holidays, Personal Leave, Birthday Leave

Retirement: Texas Municipal Retirement System

Deferred Compensation Program

View additional information on benefits HERE