Lateral Police Officer

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Lubbock, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: P868-5735
Department: Police Department
Division: 5735 - Police Patrol
Opening Date: 01/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 5:00 PM Central

Summary

The Lubbock Police Department is currently accepting applications for Police Officer Reappointment through the Lateral Entry Police Program. This program is designed to recruit experienced law enforcement officers by recognizing their prior service and reducing required training time. Eligible candidates will be placed on the pay scale according to their years of previous law enforcement experience.
Essential Functions

• Protect life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Answer calls and complaints involving accidents, robberies, burglaries, fires, misdemeanors, and felonies. Render first aid at crime scenes; assist or conduct preliminary investigations; apprehend suspects; gather evidence; obtain witness names; obtain statements; make arrests; and transport suspects. Investigate automobile accidents and check stolen automobile reports;
• Prevent crime;
• Perform work in accordance with department rules and regulations;
• Perform routine patrol, traffic regulation, and preliminary investigations;
• Perform duties in patrol cruisers, motorcycles, or on foot;
• Perform duties which may involve danger, and which require officer to act without supervision in the exercise of independent judgment in meeting emergencies;
• Keep records and prepare activity reports;
• Testify in court as needed;
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications
To be eligible for the Lateral Entry Program with the Lubbock Police Department, applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years of continuous, full-time service as a paid, licensed or certified peace officer in a law enforcement agency, including out-of-state agencies as approved by the Chief of Police. Candidates must have held a position with the authority to enforce laws, investigate crimes, make arrests, respond to calls for service, carry a firearm, and exercise discretion in the performance of their duties. Additionally, applicants must not have a break in service exceeding three (3) years from the time they left their previous law enforcement agency to the time of application with LPD.
Lateral entry applicants must also successfully complete each step in the Civil Service hiring process in the same manner as any other applicant.

Valid Driver's License
Physical Exam
Knowledge and Abilities

Ability to:

• Read and understand departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws, regulations, and police literature;
• Show aptitude for law enforcement work;
• Analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action;
• Write clear and accurate reports;
• Understand and follow oral directions;
• Drive an automobile;
• Learn the use and care of small firearms;
• Make keen observations and remember names, faces, and details of incidents;
• Meet age and physical standards established by the Civil Service Commission;
• Communicate effectively with others

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally walk and stand and kneel during a shift
• Occasionally climb stairs, ladders and other inclined surfaces in order to pursue suspects
• Continuously lift up to 10 pounds
• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds
• Occasionally lift up to 100 pounds in order to restrain suspects
• Continuously carry up to 25 pounds
• Frequently carry up to 25 pounds and occasionally carry up to 100 pounds in order to carry stolen property or injured people
• Occasionally push and pull objects during the shift
• Frequently flex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially flex at the knees in order to pursue suspects
• Occasionally move entire body along a surface in a crawling motion in order to pursue suspects
• Place arms above, at or below shoulder height
• Coordinate eye, hand and foot movement in order to operate a vehicle

The City of Lubbock Police Department provides a comprehensive, cost effective, health and welfare package. To view salary and benefits information, click
01

Do you have a minimum of two (2) years of continuous, full-time service as a paid, licensed or certified peace officer in a law enforcement agency, including out-of-state agencies?

• Yes
• No

02

Have you had a break in service exceeding three (3) years since leaving your previous law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you held a position at your agency that required you to enforce laws, investigate crimes, make arrests, respond to calls for service, carry a firearm, and use discretion as part of your assigned duties?

• Yes
• No

Required Question