1

Basic Peace Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patrol Lateral Testing

Idaho Falls, ID ยท On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certificate * Idaho P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certifiable (Graduate from a Certifying Program) * Basic Peace Officer Certificate from another state Salary Starting ...

Patrol Lateral Testing

Idaho Falls, ID ยท On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certificate * Idaho P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certifiable (Graduate from a Certifying Program) * Basic Peace Officer Certificate from another state Salary Starting ...

Patrol Lateral Testing

Idaho Falls, ID ยท On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certificate * Idaho P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certifiable (Graduate from a Certifying Program) * Basic Peace Officer Certificate from another state Salary Starting ...

Patrol Lateral Testing

Idaho Falls, ID ยท On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certificate * Idaho P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certifiable (Graduate from a Certifying Program) * Basic Peace Officer Certificate from another state Salary Starting ...

Patrol Lateral Testing

Idaho Falls, ID ยท On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certificate * Idaho P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certifiable (Graduate from a Certifying Program) * Basic Peace Officer Certificate from another state Salary Starting ...

Patrol Lateral Testing

Idaho Falls, ID

$16.25 - $22/hr

O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certificate * Idaho P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certifiable (Graduate from a Certifying Program) * Basic Peace Officer Certificate from another state Salary Starting ...

Patrol Lateral Testing

Idaho Falls, ID ยท On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certificate * Idaho P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certifiable (Graduate from a Certifying Program) * Basic Peace Officer Certificate from another state Salary Starting ...

Approved Basic Peace Officer Course (or the equivalent as authorized by law and TCOLE rules). * Has successfully passed the TCOLE peace officer licensing examination. * Possess a Peace Officer ...

Approved Basic Peace Officer Course (or the equivalent as authorized by law and TCOLE rules). * Has successfully passed the TCOLE peace officer licensing examination. * Possess a Peace Officer ...

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High School Diploma or equivalent See required licenses and certifications below LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Required TCOLE Basic Peace Officer License Required within thirty ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Basic Peace Officer information

See salary details

$9

$22

$41

How much do basic peace officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for basic peace officer in the United States is $22.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Basic Peace Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Basic Peace Officer, you need a solid understanding of criminal law, investigative procedures, and public safety principles, typically supported by completion of a state-approved police academy and certification. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, ethical judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring public safety, effective law enforcement, and building trust within the community.

What are some common challenges Basic Peace Officers face during their probationary period, and how can they effectively overcome them?

During the probationary period, Basic Peace Officers often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, managing high-stress situations, and learning to apply departmental procedures in real-time. Building strong communication skills, seeking guidance from experienced officers, and actively participating in ongoing training can help new officers navigate these challenges. It's also important to maintain a healthy work-life balance and utilize available resources, such as peer support programs, to ensure continued growth and success during this critical phase.

What are Basic Peace Officers?

Basic Peace Officers are law enforcement professionals who have completed the entry-level training required to serve as police officers, deputy sheriffs, or other similar roles. They are responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, responding to emergencies, and protecting citizens and property. Basic Peace Officers must successfully complete a state-approved training academy and obtain certification before being authorized to perform their duties. Their work often involves patrolling assigned areas, investigating crimes, making arrests, and testifying in court. The specific requirements and duties may vary depending on the state and agency.

What is the difference between Basic Peace Officer vs Police Officer?

AspectBasic Peace OfficerPolice Officer
CredentialsRequires POST certification, background check, and trainingRequires POST certification, background check, and training
Work EnvironmentPatrols communities, enforces laws, responds to incidentsPatrols communities, enforces laws, responds to incidents
Employer & IndustryLocal, state, or federal agenciesLocal, state, or federal agencies

Both Basic Peace Officers and Police Officers typically require similar certifications, work in law enforcement environments, and are employed by government agencies. The main difference often lies in job titles used by agencies, but their roles, training, and responsibilities are largely comparable.

What cities are hiring for Basic Peace Officer jobs? Cities with the most Basic Peace Officer job openings:
What states have the most Basic Peace Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Basic Peace Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Basic Peace Officer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,497 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Sheriff Deputy Cadet (Basic Peace Officer BPOC)

Harris County Sheriff's Office

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW SHERIFF DEPUTY CADET (Basic Peace Officer Course) As we strive to bring Law Enforcement practices to the 21st century, the Harris County Sheriff's Office is looking for those interested in starting a career in Law Enforcement. We are calling to men and women who want to be part of an agency that promotes effective crime reduction while building trust in their communities and safeguarding officers' well-being. The Basic Peace Officer Course is open to anyone not licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as a Peace Officer.

Cadets will be full-time employees with access to highly competitive Benefits that include a medical and dental health plan, a robust retirement plan, and other benefits that promote a balanced work-life environment. We offer wellness programs, such as Paternity and Maternity Leave, and Employee Assistant (EAP). In addition, employment with our agency qualifies for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness program.

Accepted Cadets will be full-time employees while attending the HCSO Academy. Upon graduation, you will be sworn Probationary Patrol Deputy(PPD) and will be assigned to the Patrol Bureau for a minimum of a two-year commitment. This position is open to everyone who meets the minimum requirements, including Texas Commission On Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensing standards.

How do I sign-up. You must read this announcement completely to ensure you meet all requirements and understand every step of the application process An incomplete application will not be considered. You can reach out to zackarie.henry@sheriff.hctx.net if you have any questions Important Information All candidates will be scored, and a final selection will be made based on the best-qualified candidates Scoring criteria include but are not limited to formal education, work or military experience, test scores, etc

Candidates not selected for the 1st available scheduled course will remain active for future courses for one year and will have the opportunity to re-test to obtain a higher score If applicants fail at any step of the application process, they will be disqualified from continuing the process and have a one-year (12-month) waiting period to reapply Failure to complete the classroom or field training program due to performance or voluntary withdrawal will result in termination if hired The Executive Command may consider extending the opportunity for continued employment for those who fail, based on the agency's needs and available positions in other job classifications MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Candidate List Eligibility Requirements General Must meet Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) background requirements Must be a U.S. Citizen (See General Information for exceptions) Must be at least twenty years and six months (20.5) years of age by the application date Valid Texas Driver's License Liability insurance will be required by your graduation date Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20, normal color, and peripheral vision Correctable normal audible range in both ears Must pass all phases of the application process Education and Experience A minimum of 48 college credit hours with at least a 2.0 GPA from an accredited institution; OR High School Diploma or G.E.D. and a minimum of 18 months of military service in the United States Armed Forces with an Honorable Discharge OR If military experience is only in the Reserves or National Guard, the applicant must have accumulated 730 retirement points or have six (6) years of service High School Diploma or G.E.D

with 3 years of steady (consistent) work history NOTES: If military experience is only with the Reserves or National Guard, the applicant must have accumulated 730 retirement points or have six (6) years of service Application Process Step 1 Submit a complete job application. The job application must document education, experience, and veteran status. An incomplete application will not be considered.

Step 2 Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule testing: Candidates must complete a physical agility test that consists of: a mile run in 11:30 minutes or less, 10 sit-ups in a minute, and 5 push-ups in a minute. Must successfully pass the HCSO entry exam with a minimum score of 70 points. (Police Officer Selection Test (POST)) There will be no variations of any testing procedures due to a candidate's gender, age, or physical condition.

Testing deadlines will be established for each scheduled course. Candidates who do not test for two consecutive courses will be removed from the application process Step 3 All tested candidates will be scored, and a final selection will be based on the best-qualified candidates External Candidates: TCOLE requires that all Peace Officer candidates undergo a thorough background investigation, which may include a polygraph examination Selected candidates will receive instructions to complete the online Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) and upload the required documents The assigned Investigator will contact candidates for an interview Candidates who do not complete this phase promptly may be removed from the pre-selection list Internal Candidates (current employees): Current employees do not require a new background investigation Review of performance, attendance, and status of pending Internal Affairs Investigation may be considered Step 4 HCSO personnel will conduct interviews for the best-qualified candidates to determine the best fit for the Cadet position, based on the agency's needs Step 5 Based on the number of available positions, candidates will be sent for Physical and Psychological evaluations per TCOLE (Texas Commission of Law Enforcement) licensing requirements. Step 6 Candidates will be selected based on overall pre-employment scores and the agency's needs as determined by the Sheriff Step 7 Selected candidates will be contacted at least two weeks before the start of BPOC to complete the onboarding or transfer process PREFERENCES Bachelor's Degree or higher formal education Military Experience GENERAL INFORMATION Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Note: All areas of the application must be complete including education and employment Texas Commission On Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Background requirements: Must not have court-ordered community supervision or probation for a criminal offense above the grade of class "B" misdemeanor within the last ten (10) years from the court order Must not be currently charged with any criminal offense for which conviction would be a bar to licensure Must not have been convicted of a class "B' misdemeanor or higher offense in the last ten years Never been convicted or placed on community supervision in any court for an offense involving family violence Not prohibited from operating a motor vehicle Not prohibited from possessing a firearm Citizenship Exceptions Per SB 252, you may be eligible for TCOLE licensure if you have fulfilled all of the following requirements: Must be a permanent legal resident Must be an honorably discharged veteran from the United States armed forces with at least two years of active service (Must have DD-214 that reflects service time and discharge status) Must provide evidence that they have applied for United States Citizenship Equal Opportunity Statement Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.