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Police Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Why UT Southwestern Police Department? The UT Southwestern Medical Center Police Department is a component member of the University of Texas System. Officers of the University of Texas System Police ...

Police Recruiter

Mesquite, TX · On-site

$47K - $56K/yr

Police Staff Support Services Opening Date: 08/04/2026 Closing Date: 9/4/2026 4:00 PM Central GENERAL SUMMARY Salary: $47,505.26/annual minimum - $56,553.88/annual midpoint (Depending on ...

POLICE RECRUIT

Anna, TX · On-site

$72K/yr

The Anna Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Recruit Police Officer. For more information, email our team at pdadmin@annatexas.gov. Police Officers serve a vital ...

Showing results 21-40

Police information

See Texas salary details

$22.4K

$56.5K

$78.3K

How much do police jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for police in Texas is $56,485.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $60,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Officer, you need a solid understanding of criminal law, investigative procedures, and physical fitness, typically acquired through police academy training and, in many cases, a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, body cameras, and radio communication systems is essential for effective fieldwork. Excellent judgment, strong communication, and resilience are vital soft skills for handling high-stress situations and interacting with diverse communities. These skills and qualities are crucial for upholding public safety, enforcing laws fairly, and building community trust.

What do police officers do?

Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws and meeting citation quotas in their jurisdiction. As a police officer, you patrol the community, investigate crime, make arrests, and issue citations for parking, traffic, and other minor violations. Your main duty is maintaining public order and protecting property. You may work independently or with a partner, and you complete your patrols in a car, on foot, by bicycle, or even on horseback. You have training in weapons use in case of any situation in which you fear for your safety.

What are some of the typical challenges police officers face during their daily shifts?

Police officers frequently encounter unpredictable situations that require quick thinking and adaptability, such as responding to emergency calls, handling disputes, or managing high-stress incidents. Balancing community engagement with enforcing laws can also be challenging, as officers must build trust while maintaining authority. Additionally, officers often work in shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays, which can impact work-life balance. Despite these challenges, strong teamwork, ongoing training, and support from colleagues help officers navigate the complexities of the role.

What is the difference between Police vs Security Guard?

AspectPoliceSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsPolice academy training, police academy certification, sometimes college degreeSecurity guard training, certification varies by state, sometimes no formal education required
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, public spaces, crime scenes, emergency situationsPrivate properties, malls, events, corporate buildings
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, law enforcementPrivate security companies, businesses

Police officers and security guards both focus on safety and security, but police have law enforcement authority, undergo extensive training, and handle criminal investigations. Security guards primarily monitor property, prevent theft, and provide access control. The roles differ mainly in authority, training, and work environment.

Is it hard to get a police job?

Getting a police job can be competitive and typically requires meeting minimum qualifications such as age, education, and background checks. Candidates often need to pass physical fitness tests, written exams, and interviews, and may also need to complete police academy training before being hired.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Police jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Police jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Police job openings:

Infographic showing various Police job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,485 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

$74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


UT Southwestern rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Why UT Southwestern Police Department?

The UT Southwestern Medical Center Police Department is a component member of the University of Texas System. Officers of the University of Texas System Police have been serving and protecting the UT System community since 1968, Providing law enforcement and security-related services. Help to protect and serve the Dallas community at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital and our other locations. Ranked as the #1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth for the eighth consecutive year, we invite you to continue your public safety career with us at UT Southwestern in our police department to help protect and safeguard our community. You'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and consistent opportunities to grow your police career.

Job Summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center is seeking Police Officers to join our law enforcement team in Dallas, Texas. As a police officer for UT Southwestern, you will respond to emergency calls and work closely with all campuses to ensure public safety and build trust.

Learn more about the day in the life of a police officer at UT Southwestern by watching Ride Along with a Police Officer at UT Southwestern (youtube.com)

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

  • PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
  • 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
  • Paid Time Off, available day one
  • Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
  • Paid Parental Leave Benefit
  • Wellness programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
  • Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

Starting salary for Police Officer is $74,160.  Additional benefits include:

  • Shift differential Pay

  • Weekend and Holiday Pay

  • Certification Pay

  • Uniforms and dry cleaning provided

Education and Experience

Required

Education

High School Diploma or GED equivalent. and 

TCOLE approved Basic Peace Officer Course issued by State of Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and has passed the TCOLE exam. 

Experience
No experience required.
Must meet age, physical, mental, and educational requirements.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a verified negative drug screen.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in high-stress situations.
Knowledge of law enforcement techniques, local laws, and procedures.

  • Must successfully complete a minimum six-month probationary review period immediately following commission as a Police Officer. Failure to successfully complete such period will result in reduction to rank previously held.
    Must meet certain prerequisites established by Office of Director of Police, Board of Regents, and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education concerning age requirements and physical, mental, and educational standards.

Licenses and Certifications

DRIVERS LICENSE and

(TPOL) TEXAS PEACE OFFICER LICENSE and

Peace Officer Commission issued by the University of Texas System 

Preferred

Education Sixty (60) college hours from accredited college or university and

Successful completion of the prescribed Field Training Program.

Job Duties
  • Enforces Rules and Regulations of Board of Regents, institutional rules and regulations and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Preserve the peace by the use of all lawful means, interceding, when authorized by law, to prevent or suppress crime.
  • Arrests offenders with and without warrant when authorized by law.
  • Executes all lawful processes.
  • Investigates all criminal offenses to detect and arrest criminals and to recover lost or stolen property.
  • Attempts to locate missing persons.
  • Enforces traffic law by detecting violations, makes violator custody or issues citations or warnings. Investigates motor vehicle collisions.
  • Prepares various written reports narrating law enforcement and police activities.
  • Gives testimony in the criminal courts of this state and the United States.
  • Confers with prosecuting attorneys, preserves evidence and maintains confidential information.
  • Confers with local law enforcement, criminal justice and emergency response agencies on matters of mutual interest.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Security

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO Statement

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.


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