Transit Officer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Performs patrol duties, coordinates and monitors security and police needs within the VIA system and on all VIA properties. Functions as VIA's representative in working with local agencies, such as police and fire departments, utilities, and contractors when security/police services are requested.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responds to calls for transit police service on any VIA owned and/or controlled property to include all Park and Ride facilities.
• Provides transit police services related to criminal and non-criminal matters on bus routes, at bus stop/shelters, on board buses and Paratransit vans.
• Performs additional duties in accordance with VIA's SAFE Operations on buses, at transit facilities and jointly with area law enforcement personnel.
• Investigates crimes, accidents, and incidents; arrests/detains suspects and violators; settles disputes; directs traffic; assists the public; issues VIA citations; performs other patrol activities.
• Interfaces with local police departments located within VIA's service area.
• Conducts preliminary investigations.
• Conducts security surveys.
• Develops crime prevention approaches/measures.
• Performs special assignments.
• Prepares a variety of reports for review such as investigation results, activities, status reports, etc.
• This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school education or G.E.D. and have successfully completed Peace Officer Academy. The hands-on application of knowledge, skills, and abilities portion of this academy will count as 6 months of experience. Additional college hours, law enforcement, or military experience preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

*Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.

*Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.

• Must have a valid current Texas Peace Officer's license and be eligible and qualified to be commissioned as a VIA Police Officer, as per the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Must have a valid Texas driver license and a good driving record and be qualified to operate a VIA police vehicle.
• Must have approved handgun and show proficiency.
• Must have the ability to successfully complete joint law enforcement training programs and demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge, skills and abilities provided in the training program(s).
• Must have knowledge of the State Penal Code and procedures relative to criminal justice.
• Must possess above average communication skills, both verbal and written, and must be able to communicate clearly both in person and by two-way radio.
• Must have a good knowledge of all VIA services and be able to provide information on these services to the general public.
• Must have the ability to prepare and write accurate and detailed reports.
• Must have working knowledge of PCs and office software.
• Must tactfully and effectively deal with visitors, employees, and the community.
• Must be able to travel off property in company vehicles.
• Must be able to comply with dress and grooming codes.
• Must have mathematical skills to perform basic calculations.
• Must have the ability to adjust to the situation and quickly analyze the facts to arrive at a just and clear-cut decision.
• Must be able to maintain good work attendance.
• Safety Accountability Statement:
• Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.
• Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices and programs; related to safety, health, and system security.
• Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.
• Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.
• Must comply with and support all applicable VIA EEO Policies and Procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach and have sufficient mobility and strength to occasionally subdue and restrain offenders.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Inside and outside shift work with irregular hours. Work hours could involve early morning, evening, late, or overnight hours, weekends, holidays and/or split shifts.
• Work involves being around moving vehicles and exposure to dust, fumes, gases, noises, and extremes in temperature/humidity.

New Officers will begin as Trainees while completing field training. The annual salary as a Trainee is $56,000. Once training has been successfully completed, the annual salary will increase to $62,000

VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.