Police Officer

Basic Function

Under the supervision of a METRO police shift sergeant, protects METRO employees, property, and customers from criminal offenses, apprehends persons committing offenses against METRO, deters transit-related crimes through increased visibility and mobility; enforces federal and state statutes, and county and municipal ordinances within the METRO service area. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Enforces federal and state statutes, and county and municipal ordinances within the METRO service area.
• Responds promptly and safely to calls for service from the Communications Section.
• Protects METRO employees, property, and patrons from criminal offenses.
• Patrols bus routes and light rail corridor, including boarding areas as assigned; conducts fare inspections/enforcement as assigned.
• Patrols all METRO owned facilities and other properties as assigned.
• Apprehends persons committing offenses associated with calls for service or investigations conducted, working in uniform or in plainclothes, as appropriate.
• Initiates actions to safely facilitate traffic mobility, such as directing traffic or removing road hazards.
• Conducts preliminary investigations of offenses committed within the METRO service area.
• Maintains evidence chain of custody pursuant to the arrest and processing of offenders.
• Ensures that all documentation is completed for the arrest and processing of offenders.
• Develops good working relationships with municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Patrols HOV and/or HOT lanes and diamond lanes; requests services of wreckers as required.
• Renders aid and remains on scene at accidents to maintain safety of motorists and others until appropriate response units arrive.
• Uses computers and appropriate software in office and police vehicle environments to enter daily activity data and prepare reports.
• Responsible for knowledge of and compliance with the policies and procedures of METRO and all General Orders, policies, procedures of the METRO Police Department.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency's Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Pay Range: $60,800 -$79,700

Education Requirement

High school diploma, a GED or a minimum of two years of active military service with a DD-214 Honorable Discharge.

Years & Experience Required

Must meet the training standards successfully in the first year of hire. Must be at least 21 years of age at hire.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Possess valid TCOLE License and valid Texas Driver's License. Meet all criteria set forth in TCOLE rule 217.1, and Texas Occupational Code Section 1701.255. Be able to maintain and/or obtain additional certifications or licenses.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.

This position requires a background check. Common disqualifiers include, but are not limited to:
• Class A or Felony conviction or court-ordered supervision or probation regardless of date of conviction.
• Class B conviction or court-ordered supervision or probation within the past 10 years.