The Austin Police Department (APD) is seeking participants for its numerous future academy classes through next year, per a press release issued by the law enforcement agency on Aug. 4. APD said that prospective academy hires don’t require prior law enforcement experiences.
"As someone who has been a police officer for more than 20 years, I still have the passion and heart to be a public servant, Austin Chief of Police Joseph Chacon said in the release. "The Austin Police Department is looking for those with the same desires.
"APD is dedicated to empowering our officers by providing the best training and resources available that will help officers make a lasting impact in our community. Together, we will forge a stronger, safer future for the city of Austin," Chacon said.
The release said the pay range for Austin police officers has jumped from $65,411 to $109,382, with officers likely to qualify to earn additional monthly pay incentives. Per the release, overtime opportunities are available to officers and promoted officers could see an uptick in base pay.
APD said that a financial incentive of up to a total of $15,000 is available to new cadets through the 152nd class commencing in February of next year. The incentive is broken down in four parts: $2,500 for starting the academy, $5,000 after completion of the APD cadet training academy as indicated by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) certification, $2,500 after completion of APD field training and $5,000 when the APD probationary period is completed successfully. Beyond the pay and benefits, being a police officer rewards a person by knowing they are making a difference every shift, the department said.
According to the release, APD’s recruiting team will host an academy demo recruiting event at the Public Safety Training Campus on Oct. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Interested individuals can call (512) 974-4211 or email APDRecruiting@austintexas.gov.