TCOLE certification is not required to apply though preference may be given to candidates with a current TCOLE license. 

Specialty Pay: Up to $2,400 annually

• Police Officer Proficiency Certifications:

  • $600 per year for Intermediate Certification

  • $900 per year for Advanced Certification

• College Education:

  • $600 – $1,200 per year

Salaries & Incentives

Police Officer: $72,100 (Recruit Police Officer in the police academy effective October 1, 2025) 

                            $100,482 (Effective October 1, 2025) - 6 yr step

• Lateral Officers may qualify for modified process and starting pay of $88,490.

Specialized position pay: Up to $2,400 annually

Relocation Assistance: $1,500 for qualified, certified police officers

Lateral Entry Hiring Process

Requirements 

• At least one year of full-time, paid peace officer experience beyond that agency's field training program - within the past 24 months of being hired by this department for a Police Officer position. (includes hospital, college/university, and ISD police)
• No pending disciplinary actions or investigations for misconduct/criminal activity
• Out-of-State officers must be TCOLE certified by the time of job acceptance.  

The Chief of Police or his designee will make the final determination about whether an applicant meets eligibility standards.

Lateral appointments will start at up to $88,490 based on experience.  (Effective 10-1-25)

The online application is open until a sufficient number of qualified candidates apply. This position may close at any time, without notice. 

First Responder Resiliency Program

The First Responder Resiliency Program is a wellness initiative designed to provide first responders with the tools they need to maintain their mental health.  The program includes free counseling services for officers who need assistance processing critical incidents, training to develop a trauma-informed first responder community, and participation in a critical incident stress management regional response team to assist surrounding agencies during times of crisis.

An additional part of the department's wellness initiative includes time for working out on-duty so you will be able to stay in top shape physically.

Tattoos, Beards, and Outer Vest Carriers

Policing in a diverse community like Cedar Hill means hiring officers who look like the community we serve.  In an effort to better reflect that goal and to enhance our officers' quality of work-life, we recently modified our policies to allow officers to wear facial hair and exposed tattoos (some restrictions apply).  

We also realize having the right equipment means equipment that promotes the long-term health of our officers. For this reason, our patrol officers are able to wear load-bearing vests to ease the strain on their backs often associated with carrying equipment on belts (some restrictions apply).

Promotional Opportunities Include:

Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Police Chief

Minimum Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age at the time of taking the state licensing exam
• Requires high school/GED required. Candidates with prior military or law enforcement experience must have been honorably discharged, as reflected on discharge forms (DD214 for military service, F5 for law enforcement service, or equivalent). College credit is not required to apply, however, candidates with less than 30 college credit hours will attend the Law Enforcement Academy for college credit, meeting all necessary college admission requirements and requirements for continued enrollment during the academy.
• Applicants with a dishonorable discharge for a “bad conduct” discharge are not eligible for a TCOLE License
• Must not have illegally possessed or used marijuana within the last year
• Must not have illegally possessed or used any controlled substance other than marijuana in the last 5 years
• Good moral character & stable employment history
• Valid Texas driver's license with a good driving record
• No conviction or placed on Community Supervision for a family violence offense
• No deferred adjudicated or probation for Driving While Intoxicated in last 5 years
• No convictions for a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years
• No convictions for a felony or Class A misdemeanor, for any reason, ever
• Must not currently be under indictment or have criminal charges pending for any offense
• Must be able to obtain U.S. Citizenship by the time of conditional job offer
• Must be able to pass a physical exam and drug screen administered by the City’s designated physician

Expedited Police Officer Hiring Process

Upon submission of a completed application, candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be scheduled for a one-day testing process which includes:

• Written Test - Standardized Test
• Rowing Test - 2000m
• Preliminary interview
• Electronic Personal History Statement set-up (10-day completion deadline)

Candidates who successfully complete the above-listed items and submit their Personal History Statement within the time frame will immediately enter the background investigation stage.  The time frame for completion of the background stage varies based on a number of factors.  We strive to complete the background investigation typically within 3-4 weeks.

As long as no disqualifying events are discovered during the background investigation, a candidate will be scheduled for the following steps as soon as possible.

• Oral Board
• Polygraph examination
• Psychological examination
• Fingerprint submission
• Medical Screening
• Interview with the Chief
• Final Job offer

Benefits Overview

INSURANCE

The City of Cedar Hill offers a comprehensive benefits plan designed to meet the needs of all our employees:

• Medical
• Dental
• Life
• Long-term disability insurance to employees at no cost

RETIREMENT

• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
• Employees contribute 7%
• City matches contribution 2 to 1
• Employees are vested in only five (5) years, and have the option of a 20-year retirement, any age
• Social Security
• (Visit TMRS for more information)
• MissionSquare and Nationwide is a deferred compensation available to employees as an optional retirement plan for those who want to contribute additional funds and control where those funds are invested.  Visit MissionSquare for more information.
  

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• 12 holidays per year
• 12 days of sick leave per year
• 12 days of vacation leave 1st year, 15 days till 10-year anniversary, 20 days thereafter
• Paid Military Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Jury Duty Leave
• Credit Union
• Longevity Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Direct Deposit
• Uniforms/ Duty Weapon/ Leather Gear