Police Officer Benefits

Salary

Click Here the attached link to view the current Police pay plan.

Signing Bonus

Signing bonus of $2,500 for TCOLE certified officers. Payment of bonus comes in two installments. The first half upon hire and second half upon completion of the Field Training Program.

Promotion Process

Officers are eligible to test for the rank of Sergeant after 2 years of service. Sergeants are eligible to test for the rank of Lieutenant after 2 years of service at the rank of Sergeant.

Career Paths

Immediately upon completion of the Field Training Program, Officers can apply to the career path of their choice in the Criminal Investigations Division, S.T.R.I.K.E. Team, Traffic/Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division, or Community and Media Relations Division. Once accepted, Officers will receive specialized training in that division while still working as a Patrol Officer. Officers are also authorized to work overtime in that division.

Lateral Transfers

Certified Officers with experience can start up to Step 6 ($89,044.48 Annually), based on years of service as a certified peace officer.

Certification Pay

Officers receive $50 per month for an Intermediate License, $100 per month for an Advanced License, and $150 per month for a Master Peace Officer License.

Longevity

Employees who have been with the City of Lancaster at least a year receive $4 per month for every year worked.

Special Assignment Pay

Up to $2,080 annually for Officers assigned to specialized units.

Overtime Pay

Officers will earn time and a half their regular pay for any time worked over 80 hours per pay period.

Vacation

Officers earn 15 days of vacation per year for 1-9 years of service.

Officers earn 20 days of vacation per year for 10 or more years of service.

Sick Leave

Officers earn 15 days of sick leave per year.

Military Leave

15 days paid military leave.

Compensatory Time

Officers can earn compensatory time in lieu of being paid overtime. Compensatory time shall be credited at the rate of one-and-one-half (1.5) hours credit per one hour worked. Maximum accrual is twenty-six (26) hours of time worked; which equates to thirty-nine (39) hours compensatory time off.

Holidays

Employees receive 10 paid Holidays per year.

Work Schedule

Officers assigned to patrol work 12 hour shifts. Day shift hours are 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Night shift hours are 6:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m. Days worked rotate during a two week pay period. Week 1 days worked are Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Week 2 Days worked are Wednesday and Thursday. This allows every Officer to have every other weekend off and only work 7 days in a 14 day pay period.

Insurance

The City of Lancaster provides medical, dental, and life insurance for employees at no cost. Dependents may be covered under these plans at group rates. The City of Lancaster also provides optional vision insurance. All employees are covered by workers compensation for injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Retirement

The City of Lancaster participates in the Texas Municipal Retirement System. Employees contribute 7% of their salary to the program. Upon retirement, the City of Lancaster will match the employee's contribution 2 to 1. The City of Lancaster is also a participant in Social Security.

Deferred Compensation

The City of Lancaster offers an optional deferred compensation 457 plan. Employees can contribute a portion of their salary, before taxes, to a retirement account.

Tuition Reimbursement 

The City of Lancaster provides educational assistance to its employees for additional, job-related educational development.

Uniforms and Equipment

Uniforms and equipment necessary for duty are provided by the department. The department does not provide footwear for employees.