"Accept the Challenge"

Career In Law Enforcement

The TABC was established in 1935 as the state regulatory agency covering all phases of the alcoholic beverage industry in the State of Texas. The duties of the Commission include regulating sales, taxation, importation, manufacturing, transporting, and advertising of alcoholic beverages.

The Enforcement Division, the agency's largest unit, is responsible for the criminal and administrative enforcement of the state's alcoholic beverage laws. Its agents, each of whom is a commissioned police officer with state-wide jurisdiction, inspect premises licensed by the agency and investigate alleged violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Code and other state laws such as bootlegging, application fraud, ownership subterfuge, sales to minors, possession by minors, prostitution, gambling, narcotics trafficking, illegal weapons, and organized criminal activities. Enforcement agents also provide regular instruction to school children, licensees and their employees, and to members of civic groups to promote a better understanding of the law and voluntary compliance.

The Chief of Field Operations oversees the activities of five regional supervisors who, in turn, direct the enforcement efforts of more than 200 agents across the state. Regional offices are located in Dallas, Houston, Amarillo, Austin, and San Antonio. The Enforcement Division also maintains additional offices throughout the State.

Those joining the Enforcement Division as commissioned peace officers are hired as Agent Trainees, an entry level position. After satisfactorily completing a 12-month probationary period, Agent Trainees are reclassified as Agent I's. Agent I is the first step of a career ladder which over a twenty-year period may advance the employee to the rank of Senior Agent. In addition, career opportunities are also available to the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain.

Qualifications

Due to financial and operational constraints applicants who are not currently certified as a licensed peace officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) will not be considered in the next selection process.

Basic qualifications for the position of Agent Trainee include:

• Minimum 21 years of age; and
• High school diploma or GED and active TCLEOSE Basic Peace Officer Certification; and four years law enforcement experience. Experience in Investigations preferred; OR
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; OR
• Four years of military service; and
• Must be willing to obtain a TCLEOSE Basic Peace Officer Certification; and
• Good physical condition, capable of strenuous physical exertion and have no physical disabilities which would interfere with police duties;
• Visual acuity not exceeding 20/200 uncorrected or 20/30 corrected; and no color blindness.
• Physical requirements:
  • 300 Meter Run – 93 seconds
  • Push Ups – 13 (no time limit)
  • 1.5 Mile Run – 21:55 minutes

Additional details and qualifications will be provided in the job posting.

The selection process consists of various phases which include the application screening, followed by a standard aptitude test, appearance before an oral interview board, and an extensive background investigation of all finalists. Credit history, character, past employment and driving record will be verified during the background investigation.

Benefits

• Agents may be entitled to an education or peace officer certificate stipend up to $150 per month and may be entitled to a bilingual proficiency stipend up to $50 per month.
• Commissioned law enforcement personnel of the Agency will be paid hazardous duty pay at the rate of $10.00 per month for each year of State of Texas qualifying service, up to and including thirty years of service.
• Agents receive a monthly clothing cleaning allowance.
• Agents will receive reimbursements for expenses, which are incurred while away from their assigned duty station as provided by State Law.
• Agents are entitled to holiday and vacation leave in accordance with State Law and Agency Policy.
• The State of Texas makes contributions toward the employee's group insurance and retirement.
• Enforcement agents participate in the State Certified Peace Officer Retirement System.

Training

In-service training and approved elective courses are provided annually. Agent Trainees receive specialized training during the first months of employment.

Salary Schedule

TABC Agent Salary Schedule

Years of TABC Service	Annual	Monthly
Agent Trainee	$39,097	$3,258.08
Agent I (less than 4 years)	$47,221	$3,935.08
Agent II (4-7 years)	$50,988	$4,249.00
Agent III (8-11 years)	$54,860	$4,571.67
Agent IV (12-15 years)	$57,504	$4,792.00
Agent V (16-19 years)	$60,307	$5,025.88
Senior Agent (20 years or more)	$61,793	$5,149.42

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission welcomes your inquiry into the law enforcement duties and responsibilities of an Enforcement Division agent. We hope this information will assist you with your law enforcement career decisions. If you believe you are capable of enhancing the traditions and standards established by the Commission, please "accept the challenge" and apply.