Lateral Police Officer

Position Description

Under the direction of an assigned Police Sergeant, the Officer will perform proactive police protection and other services to safeguard the lives, property, and constitutional rights of the citizens of Fife.

Respond to crime and accident scenes, emergency situations and other requests for assistance; detect, apprehend and arrest criminals; enforce the laws and ordinances of the City; and perform a variety of specialized duties as assigned.

• $10,000 Hiring Bonus is awarded to lateral Police Officers who come from another law‑enforcement agency either in‑state or out‑of‑state.
• $5,000 will be paid on the first regularly scheduled payday after the lateral hire becomes an Fife employee.
• $5,000 will be paid on the first paycheck after the lateral hire successfully completes the probationary period.
• If employment terminates within three years of hire date (except for disability or death) the Officer must repay the full bonus. Bonus is taxable income and payroll taxes will be deducted.

Lateral applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years of satisfactory performance in a similar position within the last 24 months.

Lateral applicants who have not been certified through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center (WSCJTC) must provide their basic training academy curriculum/syllabus hours.

With a population of just over 11,000, Fife offers a small‑town feel with big‑city ideas. Located along Interstate 5, the city is close to Tacoma, Sea‑Tac International Airport and Port of Tacoma, making it a business hub. Open space, parks, arts, and good schools make it ideal for families.

The Fife Police Department partners with the community to strengthen mutual respect to ensure public safety for all and to identify and solve problems.

Fife is a safe community of choice for residents, businesses, and visitors.

• We are respectful.
• We value partnerships.
• We are innovative.

Multiple openings are available. Lateral applicants do not test through Public Safety Testing and may apply directly via the City of Fife job line. Oral boards are scheduled on an as‑needed basis, and vacancies are filled by Civil Service “rule of three.”

• Provide proactive police protection and enforce City laws and ordinances.
• Drive patrol vehicle in an assigned area, observing for potential harm or violations.
• Respond to suspected or actual harmful or illegal activities, investigate, and take appropriate action.
• Prepare descriptive reports and provide testimony regarding incidents.
• Provide direction or information to prevent harmful or illegal situations.
• Apprehend traffic violators, issue citations, conduct drug and alcohol testing, and process offenders.
• Respond to calls for first aid, provide CPR and rescue services.
• Coordinate with city personnel, other agencies, and health providers.
• Maintain and use specialized equipment; maintain proficiency in firearms and driving; operate computers.
• Testify in court concerning investigations and arrests.
• Participate in in‑service training and conduct law‑enforcement classes in schools or community groups.

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Minimum of two (2) years of satisfactory performance in a similar position within the last 24 months.
• Minimum age 21 years.
• Citizen of the United States with a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Successful completion of the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
• Successful completion of a polygraph test, psychological exam, medical exam, and financial review.
• No pending or prior convictions of domestic violence, felony convictions, or disqualifying misdemeanors.
• Valid CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Lateral applicants not certified through WSCJTC must provide their training syllabus hours.

• Principles, practices, and procedures used in police work.
• State, County, and City laws and ordinances.
• Geography of the City and specific assignment areas.
• Rules of evidence and arrest laws.
• Operation of…