Police Officer - Lateral Level

Police Officer - Lateral Level (up to $20,000 hiring incentive)

Position Summary:

Protect life and property, prevent and suppress crime, apprehend criminals, and enforce laws and ordinances. Work involves patrol, investigation, traffic enforcement, resolving complaints, and report writing. The City is oriented toward proactive crime prevention and community‑based practices.

• Patrol the city to preserve law and order, enforce traffic regulations, and prevent crime.
• Respond to calls for service involving traffic accidents, domestic situations, misdemeanors, felonies, and other public disturbances; take necessary police action.
• Provide assistance to citizens in critical or emergency situations where lives or property may be endangered.
• Investigate criminal complaints, gather evidence at crime scenes, locate and interview witnesses.
• Prepare and present records and cases for prosecution or investigation; testify as a witness in court.
• Assist other jurisdictions and agencies with routine law‑enforcement activities, emergency situations, and undercover investigations involving narcotics, gambling, and related activities.
• Train reserve police officers.
• Maintain department and personal equipment in good operating condition.
• Maintain firearms proficiency.
• Assist with animal control activities.

Experience

• Minimum one year of recent experience (within the last two years) as a commissioned, full‑time, fully compensated peace officer in a civilian governmental jurisdiction. Experience must follow completion of a full‑time police basic training academy recognized by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Reserve experience is not counted.
• Tribal officer experience considered case‑by‑case if full‑time academy completion and requirements are met.

Education and Training

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Washington State Peace Officer Certification mandated;
  Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy or equivalent out‑of‑state academy accepted.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license required.
• First aid and CPR certifications required or to be obtained within six months of hire.

Other Requirements

• At least 21 years of age.
• Citizen of the United States or lawful permanent resident.
• Pass City civil service examination, background check, polygraph, psychological and medical examinations, drug screening.
• No felony convictions.
• Ability to work varied shifts up to 12 hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Comprehensive health insurance (Premera Blue Cross or Kaiser Permanente). Employer pays 100% of employee premiums and 90% of dependent premiums.
• Vision, dental, and Employee Assistance Program.
• Dual Insurance Incentive Program, vacation and holiday pay, sick leave, jury duty/military leave.
• Retirement:
  State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems, 457 Deferred Compensation, HRA/VEBA plan.
• Optional voluntary benefits: life insurance, disability, accident coverage, flexible spending account, direct deposit, credit union membership.