Police Officer - BLEA Certified or Academy Graduate

Police Officer – BLEA Certified or Academy Graduate

Mount Vernon, WA – $10,000.00–$25,000.00

If you have been employed full‑time as a law enforcement officer with a civilian agency within the last 24 months and that position lasted at least one year, you may qualify as a Lateral Entry Police Officer. The City of Mount Vernon seeks experienced Police Officers who are passionate about community service and are ready to serve our city.

To consistently seek and find ways to affirmatively promote, preserve, and deliver a feeling of security, safety, and productive, quality services to citizens and visitors in our community.

• Patrol designated areas of the city in a police patrol vehicle and/or on foot to deter and discover crime; conduct on‑scene investigations at crime scenes; assist persons in trouble; and provide public services as needed.
• Enforce traffic and parking ordinances; operate a radar unit to detect speed violations; check vehicles for stolen status and vice‑versa; and provide traffic control assistance when necessary.
• Issue citations to violators of city ordinances; serve warrants of arrest; arrest persons on misdemeanor and felony charges; handcuff and search arrested persons and secure their custody; and complete reports of the alleged crime.
• Respond to reports of possible crime, secure the scene, interview victims and witnesses, gather evidence, arrest suspects, and complete incident and arrest reports.
• Report to scenes of automobile accidents, administer emergency first aid, summon aid vehicles, and compile standard accident reports.
• Assist drivers in stalled vehicles and pedestrians in distress; interview persons; provide information on laws and ordinances; and refer individuals to appropriate agencies if necessary.
• Investigate family disputes, maltreatment reports, and complaints about mentally ill persons; preserve peace during conflicts; and address citizen complaints.
• Perform guard duty at hospitals and courts; transfer prisoners to and from jail.
• Conduct thorough investigations of reported crimes, including evidence collection, victim and witness interviews, suspect identification, and search warrants; present findings to the Detective Division and Prosecuting Attorney.
• Develop street contacts for crime information; maintain contact with paroled criminals and suspects; perform undercover and decoy work; and investigate stolen property outlets.
• Testify in court and serve necessary court documents; serve as Court Officer if required.
• Attend required training sessions.
• Perform specialized duties based on experience and departmental needs.
• Respond to bomb threats and hazardous material searches.
• Represent the Department in public speaking assignments.

• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 90 quarter hours (60 semester) at an accredited college or university.
• Military veterans with at least 60 credits on their Joint Service Transcript (JST) will be accepted in lieu of college education.
• U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or DACA recipient.
• Out‑of‑state applicants must obtain a valid Washington State driver’s license before the end of probation.
• Must pass:
  • Oral Civil Service Examination
  • Physical Fitness Examination
  • Background Investigation
  • Polygraph Examination
  • Psychological Examination
  • Medical Examination

• Graduates of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) Basic Academy holding a current and valid certification.
• Trainees attending the WSCJTC Basic Academy who have completed the mid‑term exam and are scheduled for graduation within 60 days of applying.
• Graduates of the Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (PRLEA) recognized by WSCJTC as a general authority Washington peace officer with full authority.

All candidates must pass an entrance interview and examination conducted by the Civil Service Examiner.

• Federal and state laws and established police principles, policies, & procedures.
• Modern police methods and procedures.
• Laws of arrest, search, and seizure.
• Principles of crime and accident investigation.
• Basic techniques for crime…