Police Officer; Entry Level

ENTRY LEVEL OFFICER INCENTIVE

Hiring Bonus of $10,000 for entry‑level police officers hired by the City of Puyallup, paid in two installments of $5,000 each upon completion of the Police Training Officer (PTO) program and at the end of the probationary period. If an officer separates before completing three years, the full bonus must be repaid.

$8,070.00 – $10,759.00 monthly salary.

• Patrol Shift Differential – 5.77% for 12‑hour shifts on a 24‑day cycle.
• Education Incentive Pay – 4% for a Bachelor’s degree; 2% for an Associate degree or 90 credits.
• Premium Pay – 7.5% for ISU Detectives, 5% for Police Training Officers, 3% for Canine, SWAT, School Resources, Community Outreach, and Motorcycle Officers; 4% for Metro Cities Major Collision Response Team certified as Recon; 2% for Technician; 1% for Bilingual, Accreditation Premium. Multiple premiums may stack.
• Longevity Pay – begins at five years of service.
• Deferred compensation plan with city match up to 4% of base wage.
• Group insurance covering medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability for employees and dependents. First‑year premiums modest; after one calendar year of meeting wellness program incentives, premiums are paid 100% by the city.

• Patrol assigned areas of the city to preserve law and order and enforce traffic regulations.
• Answer calls and complaints involving traffic accidents, domestic situations, robberies, disturbances, and felonies.
• Conduct preliminary investigations, gather evidence, locate and question witnesses.
• Apprehend, interview, and arrest suspects; restrain when necessary.
• Perform crime‑scene work, surveillance, and testify as a witness in court.
• Prepare and submit reports and operate computers with database and word‑processing software.
• Assist other jurisdictions and agencies as required.
• Participate in undercover investigations of narcotics, gambling, vice, and related activities.
• Respond to emergency duties on any notice.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

• Work collaboratively with the community to solve law‑enforcement issues.
• Meet minimum physical standards as specified in the Cooper Test or other approved test.
• Learn state and local laws, policies, and procedures.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with co‑workers.
• Communicate effectively in English (speaking, reading, writing).
• Maintain reliable, punctual attendance.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

• Minimum 21 years old at the time of testing.
• United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, or deferred‑action for childhood arrivals recipient.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.

• Successful completion of an 18‑month trial service period.
• Obtain breathalyzer and radar operator certifications as required.
• Maintain required physical fitness and health standards.
• No visible offensive tattoos or body art in uniform.

Entry‑level applications are accepted continuously through Public Safety Testing. Candidates are evaluated on written tests, a physical ability test, a competitive oral interview, and background investigation. The minimum passing score is 70. Top candidates may be invited for a second interview and a comprehensive background check. Veterans receive special scoring criteria if applicable.

The work schedule for patrol officers is a 12‑hour, four‑day‑off cycle. Other positions may have different schedules. The position is part of the Puyallup Police Association bargaining unit. The City is a drug‑free, tobacco‑free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity – The City of Puyallup is an EEO employer and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics.

Disability – The City will consider reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Contact Human Resources for more information about the certification process and the application requirements.