Police Officer

Job Summary

Prior to application, candidates must first pass a written and physical exam through Public Safety Testing and submit their scores to City of Sequim via the Public Safety Testing website ().

A Police Officer’s primary responsibility is to maintain peace, safety, and order, and to protect life and property through impartial enforcement of federal, state, and local laws. Under the direction of a Sergeant or command staff, the Police Officer is responsible for protecting lives and property within his/her jurisdiction. It is important for officers to maintain a high public profile to deter criminal behavior.

Base wage range for this position is $38.41–$47.49 per hour. According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, employees will start at the lower end of the salary range, with the potential for additional earnings through longevity pay, education pay, and other benefits.

This is a non‑supervisory position; however, the Officer may be responsible for providing guidance, training, and evaluation to new recruits and reserve police officers.

• Operates a motor vehicle for extended periods of time in all environmental conditions and on occasion at high speeds and in congested traffic situations.
• Patrols city limits from a patrol car or on foot or bicycle to monitor activity.
• Directs traffic in congested and emergency areas; reports safety hazards.
• Responds to scenes of collisions, investigates cause, and takes enforcement action.
• Responds to the scenes of crimes, traffic collisions and accidents, searching for and preserving evidence.
• Interviews victims, witnesses and potential suspects.
• Patrols and examines buildings and residences to detect suspicious conditions.
• Monitors and enforces traffic laws and safety ordinances within a prescribed jurisdiction.
• Issues criminal citations and infractions.
• Identifies and eliminates hazards to public safety.
• Detects and/or prevents criminal activities.
• Apprehends individuals suspected of unlawful activity, while observing constitutional and legal guidelines.
• Responds to calls for service and assistance from citizens.
• Conducts detailed investigations, identifies and interviews witnesses, victims and suspects, and gathers information that pertains to suspected criminal activities.
• Records information related to daily patrol activities and prepares reports based on this information to aid in the prosecution of offenders.
• Prepares reports pertaining to arrests and investigations.
• Appears in court to testify as needed.
• Provides first aid as needed.
• Conducts light preventative maintenance on departmental equipment.
• May conduct follow‑up investigations based upon reports and other data compiled by department personnel.

Applicant must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. An associate’s degree from an accredited institution is highly desired. Attendance at and graduation from the Washington State Basic Police Academy is required by state law and will be covered as an employee of the City. Must be able to pass Washington State standards for police officers, maintain strict confidentiality, read and interpret ordinances, laws, and operating procedures, and communicate effectively orally and in writing.

CPR, AED, and first aid certification, qualification in the use of firearms, and training in the use of specialized police equipment such as radar and breathalyzer machines are required. Maintaining a valid Washington State driver’s license throughout employment, along with proof of insurability, is required. Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the field training program and probation.

• Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills, with a high level of maturity, emotional stability, and the ability to exercise sound judgment under stress, particularly in crisis situations.
• Ability to respond to varying situations with tact and diplomacy and to deal with stressful, hostile, or irrational persons, whether due to physical or mental disability, drugs, socioeconomic differences, or other factors.
• Ability to maintain objective approaches to…