Police Officer; Experienced Lateral

Position Description

The City of Tacoma is seeking Lateral Police Officers to join the Tacoma Police Department. The department will give hiring priority to in-state lateral candidates for any immediate vacancies. Qualified out-of-state candidates will be placed on an eligible list for interview and hiring consideration and may be considered for subsequent vacancies. At this time the department is placing out-of-state lateral candidates at step 4 ($59.55*) in the hiring range;

in‑state laterals will be placed at step 5 ($62.53*) in the range. In‑state laterals with 5+ years will start at step #6. Step placement is at the discretion of the hiring authority and is subject to change at any time.

• Patrol assigned areas to prevent crime, enforce laws and ordinances, ensure traffic safety, and provide general public assistance.
• Respond to crimes, accidents, and calls for service; secure scenes, provide first aid, and perform preliminary investigations.
• Detect, apprehend, and arrest suspects; execute warrants; collect evidence; prepare reports; and testify in court.
• Engage with citizens, other agencies, and city personnel to exchange information, resolve issues, and support community safety.
• Maintain proficiency with police equipment, firearms, vehicles, computers, and specialized tools; participate in training as required.

• Knowledge of laws, policies, and law enforcement procedures, including state, county, and city laws; department policies; rules of evidence; and modern policing practices.
• Patrol, investigation, and crime scene skills: ability to respond to emergencies, preserve evidence, conduct preliminary investigations, and take appropriate action.
• Proficiency with equipment and technology: skilled in operating police vehicles, firearms, specialized equipment, and basic computer applications.
• Communication and reporting abilities: clear and effective oral and written communication, including preparing accurate reports and presenting testimony in court.
• Judgment, decision‑making, and problem‑solving: ability to analyze situations, exercise independent judgment, and adopt effective courses of action under stress.
• First aid and emergency response knowledge: basic first aid skills and the ability to provide immediate assistance at crime and accident scenes.
• Interpersonal and community‑relations skills: ability to work effectively with diverse individuals, maintain cooperative relationships, and support community policing efforts.

• Must be currently employed as a law enforcement officer or have been employed as a law enforcement officer in the last 24 months. There may not be more than a 24‑month break in service.
• Must have 12 or more months of continuous post‑commissioned street patrol experience. Non‑patrol sworn officer experience, such as jail/corrections/court, or dispatch, does not count toward "street patrol experience" in calculating the total months of post‑commissioned experience.
• Must be a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident.
• Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D.
• Out‑of‑state lateral commission must be approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Commission.
• Applicants who failed probation, were terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, are about to be terminated, or would not be considered for rehire by their former department or agency, are not eligible for a lateral position.

• Successful completion of law enforcement academy training approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
• Valid Driver's License.

To create a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and visit by working together with the community, enforcing the law in a fair and impartial manner, preserving the peace and order in our neighborhoods, and safeguarding our Constitutional guarantees.

Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Applicants must pass all phases both before and after the eligibility list is established, including driving record, credit history, conviction/arrest record, work history,…