ENTRY LEVEL POLICE OFFICER - PUBLIC SAFETY TESTING

City Of Walla Walla; Walla Walla (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual Incentive

Education Incentive

Shift Differential

YMCA Membership – Corporate Discount

Direct Deposit

Job summary

City of Walla Walla Police Department seeks dedicated officers to patrol assigned areas, enforce laws, and provide emergency aid to the public. Responsibilities include investigating incidents, interviewing involved parties, collecting evidence, and maintaining detailed reports.

Officers may assist in training and participate in special assignments such as traffic control or school resource programs. Candidates must meet minimum qualifications, pass required exams, and be prepared for a

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED is required and a written, physical ability, and oral examination must be passed.
• Must pass polygraph, medical and psychological exams with acceptable results.
• Minimum age 21 with U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned area to prevent crime and enforce laws and regulations.
• Observe, report, and act on conditions conducive to crime, including traffic control and security checks.
• Investigate incidents, interview victims, witnesses and suspects, and document evidence.
• Prepare concise incident and arrest reports; appear in court to testify when required.
• Assist in training, special investigations, crime prevention, and community outreach.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

Communication

Decision making

Critical thinking

Crisis intervention

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associates degree desirable

Bachelor's degree desirable

Job description

Description

Visit Public Safety Testing for testing information and to schedule a test.

NATURE OF POSITION

Performs a variety of public safety work providing emergency aid, security, and protection to the community's citizens.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General direction and oversight are provided by the assigned Shift Sergeant.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City’s core values: Service - Integrity – Collaboration - Equity - Leadership - Community
• Employees of the Police Department are expected to model and foster the Department’s core values: Service – Pride – Integrity and Return with Honor in all endeavors.
• Patrol assigned area to aid in preventing crime and to enforce Federal, State and City laws and regulations.
• Observe report and act upon conditions conducive to crime and danger such as checking buildings and residences for security, assisting other officers on traffic stops and checking suspicious persons and vehicles. Reports traffic hazards and directs traffic flow when necessary.
• Determines the nature of a call, investigates the circumstances, and takes any necessary and prudent action, such as making arrests and transporting prisoners. Searches prisoners, collects personal effects, and assures proper receipting and safeguarding of personal effects.
• Provides assistance to the public in emergency and non-emergency situations. Administers first aid and requests medical service. Performs crisis intervention in sensitive situations such a family dispute. Provides general information to the public on laws and ordinances. Assists persons with complaints and inquiries or directs them to the appropriate authorities.
• Prepares a variety of records and reports, such as reports on arrests, property impounded, accidents offences, and damage to property.
• Performs investigative assignments on serious crimes; conducts interviews of victims, witnesses, and suspects; submits progress reports on cases under investigation; collects and documents evidence and may arrest suspects.
• Appears in court and is available to testify in matters which the officer has knowledge.
• Maintains proficiency in the use of police related equipment.
• Prepares and maintains legible, concise, and understandable incident reports.
• May perform special assignments related to investigation, crime prevention, traffic control, school resource, K-9, or SWAT.
• May assist in the training of new officers and reservists.

Other Job Functions

• Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance which is essential for successful job performance.
• Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
• Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction.
• Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
• Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
• Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• City ordinances, Civil Service regulations, applicable State and federal laws and WAC rules.
• Content, intent, and application of criminal law.
• Adult and juvenile judicial procedures and criminal justice system.
• Civil and constitutional rights.
• Department regulations, policies, procedures, and general order.
• Laws of arrest, search, and seizure.
• Techniques of investigation and interrogation.
• Criminal case preparation and procedures.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Report writing and case preparation.
• Crime scene management.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Assign, instruct, and review work of subordinates in an effective working relationship.
• Analyze dangerous situations rapidly and accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Enforce State, municipal and other applicable laws.
• Determine appropriate level and scope of Police response.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Police vehicles; desktop and laptop computers; telephones and cell phones; in-car and portable radios; personal protective gear; bullet proof vest; department issued firearms; handcuffs; chemicals; OC pepper spray; Taser; baton; fax machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sitting and standing for extended periods of time; seeing, hearing, and speaking to exchange information; repetitive hand movements; intermittently stand, walk, run, kneel down, stoop, bend at the waist and lift up to 50 pounds; seeing and hearing to conduct work; occasionally fulfill Police Officer duties during call-out for emergencies; may be required to carry, drag or restrain individuals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office environment and field setting at all times and weather conditions; driving a vehicle to conduct work.

Conditions present high stress and threat to personal safety during periods of search and seizure and arrest. Potential threat from exposure to toxic materials, bloodborne pathogens and other potential infectious materials; may be subject to physical threat from unruly and dangerous individuals, criminals, unsafe building sites and gunshots; and may require extended work schedule during period of emergency.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to: Graduation from high school or GED. Applicants must successfully pass a written, physical ability and oral examination prior to a conditional offer of employment. A polygraph, medical and psychological series of exams must also be passed with acceptable results.

Special Requirements

Must be a minimum of 21 years of age; a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; possess valid State driver's license and proof of good driving record; first aid and CPR certification; a background investigation must verify no prior criminal conviction or activity. Must successfully complete the Washington State Law Enforcement Training Commission Academy during an initial eighteen-month trial service period.

Desired Qualifications

An Associates and/or bachelor’s degree desirable. Bilingual in Spanish.

Police Guild Employees

Summary Of Benefits

The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by full-time City of Walla Walla Police Officers. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through the City Council or administrative action, Guild contracts, or changes mandated by state and federal law.

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Employees are eligible the first of the month following the first day of employment.

Employees and all eligible dependents are covered for only $277.77/month.

Medical and Vision - 2 Low Deductible Health Plans to choose from:

• LEOFF Trust Plan F: $100 for individuals, $200 for family.
• Kaiser (HMO) 200: $200 for individuals, $400 for family.

Dental

Delta Dental of Washington PPO. $2,000 per year max; Class I, II and III no deductible. Orthodontia paid at 50% max lifetime payment of $1,500 per covered member.

Hartford Life Insurance

Employees are eligible the first of the month following the first day of employment.

City paid: $50,000 Basic Life Insurance and $50,000 AD&D coverage.

Employee Voluntary: Supplemental Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability coverage available at low premiums.

Washington Council of Police & Sheriff's Disability and Life Insurance Plan

Employees are eligible the first of the month following the first day of employment.

Premier Plan: City pays $6.00, and Employee pays $43.51.

$40,000 Basic Life Insurance and $30,000 AD&D coverage; Dependent Life $2,000. LTD coverage and Line of Duty $30,000.

Deferred Comp

Employees are eligible with their first paycheck upon enrollment. No vesting requirements.

The City will match an employee’s monthly contribution up to 6.2% of the employee’s monthly base rate of pay. Three options include Baker Boyer Bank - BPAS, MissionSquare, or the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). Employee contribution options for pre-tax and Roth.

Retirement Plan

All police officers are members of the Law Enforcement Officer & Fire Fighters (LEOFF II) retirement system. The City and the employee both contribute toward the plan. LEOFF provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. Rates effective as of 09/01/2023. (www.drs.wa.gov)

Current Rates for LEOFF II

Employee Contribution Rate: 8.53%

Employer Contribution Rate: 5.32%

Paid Holidays

On January 1, each employee shall be granted eighty-eight (88) holiday hours for the year. Employees hired during the year shall receive prorated holiday hours. Employees may cash out up to 40 hours of unused holiday leave as of May 31st. Any remaining holiday hours will be cashed out on the November payroll.

Floating Holiday Hours

On January 1, each employee shall be granted thirty-two (32) floating holidays. Employees hired during the year shall receive a prorated floating holiday hour. Floating holidays must be used by year-end or will be forfeited.

Vacation Time

Full-time employees earn vacation leave in increments as outlined below. Vacation leave may be used after completing six (6) months of employment. Maximum carry-over at year-end is 240 hours. Employees may cash out 40 hours annually.

Vacation Accrual per Month

• 0 - 5 years: 6.67 hours
• 5 - 10 years: 10 hours
• 10 - 15 years: 13.33 hours
• 16+ years: 16.67 hours

Sick Leave

New Hires Are Credited With Twelve (12) Days Of Sick Leave On Their Hire Date. No Additional Sick Leave Is Accrued During The First 12 Months Of Employment. Following The Initial Twelve (12) Months Of Employment, Employees Shall Accumulate Sick Leave At a Rate Of Eight (8) Hours Per Month, Unlimited Accrual. The City Also Offers a Sick Leave Cash-out Policy Of 25% Of Hours Over 960 At Year-end, And a Sick Leave Conversion Policy As Outlined Below

Sick Leave Balance

• 480 Hours (converted to vacation)
• 1.33 Hours per Month
• 720 Hours (converted to vacation)
• 2.67 Hours per Month
• 960 Hours (converted to vacation)
• 4.00 Hours per Month

Wellness Program

The City's Wellness Committee promotes healthy lifestyles, wise consumption of health care services, and mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. This committee sponsors numerous activities to encourage personal and professional health.

Employee Assistance Plan

An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by the City to assist you and family members, providing counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.

Safety Statement

In An Effort To Ensure All Employees Work Safe And Go Home Safe, We Expect Our Employees To Comply With All Applicable Safety Practices And Policies, Including Those Established By OSHA/DOSH/WISHA Regulations And By The City's Accident Prevention Plan. This Includes But Is Not Limited To Actively Identifying And Correcting Potential Hazards That May Affect Coworkers And Public Safety. All Employees Are Expected To Lead By Example To Promote a Positive Culture Of Workplace Safety Through Everyday Actions. The City Of Walla Walla Is Committed To Providing a Work Environment That

• Is free of all recognized hazards.
• Promotes safe and healthy tasks and workplaces.
• Values and encourages worker input in all jobs regarding task/facility enhancements.
• Is insistent on the full reporting and investigation of all incidents, i.e., injuries/ illnesses, property accidents and all near misses.
• Is performed by workers and supervisors, who are trained in all operational safety aspects of their jobs, (both mandated by the applicable Washington State requirements and those of the City of Walla Walla’s policies and procedures).

Other Benefits Offered

• Bilingual Incentive - 3%
• Education Incentive - Associates Degree 3% or Bachelors Degree 6%
• Specialty Team Pay
• Shift Differential
• Aflac Insurance
• YMCA Membership – Corporate Discount
• Direct Deposit (payday is the 3rd working day following the last day of the month)

Salary Schedules

The City’s Personnel Policy Manual, Civil Service Rules And Regulations, And The Guild Collective Bargaining Agreement Can Be Found In The Following Links

https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/human-resources/contracts-salaries

https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/human-resources/personnel-policies-civil-service-rules