Lateral Police Officer

City of Tukwila

Seattle (WA)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 120,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Take home car program

Paid holidays

VEBA health savings

Employer pension contributions

Employee wellness program

Job summary

The City of Tukwila Police Department is hiring police officers to serve a diverse community of 22,000 residents. Candidates must graduate from a basic law enforcement academy and may pursue lateral entry with post-academy experience; a thorough background investigation is conducted prior to hire.

Applicants will complete a series of screenings, including tests, transcripts, and medical evaluations. The department offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a supporting work environment.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Completion of a recognized police training academy or equivalent courses (WSCJTC).
Lateral Entry candidates must have 24+ months post-academy experience in a commissioned law enforcement role and complete FTO/PTO.

Responsibilities

Performs investigative tasks and evaluates cases; collects and preserves evidence; interrogates suspects and questions witnesses.
Enforces traffic and parking regulations; directs traffic; writes detailed reports of incidents.
Conducts searches, seizures, warrants, and arrests as appropriate under department rules.

Skills

Law enforcement principles

Arrest/search/seizure laws

Verbal & written communication

Independent judgment

Police vehicle operation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Police training academy completion

Job description

Description

**Please read the educational and experience requirements on this posting. Ensure to include on your application: name(s) of basic law enforcement academy attended, credits completed, which State or Territory you have fulfilled your training, and attach your Police Academy Certification.**

About Our Community

The City of Tukwila is a unique and exciting city to live, work and visit even though it is just under 10 square miles. With a population of only 22,000 residents, the city sees upwards of 150,000 visitors and workers daily. The residential population is also host to individuals from all over the world with over 80 languages spoken by students of the Tukwila School District making it a truly unique community.

About The Tukwila Police Department

The Tukwila Police Department is a municipal police department with 77 commissioned officers and 24 non-commissioned support staff. We are fortunate to work in a supportive environment with supportive community members, supportive elected officials, and supportive police department command staff. Our officers come from all walks of life and experiences including lateral officers from all over the country. We genuinely support and care about our officers, their mental health and general wellbeing. As such, we provide our officers with a set schedule with the same weekdays off and every other Saturday off, 490 hours of leave per year, the ability to work out on‑duty and a supportive environment to help them grow throughout their careers. Their families are also valued and supported as part of our greater law enforcement family.

MISSION STATEMENT

As an involved part of the Tukwila community, our mission is to provide public safety services that are professional, compassionate and transparent. As individuals and teams, we are committed to earning the public's trust with skills, professionalism and collaboration.

CORE VALUES

SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
BUILDING POSITIVE, STRONG TEAMS.
BEING ACCOUNTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY.
GROWING IN COMPETENCY AND EMPATHY.

WHY CHOOSE THE CITY OF TUKWILA

Competitive salary with scheduled step increases on an annual basis
Excellent medical, dental, and vision plans
Employer contributions to the State Retirement System pension plan
Deferred Compensation plan options.
Paid holidays as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement
VEBA (tax‑free health savings account)
Employee Wellness Program in addition to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
**TAKE HOME CAR PROGRAM**

Officers have opportunities to receive the following additional compensation and pay incentives

Education (2% police‑related Associate’s degree; 4% Bachelor's or higher degree)
Tuition Reimbursement
Longevity Pay starting after 5 years of service
Overtime opportunities
Specialty Assignment pay ranging from 5% to 7%
Night shift differential – 2%
Option to have Kelly Days and Holiday Bank paid out.

Selection and Civil Service Testing Guidelines

Civil Service Testing for certified and lateral entry consists of complete online application (including transcripts), a telephone interview, written exam, background investigation, polygraph examination, written/oral psychological exams, and a medical exam. The testing is scheduled at your convenience. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to humanresources@tukwilawa.gov

Veteran's Preference Points

City of Tukwila follows the guidance given by the State of Washington regarding applying veteran's points. Please attach a copy of your DD214 or NGB Form 22 to your online application if you are eligible to claim these points.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Performs investigative tasks, evaluates cases for leads and investigation direction; collects and preserves evidence; interrogates suspects and questions witnesses.
Enforces traffic and parking regulations; directs traffic; makes detailed investigations and reports of traffic accidents.
Determines when lawful search, seizure and arrest should be attempted; such actions may include a foot chase and/or vehicle pursuit, when necessary.
Performs a variety of judicial assistance activities; including testifying in court and related activities required to enforce municipal and other laws and ordinances.
Assists in departmental administrative and supervisory activities as assigned, including performing public relation assignments.
Operates firearms in compliance with department rules.
Cleans and maintains assigned firearms and vehicles.
Patrols designated area of city in police vehicle on assigned shift; foot patrol of districts s assigned.
Completes special details as assigned by the Sergeant and prepares reports and documents to maintain a record of activities.
Writes reports, maintains daily logs and other related reports.
Serves warrants; makes arrests and transports prisoners to jail.
Responds to and investigates citizens' complaints and provides service to citizens.
Represents department by speaking at public meetings on special topics of interest or on law enforcement in general.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry)

Methods, principles and practices of law enforcement and crime prevention;
The laws governing arrest, custody of prisoners, search and seizure, and rules of evidence.

SKILLS (position Requirements At Entry)

Ability to exercise independent judgment in emergency situations in accordance with departmental rules and regulations
Ability to safely operate police vehicles
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Ability to establish effective working relationships with court officials, business persons, public organization representatives, attorneys, other law enforcement personnel and the general public; and
Ability to meet the special requirements listed below

Education, Experience And Other Requirements

TRAINING, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS (Position requirements at entry):

High school diploma or equivalent and completion of a recognized police training academy or equivalent courses necessary to allow certification with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC); AND
Must have been employed as a commissioned law enforcement officer on a full‑time basis with a municipal, county, State, or WSCJTC approved federal agency for a period of time exceeding 24 of the last 36 months (post academy experience) at time of application. AND
Lateral Entry applicants must have successfully completed a field training program (FTO or PTO) and be non‑probationary officers.

To learn more about Basic Equivalency Academy - WAC 139‑05‑210 (3)(b), please click on: Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Please note: Reserve Officers, Auxiliary Officers, Special Police Officers, Correction Officers and Military Police (MP) Officers do not qualify for lateral entry. Tribal officers who are not currently certified by the WSCJTC do not qualify for lateral entry. **

Special Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of employment;
Must possess, or be able to obtain, by the time of hire, a valid Washington State driver's license without a record of suspension or revocation in any state;
Must be a citizen of the United States of America or lawful Permanent Resident who can read and write the English language.

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of National Incident Management System (ICS) 100/200, and (NIMS) 700/800 courses. Candidates that have not completed these courses prior to hire will be required to complete them within 1 year of their hire date.

Physical Activity/Requirements

Ability to accurately shoot department firearms;
Ability to walk, run, stoop and bend;
Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition
Must be able to pass Physical Agility Test

Other Requirements: Automatic Disqualification barring employment in the City of Tukwila Police Department

Any adult felony conviction on current criminal record at time of application;
Any juvenile felony conviction within the past five years;
Conviction of any crime of violence, including domestic violence;
Commission of any sexual offense within the past 10 years;
Any conviction of a felony crime at any time while employed in any capacity with Law Enforcement Agency (including volunteer, intern, Explorer, and reserve positions);
Any theft of property or money within the last five years;
Any conviction for a sex related crime;
Ever having to register as a sex offender, regardless of conviction status;
Any conviction for solicitation of prostitution;
Any misdemeanor convictions for crimes not specifically stated above will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis.
Lateral applicants who were terminated, resigned in lieu of termination or would not otherwise be considered for rehire by their former department or agency are not eligible for a lateral position.

Drug Use

As an adult, convicted of any felony drug crime;
Have used mushrooms within the last one year;
Marijuana: excessive use within the past 12 months. Marijuana use will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis.
Used hallucinogens (including GHB and ecstasy; excludes mushrooms), cocaine, methamphetamine, or opiates within the last 10 years;
Usage of any other illegal drug, including steroids and prescription abuse, will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis;
Have illegally used 4 or more different controlled substances, including marijuana, in the last 10 years;
Have ever manufactured, transported or cultivated illegal drugs (including marijuana) for the purpose of sale or distribution;
Have used any illegal drugs while employed in a criminal justice capacity;
Have ever obtained or used a prescription drug under false pretenses;
Have ever, at any time, injected amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, barbiturates, or valium;
Have ever illegally used a drug after submitting an application to any Law Enforcement Agency;
Have ever sold or distributed illegal drugs, including marijuana;
Any more than two drug convictions for any of the narcotics listed above.

Traffic Record

Any criminal traffic conviction within the past 5 years. Violation examples include, but are not limited to: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, negligent driving, or hit and run driving.
Suspension or revocation of your driver's license (for any traffic violation) within five years of the date of the employment application.
Any more than two criminal convictions for traffic related offenses.

Financial Record

Any willful failure to pay income tax or court ordered child support is disqualifying;
A credit check will be conducted regarding your financial history.

Military Record

Must have been discharged from the Military under honorable conditions.
Any discharge other than honorable will be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.

Potential Disqualification

Any applicant who maintains an on‑going relationship with individuals who are criminals and/or who are reputed to be involved in recent or current criminal activity;
An applicant's criminal record, including all arrests, prosecutions, deferred prosecutions, "Alford" pleases, and non‑conviction information will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification;
Commission of any crime (non‑conviction).

The City of Tukwila conducts a through background investigation prior to hire. If you are selected to move forward in the hiring process, you will be required to respond to these questions. Any untruthful responses will disqualify you for employment with our agency. Please carefully review the supplemental questions #1 - #31 and respond honestly. Terms to remember when completing these questions: "POSSESSION" is defined as having actual physical control of any illegal (non-prescribed) drug for personal use with the intent to commit a crime. "USE" is defined as trying, testing, or experimenting which includes but is not limited to - tasting, smoking, injecting, absorbing, sniffing, or inhaling. Do you understand the importance of these terms and answering supplemental questions #1 - #31 honestly?

Have You Ever Worked For The City Of Tukwila? If You Answer "yes", Please Describe Month/year And Department You Worked For:

For questions #4-#15, it is related to past drug use. ****PLEASE BE SURE TO READ CAREFULLY**** Terms to remember when completing these questions are identified in the RCW of State of Washington:

Schedule I Drugs (RCW 69.50.204) - Examples could include: Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, Ecstasy, LSD, Peyote, GHB, Methaqualone, Marijuana/Cannabis, etc.
Schedule II Drugs (RCW 69.50.206) - Examples could include: Opium, Cocaine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Depressants, Hallucinogenic substances, etc.
Schedule III Drugs (RCW 69.50.208) - Examples could include: Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Ketamine, Anabolic steroids, Hallucinogenic substances
Schedule IV Drugs (RCW 69.50.210) - Examples could include: Barbital, Diazepam, Fludiazepam, Halazepam, Lorazepam, Phenobarbital, etc.
Schedule V Drugs (RCW 69.50.212) - Examples could include any compound, mixture, or preparation containing narcotic drugs or their salts calculated as anhydrous base or alkaloid which also includes substance containing in active medicinal, depressants, lacosamid, or pregabalin.

Have you used any drugs from Schedule I Drugs (RCW 69.50.204) - Examples could include: Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, Ecstasy, LSD, Peyote, GHB, Methaqualone, Marijuana/Cannabis, etc.? If yes, when?

Have you used any drugs from Schedule II Drugs (RCW 69.50.206) - Examples could include: Opium, Cocaine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Depressants, Hallucinogenic substances, etc. If yes, when?

Have you ever possessed or used non-prescribed Opiates?

Have you used any drugs from Schedule III Drugs (RCW 69.50.208) - Examples could include: Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Ketamine, Anabolic steroids, Hallucinogenic substances. If yes, when?

Have you used any drugs from Schedule IV Drugs (RCW 69.50.210) - Examples could include: Barbital, Diazepam, Fludiazepam, Halazepam, Lorazepam, Phenobarbital, etc. If yes, when?

Have you used any drugs from Schedule V Drugs (RCW 69.50.212) - Examples could include any compound, mixture, or preparation containing narcotic drugs or their salts calculated as anhydrous base or alkaloid which also includes substance containing in active medicinal, depressants, lacosamid, or pregabalin. If yes, when?

Have you possessed or used any non-prescribed Schedule I - Schedule V drugs (except for Marijuana/Hashish) in the last 12 months? This also applies to synthetic versions of these drugs. If yes, when?

Have you ever trafficked, sold, offered to sell, or transported for sale any illegal drugs?

Have you ever injected any non-prescribed illegal drugs?

Have you ever possessed or used any non-prescribed Schedule I - Schedule V drugs (including Marijuana/Hashish) after submitting any law enforcement application?

Have you intentionally inhaled (huffed) any aerosol or substance (nitrous oxide, whippets, paint, glue, DXM, etc.) in the last ten (10) years?

For the following questions #15 - #22, will be related to convictions. If you answered "Yes" to one or more questions listed in #15 through #22, you MUST provide detailed information (including dates) for each situation. NOT PROVIDING AN EXPLANATION FOR EACH "YES" ANSWER WILL DISQUALIFY YOU FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Terms to remember when completing these questions: "Conviction" refers to any disposition adverse to you. A decision not to prosecute, a dismissal, or acquittal will not be considered a conviction for the purpose of these questions; however, a dismissal received after a period of probation, suspension, or deferral of prosecution or sentence will be considered a conviction for the purposes of these questions. Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Please answer yes or no.

Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor involving DUI?

Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor involving the use or possession of firearms in the commission of a crime, crimes of violence (i.e., domestic violence, assault, sex crimes, etc.), or controlled substances?

Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor in the last three (3) years?

Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor (other than those listed in PBE13) OVER the age of 21?

Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor UNDER the age of 21?

Have you had any criminal traffic convictions (Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving 2nd Degree, etc.) in the last five (5) years?

Have you ever been convicted of a crime or had a charge reduced or dismissed for any reason?

As part of the pre-employment process, are you willing and able to undergo an extensive background investigation? This would include a polygraph examination, credit check, criminal records check, and fingerprinting.

Have you attached your letter of interest and resume to your application?

This job requires that candidates be a graduate of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy that is recognized by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission as a general authority Washington Peace Officer with the full authority of a general authority peace officer commissioned to enforce local laws of the state of Washington generally as set forth in RCW 10.92.020(4). This includes successful completion of the Equivalency training to receive state certification. Are you a graduate of Basic Law Enforcement Academy? If yes, please upload a copy of your certificate of completion prior to submitting your application.

This position requires Lateral candidates to have been employed as a commissioned law enforcement officer on a full-time basis with a municipal, county, State, or WSCJTC approved federal agency for a period of time exceeding 24 of the last 36 months (post academy experience) at time of application. AND Lateral Entry applicants must have successfully completed a field training program (FTO or PTO) and be non-probationary officers. Are you currently employed as a commissioned law enforcement officer on a full-time basis with a municipal, county, State, or WSCJTC approved federal agency for a period of time exceeding 24 of the last 36 months (post academy experience) at time of application, and have you successfully completed FTO or PTO?

Are you 21 or older?

Are you currently a U.S. citizen, have legal permanent residency in the United States, or a DACA recipient?

Veteran's Preference Scoring Criteria (RCW: 41.04.007) - Recognizing those serving in Armed Forces to assist qualifying individuals to be given some degree of preference in appointments to government jobs. If applicable, have you attached DD214 or NGB Form 22 as part of scoring criteria?

I understand and accept that prior to hire, a thorough background investigation is conducted. The background investigation includes contacting references, former employers, friends, family, neighbors, as well as a credit history check and a polygraph exam. I also understand that a psychological exam and drug screen must also be passed with satisfactory results prior to hire.

I have read the City of Tukwila's list of automatic disqualifiers. Based on this list provided in the posting, I attest that I am eligible for employment with the Tukwila Police Department.