Lateral Police Officer

City of Olympia; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Phased signing bonus of $25,000

One-time leave bank of 106.7 hours

Support for work-life balance

Job summary

The City of Olympia is seeking dedicated Police Officers to enforce the law and ensure public safety. Responsibilities include patrolling assigned areas, responding to emergencies, and preparing accurate reports.

Qualified candidates will undergo rigorous screening and training, including completion of a law enforcement training academy. The City values diversity and offers competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years of age.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License required.
• Successful completion of polygraph and psychological examinations.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas and respond to police assistance calls.
• Prepare written reports according to departmental policies.
• Testify in court as a witness or arresting officer.

Skills

Modern police work principles

Criminal investigation techniques

Verbal and written communication

First aid practices

Effective use of self-defense weapons

Education

High School graduation or GED equivalent

Graduation from approved law enforcement training academy

Tools

Firearms

Job description

Under general supervision, performs general duty police work to enforce the law, preserve public safety and order, and apprehend offenders.

Lateral Hiring Signing Bonus

• $25,000 phased incentive for qualified lateral police officer hires. ($10,000 upon hire, $5,000 after successful completion of field training, $10,000 at the completion of probation (18 months)).
• In addition, each lateral hire will receive a one‑time leave bank of 106.7 hours of annual leave.
• Participating officers are required to serve a minimum of three years with the Olympia Police Department. Officers who voluntarily separate before meeting this requirement are obligated to repay the incentive on a prorated basis, with exceptions for medical retirement, injury, or disability.

Essential Functions

The information contained in this classification specification is a representative sample of essential and other functions performed in this classification. Specific essential functions are identified for position recruitment or other administrative procedures.

Distinguishing Characteristics

1. Police Officers are employed at three distinct levels, Police Officer – Recruit, Police Officer – Academy Graduate, and Police Officer – Advanced Entry.
2. The levels are distinguished as follows:

1. Police Officer – Recruit:
   1. Requires no prior police experience.
   2. Recruits are employed at a rate 10% below step A of the salary range.
   3. When recruits complete FTO training and are capable of independently performing assigned police duties, they advance to step A of the salary range.
   4. As a condition of employment, recruits are required to attend and successfully complete the law enforcement training academy approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) within 6 months of hire.
2. Police Officer – Academy Graduate:
   1. Requires graduation from an approved law enforcement training academy prior to appointment.
   2. Graduates are employed at a rate 10% below step A of the salary range.
   3. When graduates complete FTO training and are capable of independently performing assigned police duties, they advance to step A of the salary range.
   4. Graduation from an approved academy and ability to meet equivalency standards prescribed by the WSCJTC is required.
3. Police Officer – Advanced Entry:
   1. Requires prior police experience and graduation from an approved law enforcement training academy prior to appointment.
   2. Advanced Entry officers who complete their FTO training are expected to independently perform assigned duties.
   3. Candidates who completed a law enforcement academy outside of Washington State are responsible for establishing equivalency after appointment.

Examples of Duties

1. Patrols designated area of the City during an assigned shift in a patrol car, on a motorcycle or on foot.
2. Responds to calls for police assistance or investigation; establishes and maintains control of persons and traffic at the scene; provides protection of life and property, conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence, takes statements, issues citations and makes arrests.
3. Prepares written reports in accordance with departmental policies and procedures, including case, complaint and shift reports.
4. Appears personally in court and testifies as witness or arresting officer.
5. Prepares and presents oral presentations as a public service to schools, community action groups and the general public.
6. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Typical Qualifications—Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern police work and the laws governing arrest, custody of prisoners, search and seizure and rules of evidence.
2. Knowledge of patrol procedures, criminal investigation techniques, criminal identification and records maintenance.
3. Knowledge of court rules and procedures.
4. Knowledge of radio procedures.
5. Ability to cope with a wide variety of situations with tact, discretion, courtesy and respect for citizens' rights.
6. Ability to prepare written reports in an accurate, comprehensive, timely and legible manner.
7. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
8. Ability to speak effectively to individuals and groups.
9. Ability to maintain composure and take responsible action during stressful or dangerous situations.
10. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and enforcement officials, general public and other employees.
11. Ability to practice first aid.
12. Ability to use and maintain firearms.
13. Skill in the safe and effective use of self‑defense weapons and methods.

Required Experience/Education

1. Police Officer – Recruit: High School graduation or GED equivalent.
2. Police Officer – Academy Graduate: Must be employed as a full‑time, paid peace officer with a municipal, county, state, or federal law enforcement agency within the previous 24 months at the time of application. Graduation from an approved academy and ability to meet equivalency standards prescribed by the WSCJTC is required.
3. Police Officer – Advanced Entry: Must be employed as a full‑time, paid peace officer with a municipal, county, state, or federal law enforcement agency within the previous 24 months at the time of application and must have been continuously employed as a full‑time, paid peace officer for at least 24 months. Graduation from an approved academy and ability to meet equivalency standards prescribed by the WSCJTC is required.

Special Requirements

1. Police Officers must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
2. A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required upon employment.
3. Successful completion of polygraph and psychological examinations, and criminal background investigation are required prior to hire.
4. Ability to meet and maintain physical and health standards is a condition of employment.
5. Ability to possess a firearm in accordance with Federal or State regulations is a condition of continuing employment.
6. Conviction of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may result in not being hired or termination of employment.

Union

Police Guild Compensation (minimum-maximum): $0.00 - $0.00. Exempt: No.

Contact Information

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at [e-mail]. The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Manny Bosser, Director of Human Resources, at [phone] or [e-mail]. This contact is for ADA accommodations only. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager noted in the Contact section near the top of this recruitment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Olympia provides competitive pay, great benefits, and supports work‑life balance. We are an equal opportunity employer strongly committed to honoring diversity, equity and belonging within our workforce and community. Please consider bringing your talents to the City of Olympia, where we value compassion, integrity and effectiveness in our work to make a difference every day.