Police Officer

City of Olympia; United States; On-site; USD 85,007 - 116,942; Full time

Job summary

The City of Olympia is hiring a Police Officer to enforce the law and ensure public safety. Candidates will patrol designated areas, respond to emergency calls, and prepare detailed reports. Successful applicants will possess a high school diploma or GED, and must complete training at an approved academy.

This position offers competitive compensation ranging from $94,453.56 to $116,942.40 annually, based on levels of experience. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 21 years of age.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles and practices of modern police work.
• Ability to cope with varied situations with tact and discretion.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License upon employment.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated area of the City during assigned shift.
• Responds to calls for assistance or investigation.
• Prepares written reports in accordance with departmental policies.

Skills

Communication

Tact and discretion

First Aid

Firearm safety

Self-defense safety

Education

High School graduation or GED

Graduation from an approved academy

Job description

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

Compensation Ranges: Police Recruit Salary: $85,007.52 – $89,258.16; Police Officer Salary: $94,453.56 – $116,942.40.

Essential Functions

• Police Officers are employed at three levels: Recruit, Academy Graduate, Advanced Entry.
• Recruit: no prior police experience; employed at 10% below step A of salary; must attend and complete the WSCJTC-approved law enforcement training academy within 6 months; advance to step A after FTO training.
• Academy Graduate: requires graduation from approved academy prior to appointment; employed at 10% below step A; advance to step A after FTO.
• Advanced Entry: requires prior police experience and academy graduation; upon completion of FTO expected to perform duties independently; if academy outside Washington, must establish equivalency per WSCJTC after appointment.

Examples of Duties

1. Patrols designated area of the City during assigned shift in patrol car, motorcycle or on foot.
2. Responds to calls for assistance or investigation; establishes and maintains control of persons and traffic; protects life and property; conducts preliminary investigations; gathers evidence; takes statements; issues citations; 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 to schools, community action groups and the general public.
6. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Typical Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles and practices of modern police work, including laws governing arrest, custody, search and seizure, evidence.
• Knowledge of patrol procedures, criminal investigation techniques, criminal identification and records maintenance.
• Knowledge of court rules and procedures and radio procedures.
• Abilities: cope with varied situations with tact, discretion, courtesy; prepare accurate, timely reports; follow instructions; communicate effectively; maintain composure under stress; establish effective working relationships; practice first aid; use firearms safely; use self‑defense weapons safely.

Required Experience / Education

• Recruit: High School graduation or GED.
• Academy Graduate: Must have been employed as full‑time paid peace officer with municipal, county, state or federal agency within previous 24 months; graduation from approved academy; meet WSCJTC equivalency standards.
• Advanced Entry: Must have been employed as full‑time paid peace officer for at least 24 months within previous 24 months; graduation from approved academy; meet WSCJTC equivalency standards.

Special Requirements

• U.S. citizen and at least 21 years of age at hire.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License upon employment.
• Successful completion of polygraph, psychological examinations, and criminal background investigation prior to hire.
• Ability to meet and maintain physical and health standards; possess firearm in accordance with federal or state regulations.
• Conviction of misdemeanor domestic‑violence offense may result in not being hired or termination.

Union

Police Guild Compensation: $94,453.56 – $116,942.40.

Equal Opportunity and ADA Accommodations

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer strongly committed to honoring diversity, equity, and belonging within our workforce and community.