Police Officer - Entry Level

City of Bothell; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bothell is seeking Police Officers to join the Bothell Police Department. Officers will perform patrol duties, respond to emergencies, and participate in special assignments as needed. The department emphasizes integrity, leadership, and community service.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, be at least 21, and meet the background and medical requirements. A Basic Law Enforcement certificate or CJTC equivalency may be required for out-of-state candidates.

Qualifications

• United States citizenship or lawful permanent resident is required.
• Minimum age of 21 by certification date.
• High school graduate; Associate degree in Law Enforcement preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform patrol assignments and duties of a regular patrol officer, including potential special assignments.
• Possess independent judgment and discretion during emergencies and investigations.
• Assist in criminal investigations and work in accordance with policies and procedures.

Education

Associate degree in Law Enforcement

Job description

Job posting edited as of January 23rd, 2026: Salary information

The salary for 2026 has been included.

Job posting edited as of January 1st, 2026: Salary information

The anticipated salary for 2026 will include 2.7% cost of living adjustment (COLA). The above salary does not reflect the 2026 COLA of 2.7%.

We are seeking individuals who embody uncompromising integrity, courage, compassion, leadership and creativity. Successful candidates will be dedicated professionals who are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others on a daily basis. Applicants should have a desire to seek knowledge and a willingness to learn and grow. We are also looking for individuals who embrace diversity and understand why the inclusion of all races and backgrounds is an important value for our organization and community.

Why Bothell PD?

Working for the Bothell Police Department will allow you to build relationships and make a difference in our community. You will be proud to join the “Blue” and represent the City of Bothell. A career as a Bothell Police Officer provides challenge, excitement, variety, teamwork and job satisfaction. Officers are encouraged to think creatively and “outside the box”.

There are opportunities for lateral movement and training for specialty assignments such as: ALERT Team (Riot Control), Crime Analysis, Detectives, Field Training Officers, Firearms Instructors and Armorers, Hostage Negotiation Team and Training Instructors, Narcotic K-9 Officer, School Resource Officers, Special Response Team (SWAT), and Traffic and Motors Officer.

Patrol officers get a 3-day weekend every other week! Patrol officers work fourteen 12-hour shifts, either days or nights, within a 28 day cycle.

Learn more about the Bothell Police Department here. Learn more about the City of Bothell and the Bothell Community here.

General Responsibilities

• Police Officers are expected to perform conscientiously, proficiently and independently, any and all patrol assignments and duties of a regular patrol officer (or special assignments when so assigned). Individuals are responsible for recognizing the importance placed on law enforcement activities by the public and for tactful and courteous treatment of all citizens. Police officers are also responsible for assigned police vehicles and other equipment of the Police Department.
• Police work involves the potential for personal injury and individuals must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent judgment and discretion in meeting emergencies.
• Individuals assigned to work as Detectives may be assigned to perform all authorized activities related to criminal investigations. Work is normally performed in accordance with established policies and procedures but with the application of considerable judgment and latitude in handling all types of investigations, emergency situations, analyzing cases, interpreting and applying the law, and in preparing thorough and accurate cases for court.
• Patrol and criminal investigation assignments are normally performed in accordance with departmental policies, rules, standard operating practice and established precedent, with matters requiring deviation normally referred to next higher command level for decision or direction.
• Individuals may be assigned to special law enforcement activities such as non-routine investigations, surveillance, juvenile matters that call upon specialized abilities and knowledge usually attained through considerable training and experience.
• Performance is reviewed on a continuous basis by a departmental supervisor through a performance appraisal of work methods, results achieved, reports, personal inspection and discussion.

For full job description, click here.

Requirements

• United States citizenship or lawful permanent resident.
• Minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age by certification date of eligibility list.
• High school graduate with an Associate degree in Law Enforcement preferred.
• Satisfactory completion of medical exam and drug screen by a licensed physician to ensure that no physical, emotional, sensory or mental conditions exist which could preclude individuals from performing the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain a valid State of Washington Driver's License.
• Driving record free of significant or serious moving violations.
• Personal record free of any crimes or convictions for crimes involving moral character such as theft, dishonesty, or history of regular usage of illegal/illicit drugs, etc. as stated in Civil Service regulations.
• Successful completion of oral, psychological and polygraph tests as prescribed by the Police Civil Service Commission.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Basic Law Enforcement School Certificate issued by the State of Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission. Out of state candidates, who have previously certified in another state, must pass the CJTC equivalency examination.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete field training in which methods, procedures and techniques of law enforcement work are presented by field training officers.

Core Values

SERVICE, HONESTY, INTEGRITY, EXCELLENCE, LOYALTY, and DUTY

Background Check

To ensure police department employees embody the core values of the department, job offers are extended contingent upon passing a comprehensive and in-depth personal background and employment investigation. This includes completing a Personal History Statement “PHS”, polygraph examination, and a psychological evaluation. This can also include, but is not limited to: interviews with personal and professional acquaintances; review of online/social media presence; review and verification of personal and professional records such as: criminal history checks, fingerprints, credit checks, IRS tax statements, military records, school transcripts, driving abstracts, and Department of Licensing records.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Bothell is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce and community.