Police Officer - Entry Level

City of Lacey; Lacey (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Retirement pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The City of Lacey is seeking entry level Police Officers to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and enforce laws within the community. You will patrol, respond to calls, conduct investigations, and engage with residents to build safety and trust.

Candidates should demonstrate integrity, sound judgment and strong communication. A Washington academy requirement and physicals are part of the process; benefits and union protections apply.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 21 years old by graduation from academy.
• Must pass a comprehensive background check and medical/psychological evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned city areas by car or on foot to deter crime.
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls and enforce laws.
• Administer first aid when safe and provide information to the public.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Reading & Writing English

Public safety mindset

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate/Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice (preferred)

Job description

Basic Purpose

Entry level Police Officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting life and property, and enforcing local, state, and federal laws and ordinances. Officers will patrol assigned areas, respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, conduct investigations, and engage with the community to promote safety and trust. This position requires integrity, sound judgment, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public service.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

These duties involve multiple skills and may include but are not limited to the following depending on area of assignment, needs of the organization, emergency services or special projects:

• Patrols assigned areas of the City in a police car or on foot to deter and discover crime.
• Performs traffic enforcement enforces ordinances; conducts DUI investigations; assists drivers in stalled vehicles.
• Administersemergencyfirst-aidtoinjuredpersons when safe to do so.
• Provides information to the public regarding crime prevention, laws, and ordinances; establishes and maintains good public relations with citizens.
• Initiates investigations of complaints, family disputes, collisions, and criminal activities; gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, documents statements and follows investigations through to completion; compiles related reports and appears in court to present information; contacts witnesses and arranges for court appearances.
• Establishes traffic control and police protection at fires and other incidents; checks and reports deficiencies in streetlights, signs, and road surfaces.
• May assistintrainingnewofficersinbasicpatrolfunctionsandrelatedduties.
• Issues citations and serves warrants of arrest and court orders; arrests persons on misdemeanor or felony charges; handcuffs, searches, and secures their custody; transports suspects to jail; completes related reports.

Other Duties As Assigned

• Testifies in court as required.
• Advise supervisor, orally and/or in writing, of activities, investigations and arrests.
• May be assigned to other divisions or other duties i.e. Investigations Unit, Community Resource Unit, Traffic Unit, etc. per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

REQUIRED Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or G.E.D. AND have a combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
• No felony or DV convictions.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language proficiently.
• Must be able to successfully complete the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
• Must be able to pass physical ability testing, a thorough background investigation (which includes driving record, work history, credit history, conviction/arrest record, reference check, and drug history), an integrity interview, a psychological evaluation, a polygraph examination, and a Chief’s interview prior to being hired.
• Must pass pre-employment medical testing for the ability to perform the essential functions of the position and maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Washington State driver's license at time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or related field.
• Failure to obtain the mandatory required qualifications within the specified time limits may be grounds for termination.

Knowledge Of

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Laws, RCW and ordinances.
• Defensive tactics.
• Departmental policies, rules, and procedures.
• Investigative techniques.
• Interview techniques.
• Traffic collision investigative techniques, as required by the position.
• Basic City of Lacey geography (streets).
• How to research, organize and compile data.
• Driving rules and regulations.

Skill In

• Situational analysis and using sound judgement and decision making.

Ability To

• Work in compliance with federal and state laws, city policies, standards and operations of work-related procedures and programs related to assigned duties; interpret, apply and explain them.
• Navigate safely through the city; drive defensively and safely operate vehicles and equipment in routine and emergency situations.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively recognize threats and potential dangers and determine the proper course of action.
• Work independently (including in the field) with minimal direction while being accountable to team members and supervisor(s) and following established procedures and specific directions and instructions.
• Read, write and speak the English language proficiently.
• Demonstrate proficiency in technical performance standards developed for the position.
• Demonstrate the City's standards for interpersonal and team behaviors, public contacts, and supervision.
• Maintain strong attention to details and consistent follow-up. Maintain confidentiality of records and other information.
• Provide courteous service, in frequently stressful situations, to the public. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public in a professional and courteous manner and deal with sometimes distressed members of the public.
• Properly handle and document evidence. Demonstrate regular reliable attendance and work varied shifts and schedules.
• Work with constant interruptions and requests for service within deadlines.
• Make and execute accurate, split-second decisions.
• Read, understand, and explain pertinent laws, rules, and procedures.
• Handle stressful situations with firmness, tact, and respect for individual rights.
• Use and care for firearms and a variety of law enforcement equipment such as vehicles, Lidar units, cameras, Draeger, and fingerprint kits.
• Write clear, concise, accurate reports.
• Drive a police vehicle skillfully and defensively.
• Perform necessary physical activities; defend oneself and the public in physical confrontations.
• Conduct investigations.

The City of Lacey understands the importance of benefits and offers a competitive and full benefits package for all regular full-time employees.

Generally, represented employees may receive some, or all, of the benefits listed below, based on their union contracts. Those employees should consult their union agreements for specific information about their benefits, which can be found on the City web page here.

Medical Insurance Benefits

• Medical - Choice of Regence BlueShield (PPO) or Kaiser Permanente (HMO) plans offered through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Trust.

The employer pays 100% of employee's monthly premiums and 90% of qualified dependent/domestic partner's premiums.

• Vision - VSP with low co-pays
• Dental – Choice of Willamette or Delta Dental plans and orthodontia coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Program that provides resources to employees, their immediate family (including dependent children) and anyone living in the employee’s household. The EAP can provide help with matters such as stress/anxiety, parenting, grief, workplace issues, legal services, financial services, and more.

Life Insurance & Long Term Disability & Accidental Death and Dismemberment

• Employer paid life insurance plan
• Employer paid long term disability plan
• Employer paid accidental death and dismemberment plan

Leave Benefits

• Vacation (which increases with years of service)
  • 96 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis for Non-Represented Non-Supervisory Employees, LPOG Represented Employees
  • 128 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis After Second Year of Employment for LPMA Represented Employees & LPSMA Represented Employees
  • 135 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis for Non-Represented Supervisor or Management Employees
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Floating Holidays
  • 2 Floating Holidays for Non-Represented Employees & LPSMA Represented Employees
  • 1 Floating Holiday for LPOG & LPMA Represented Employees
• 8 Hours Sick Leave on Accrual Basis Per Month
• Jury Duty/Military Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• All benefits and accruals outlined in collective bargaining agreements can be found here: Policies, Union Contracts, Pay & Benefits - City of Lacey

Investment And Retirement Programs

• State retirement pension plan – Includes employer paid contributions to the State of Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
• 457 Deferred Compensation (voluntary)- two options MissionSquare and DRS
• Social Security benefit (for Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) covered staff) – Our Employee Benefits include employer paid contributions to Social Security and Employees pay the employee portion of Social Security tax.
• HRA/VEBA plan- A designated monthly amount (a City and/or employee contribution) is paid into a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account. An HRA is a type of health plan savings account for your family’s medical care expenses and premiums, which can be accessed during employment with the City or saved and used at separation or retirement.
• 1% Benefit - Employer provides a 1% contribution of your monthly salary pre-tax towards two options; 1) applied to insurance premium amount owed for dependent coverage or invested into a 457 deferred compensation account; OR a cash disbursement amount applied to your check monthly but the amount is taxed.

Voluntary Benefits

• Optional plans for additional life insurance, disability, and accident coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan - employees can contribute pre-tax contributions toward IRS allowed, qualifying medical and/or daycare expenses.

Wellness Program

• The City has a robust employee Wellness program that offers a variety of resources and activities for employee well-being.

Flexible Working Arrangements

• In recognition of Commute Trip reduction efforts, the City of Lacey provides flexible and alternative work schedules for many of our workforce positions.
• City Hall is within minutes driving from I-5 Exit 108, and within walking/biking distance from Park and Ride Transit Martin Way Location and the Chehalis Western Trail.

Tuition Reimbursement

• The City promotes a learning environment and encourages opportunities for employees to continue to grow in their positions and careers. The City offers tuition reimbursement (as outline in City Personnel Policies) for eligible employees.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

• Employees are also eligible to apply to The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This program is a United States government program that was created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 to provide indebted professionals a way out of their federal student loan debt burden by working full-time in public service.

*Note: Regular part-time employees may be eligible for pro-rated benefits (medical/dental/vision) depending on the hours of work assigned to the position. Their spouses and dependents are not eligible for health insurance coverage.