Police Officer - Entry Level

Lacey Police; Lacey (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for entry-level Police Officers to maintain law and order while protecting life and property. This role involves patrolling assigned areas, responding to calls, and conducting investigations to foster community trust and safety. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, integrity, and sound judgment. Candidates must successfully complete the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy and pass various evaluations. Join a dedicated team committed to public service and make a difference in your community.

Qualifications

• Must pass physical ability testing and background investigation.
• Must be at least 21 years old at graduation from the Academy.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to deter and discover crime.
• Conduct investigations and gather evidence.
• Engage with the community to promote safety.

Skills

Situational analysis

Sound judgment

Decision making

Communication skills

Integrity

Education

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Job description

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. 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.
• Administers emergency first aid to injured persons 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 assist in training new officers in basic patrol functions and related duties.
• 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.
• Advises supervisor, orally and/or in writing, of activities, investigations, and arrests.
• May be assigned to other divisions or duties such as Investigations Unit, Community Resource Unit, Traffic Unit, etc., per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or G.E.D. AND a combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required knowledge and ability.
• 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 English proficiently.
• Must successfully complete the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
• Must pass physical ability testing, a thorough background investigation, an integrity interview, a psychological evaluation, a polygraph examination, and a Chief’s interview prior to being hired.
• Must pass pre-employment medical testing to perform essential functions and maintain physical and mental fitness.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by law.
• 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 qualifications within the specified time limits may be grounds for termination.

Knowledge of:

• 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).
• Research, organization, and data compilation.
• Driving rules and regulations.

Skill in:

• Situational analysis and sound judgment and decision making.

Ability to:

• Work in compliance with laws, policies, and procedures; interpret and explain them.
• Navigate safely and operate vehicles and equipment in routine and emergency situations.
• Analyze situations quickly, recognize threats, and determine proper actions.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while following instructions.
• Read, write, and speak English proficiently.
• Maintain confidentiality and attention to detail.
• Provide courteous service, handle stressful situations, and establish effective working relationships.
• Handle evidence properly and demonstrate reliable attendance.
• Make accurate decisions quickly.
• Understand laws and procedures and handle physical confrontations if necessary.