Police Officer - Entry Level / Exceptional Hire / Lateral

City of Oak Harbor; Oak Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Oak Harbor invites applications for a Police Officer to join the Oak Harbor Police Department. You will perform police services to safeguard the public peace, enforce laws, and protect life and property, while supporting community involvement and collaboration with the U.S. Navy and regional agencies.

The role demands shifting work hours including days and nights, with a strong commitment to training and community service. Candidates must be 21+, be a U.S.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old at time of application.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must have or obtain Washington State Driver's License at time of appointment.
• Pass background investigation, polygraph, and medical/psychological evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls for service involving criminal activity and caretaking.
• Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations, process crime scenes, gather evidence, interview witnesses.
• Give advice and information to inquiries from the public.
• Practice efficient case management and timely follow-up, and coordinate with other agencies.
• Patrol the City by radio-equipped car, bicycle or on foot to deter crime and direct traffic.
• Apply force when necessary and maintain officer safety and de-escalation skills.

Skills

English proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Word processing software

Job description

About The Department

The Oak Harbor Police Department is an accredited agency comprised of: Administration, Patrol, Detectives, and Special Operations. The authorized force consists of 29 Commissioned Personnel and 12 Non-Commissioned Personnel. The department is known for its successful community involvement and problem-solving approach to law enforcement. Additionally, the Police Department operates a city jail as part of its responsibilities, staffed by City Correctional staff and City Police Support Officers (PSOs). The department is proud of its increased commitment to training, including an internal bi-monthly training program, inter-agency training, as well as outside training opportunities for staff. Other areas the department participates in include a Community Advisory Board, Reserve Officer Unit, Explorer Post and Citizens Volunteers. The Department has strong cooperative relationships with local agencies and participates in regional law enforcement, communications and emergency management task forces and organizations. The department enjoys continued quality relationships with the U.S. Navy and the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station located in and adjacent to the City of Oak Harbor. We take pride in providing services for our community and the variety of events which occur in the City each year, including 4th of July, National Night Out, Oak Harbor Music Festival, and the Whidbey Island Marathon.

Schedule

Officers work on a squad with a 3/12 schedule, rotating two months on days and two months on nights. Detectives work a 4/10 schedule.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation begins with a pre-academy recruit level. We also offer education, longevity pay, and great benefits! (See benefits tab). We are a progressive department, anticipating department and community needs now and for the future!

Job Summary

Under general supervision, Police Officers perform police services in accordance with the mission, goals, and objectives of the Oak Harbor Police Department, and in compliance with governing federal, state, and local laws. It is the responsibility of police officers to safeguard the public peace, protect life and property, prevent crime, enforce the law, protect the rights of all persons and generally uphold the community-articulated standards.

Work Activities

• Respond to calls for service involving both criminal activity and community caretaking activities. Interview persons with complaints and make proper disposition or direct them to the proper authorities/community resources.
• Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations, process crime scenes using all available techniques, gather evidence, obtain witness/victim/ suspect statements, apprehend suspects, make arrests and transport offenders.
• Give advice and general information to inquiries from the public.
• Practice efficient case management including the initial documentation of appropriate information, timely follow-up and case documentation, appropriate interaction with victims, cooperation with other agencies and departments and testifying as a witness in court in connection with arrests and investigations.
• Use available time to patrol the City by radio equipped car, bicycle or on foot to prevent, discover and deter the commission of crime, to enforce criminal law, to direct traffic and to enforce motor vehicle operation.
• Take proper safety precautions, which include the appropriate application of force, proper officer safety tactical movement and positioning and de-escalation and crisis management skills.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative relations with City officials, department heads, supervisors, other departments, co-workers, representatives of business and community as well as the general public. Respond to inquiries using good judgment, tact and courtesy, sometimes in stressful situations.
• Interact and communicate effectively with other social, governmental and private agencies on civil and criminal matters, sometimes in emergency situations.
• Present a professional demeanor with the general public.
• Operate safely police vehicles in normal and emergency circumstances in all weather. Properly maintain and use other department equipment.
• Read and apply department policies, rules, regulations, instructions, laws, ordinances and general literature pertaining to policing.
• Enter or retrieve computer data.

Associated Job Functions

• Advise supervisor, orally and/or in writing, of activities, investigations and arrests.
• Assist the jailers in maintaining safe and secure operations of the Oak Harbor City Jail.
• As needed, may be re-assigned to other divisions or duties (detectives, training, K-9, community services, etc.).

Performance Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Knowledge of: Laws, RCW, City Code, and Department Manual of Standards.
• Knowledge of: City Rules & Regulations.
• Skill in: Computer and word processing software operation.
• Skill in: Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Skill in: Excellent oral communication and ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively and to maintain confidentiality as appropriate.
• Skill in: Excellent written skills and ability to compose complex correspondence and reports as well as ability to research, organize and compile data into meaningful reports.
• Ability to: Drive vehicles and operate all related job equipment.
• Ability to: Interact well with citizens.
• Ability to: Be flexible and adaptable in decision-making.
• Ability to: Good interpersonal sensitivity to people.
• Ability to: Knowledge of English, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and mathematics. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered.

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Work is primarily performed outdoors in all types of weather. Potential for damage to health, life and property. Required to work varying shifts and holidays. Work requires a normal range of hearing and visual acuity, eye/hand coordination and manual dexterity. Move in excess of 60 pounds. Operate motor vehicles and equipment. Use handgun to protect lives. Communicate with radio equipment.

As part of the Occupational Health & Safety program for the Oak Harbor Police Department, responsible parties include the following: 1) The Department, 2) The Office of Police Service, and 3) the Oak Harbor Police Department (OHPD). The department personnel must follow the Occupational Health & Safety program policies to ensure ongoing compliance and safe workplace environment for employees.

Eligibility and Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age at time of application.
• A United States citizen and have the ability to read, write and speak the English language.
• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• To work with in the Use of Force continuum.
• Meet LEOFF Retirement system minimum medical and health standards.
• Able to successfully complete all required training.
• Willing and able to perform shift work, with evening and weekend work.
• Must have or obtain a Washington State Driver's License at time of appointment.
• Pass background investigation, including screening of criminal history, sexual offenses, recent drug use and driving record.
• Pass polygraph examination for law enforcement personnel.
• Conditional employment offer will include medical exam with drug screen, and psychological evaluation for aptitude to work in law enforcement.
• Able to meet response time per the Labor Contract.

Safety Statement

We expect employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and the City’s Accident Prevention Program (APP). This includes, but is not limited to, actively identifying, and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action, emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.