Police Officer (Experienced Lateral)

Tacoma Police Department; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tacoma is seeking Lateral Police Officers to join the Tacoma Police Department. In-state candidates will be prioritized for immediate vacancies, with out-of-state officers considered for an eligible list.

Pay ranges include HOURLY $47.39 - $65.66 and ANNUALLY $98,571.20 - $136,572.80, with higher steps for long-time local officers. Applications close December 31, 2026, and the role includes essential community safety responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Must be currently employed as a law enforcement officer or have been employed as a law enforcement officer in the last 24 months.
• Must have 12+ months of continuous post-commissioned street patrol experience.
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• High school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to prevent crime and ensure traffic safety.
• Respond to crimes, accidents, and calls for service; secure scenes and perform preliminary investigations.
• Detect, apprehend, and arrest suspects; collect evidence and testify in court.
• Engage with citizens and agencies to support community safety.
• Maintain proficiency with police equipment and participate in training.

Skills

Patrol experience

Emergency response

Law enforcement

Communication

Report writing

First aid

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Valid Driver's License

Job description

The City of Tacoma is seeking Lateral Police Officers to join the Tacoma Police Department.

The Tacoma Police Department will be giving hiring priority to in-state lateral candidates for any immediate vacancies. Qualified out-of-state candidates will be placed on an eligible list for interview and hiring consideration and may be considered for subsequent vacancies.

At this time the Tacoma Police Department is placing out-of-state lateral candidates at step 4 ($59.55)* in the hiring range; in-state laterals will be placed at step 5 ($62.53)* in the range. In-state laterals with 5+ years will start at step #6. Please note, step placement is at the discretion of the hiring authority and is subject to change at any time.

Key Responsibilities

• Patrol and Public Safety

  Patrol assigned areas to prevent crime, enforce laws and ordinances, ensure traffic safety, and provide general public assistance.

• Emergency and Incident Response

  Respond to crimes, accidents, and calls for service; secure scenes, provide first aid, and perform preliminary investigations.

• Law Enforcement Actions and Investigations

  Detect, apprehend, and arrest suspects; execute warrants; collect evidence; prepare reports; and testify in court.

• Community Interaction and Coordination

  Engage with citizens, other agencies, and city personnel to exchange information, resolve issues, and support community safety.

• Equipment and Skill Proficiency

  Maintain proficiency with police equipment, firearms, vehicles, computers, and specialized tools; participate in training as required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of laws, policies, and law enforcement procedures

  Including state, county, and city laws; department policies; rules of evidence; and modern policing practices.

• Patrol, investigation, and crime scene skills

  Ability to respond to emergencies, preserve evidence, conduct preliminary investigations, and take appropriate action.

• Proficiency with equipment and technology

  Skilled in operating police vehicles, firearms, specialized equipment, and basic computer applications.

• Communication and reporting abilities

  Clear and effective oral and written communication, including preparing accurate reports and presenting testimony in court.

• Judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving

  Ability to analyze situations, exercise independent judgment, and adopt effective courses of action under stress.

• First aid and emergency response knowledge

  Basic first aid skills and the ability to provide immediate assistance at crime and accident scenes.

• Interpersonal and community-relations skills

  Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals, maintain cooperative relationships, and support community policing efforts.

Are you ready to serve and protect your community with integrity and professionalism? The City of Tacoma is seeking motivated, community focused Lateral Entry Officers to join the Tacoma Police Department. You will play a crucial part in police work involving the protection of life and property and keeping Tacoma safe. The job classification of Lateral Entry Officer is classified and represented. Lateral Entry Officers perform general duty police work involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, maintenance of order, and prevention and investigation of crimes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be currently employed as a law enforcement officer or have been employed as a law enforcement officer in the last 24 months. There may not be more than a 24-month break in service
• Must have 12 or more months of continuous post-commissioned street patrol experience
• Non-patrol sworn officer experience, such as jail/corrections/court, military police or dispatch, does not count toward "street patrol experience" in calculating the total months of post-commissioned experience
• Must be a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident
• Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D.
• Out-of-state lateral commission must be approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Commission

NOTE: Applicants who failed probation, were terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, are about to be terminated, or would not be considered for rehire by their former department or agency, are not eligible for a lateral position.

Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements

• Successful completion of law enforcement academy training approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
• Valid Driver's License.

Department Mission

To create a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and visit by working together with the community, enforcing the law in a fair and impartial manner, preserving the peace and order in our neighborhoods, and safeguarding our Constitutional guarantees.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Applicants must pass all phases both before and after the eligibility list is established, including driving record, credit history, conviction/arrest record, work history, reference check, oral board interview and polygraph examination.

Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at time of application to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 6 Tacoma Police Union IUPA. Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

HOURLY $47.39 - $65.66

ANNUALLY $98,571.20 - $136,572.80

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively