Police Officer - Lateral

City of Oak Harbor; Oak Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a progressive police department in a stunning location! As a Lateral Police Officer, you'll safeguard the community, respond to emergencies, and engage in law enforcement activities. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative environment focused on community involvement and problem-solving. With a commitment to training and professional development, you will play a vital role in ensuring public safety while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Oak Harbor. If you're an experienced officer looking for a rewarding career, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Education pay

Longevity pay

Great benefits

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Basic Law Enforcement Training graduate or equivalent is required.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls for service and conduct investigations.
• Enforce laws, protect life and property, and maintain public peace.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Conflict resolution skills

Excellent oral communication

Excellent written skills

Interpersonal sensitivity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Basic Law Enforcement Training

Tools

Computer and word processing software

Job description

LATERAL POLICE OFFICER NOTICE

We are currently taking applications for experienced Police Officers on North Whidbey Island. Preference will go to officers who have completed the Washington State Criminal Justice Basic or Equivalency Law Enforcement Academy.

ATTENTION EXPERIENCED POLICE OFFICERS
An opportunity to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in Washington State. The City of Oak Harbor is looking for Lateral Police Officers to join us in serving our unique community. If you are interested in making a change, we'd love to hear from you!

APPLICATION/TESTING PROCESS

Please read the below carefully before applying for this position.

1. Step 1: Applicants interested in this position must complete testing through Public Safety Testing before applying for this position.
2. Applicants must have a score of 70% or above on the written exam, passed the physical ability test (PAT), and completed the personal history statement (PHS) by the time they apply to be considered for this position.
3. * Please review the list of disqualifiers on the PST website prior to testing for our department and submitting an application.
4. Step 2: After candidates complete the above testing and are on our list with Public Safety Testing, you may complete the City of Oak Harbor application for employment. Please DO NOT apply for this position unless you have first tested with PST and added your scores to OHPD list.
5. Step 3: The top applicants based on PST score and application material will be invited to an interview to establish an eligibility list. Candidates that are selected for interviews will be required to participate in person.

VETERAN CREDIT - RCW 41.04.010 provides for a veterans' scoring criteria status to be added to the passing grade of certain veterans at the completion of all testing. If you believe that you are eligible to be considered for such preference, you should upload and submit your DD-214 with your application to determine eligibility.

About our 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 has a city jail as part of its responsibility, which is staffed by City Correctional staff and City Police Support Officers (PSO).

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.

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
Oak Harbor Police Association (OHPA) union negotiations are in progress and the posted compensation is the 2023 salary schedule. The compensation begins with a pre-academy recruit level. Salary range will be adjusted upon completion of union negotiations. We also offer education and longevity pay and great benefits!

JOB SUMMARY
We are a progressive department, anticipating department and community needs now and for the future! 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 involve multiple skills and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following depending on area of assignment, crew needs, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Give advice and general information to inquiries from the public.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Interact and communicate effectively with other social, governmental, and private agencies on civil and criminal matters, sometimes in emergency situations.
9. Present a professional demeanor with the general public.
10. Operate safely police vehicles in normal and emergency circumstances in all weather. Properly maintain and use other department equipment.
11. Read and apply department policies, rules, regulations, instructions, laws, ordinances, and general literature pertaining to policing.
12. Enter or retrieve computer data.

ASSOCIATED JOB FUNCTIONS:

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

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Knowledge of:
• Laws, RCW, City Code, and Department Manual of Standards.
• City Rules & Regulations.

Skill in:
• Computer and word processing software operation.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent oral communication and ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively and to maintain confidentiality as appropriate.
• Excellent written skills and ability to compose complex correspondence and reports as well as the ability to research, organize, and compile data into meaningful reports.

Ability to:
• Drive vehicles and operate all related job equipment.
• Interact well with citizens.
• Be flexible and adaptable in decision-making.
• Good interpersonal sensitivity to people.
• 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.

Minimum Requirements:

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

Lateral-Entry Requirements:

In addition to the entry-level requirements, lateral entry applicants must meet the following requirements:
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Be a Basic Law Enforcement Training graduate or equivalent as accepted by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. WA State CJTC Equivalency Academy Reciprocity Summary.

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.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Union: Oak Harbor Police Association

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Step 1: Your application will be rated for training, education, experience, and quality of answers to the supplement questions. This rating will determine if you will move to the next step in the process.
2. Applications are initially reviewed for minimum qualifications and completeness of application. Candidates must provide specific, detailed information so an initial determination can be made regarding your level of qualifications for this position. This includes completing all application fields and supplemental materials. If you do not provide adequate responses in your application materials to determine qualifications, the application will be rejected.
3. Step 2: The top applicants based on the application material may be invited to an interview and physical ability testing (PAT) at a later date TBD.
4. Step 3: Candidates who passed the application process and first interview are placed on a certified eligibility that is valid for one year. The top candidates may be invited for an interview by the Police Chief. A PAT may be conducted prior to the offer of employment.

Application Information
The review and selection of applicants is based on the information provided on the application; we encourage all applicants to improve our ability to judge by providing complete information. Information can include such things as: résumés of experience, letters of recommendation, specific education and/or training and work history that is related to the position for which the applicant is applying, and other job-related data that might enhance the applicant's chances for selection.

Required Information:

• Resume and cover letter explaining your qualifications and why you are interested in a position at Oak Harbor Police Department.
• The past 5-10 years of work experience on application, do not use "see resume".
• Three professional references on application, at least one of which should be a past supervisor.

If you do not meet the basic required qualifications or did not fully complete the application, you will not be considered further. Please review job description posting carefully for full details on job duties and requirements.

We encourage you to check back to your account to view application progress.

Note: Please check your email bulk or spam folders throughout the screening and hiring process for communications from our Human Resource Department.

If you have questions regarding our recruitment process, please contact Civil Service Secretary, Liflor Barrera at 360-279-4518 or [e-mail]

For questions about the testing process, please contact the Civil Service Secretary at 360-279-4518 or [e-mail]