Police Officer - Lateral

City of Richland; United States; On-site; USD 91,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation expenses up to $5,000

80 hours of banked vacation upon start

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

Job summary

The City of Richland is seeking Lateral Police Officer applicants. This position requires two years of full-time civilian law enforcement experience and offers a starting pay of $48.95/hour. Responsibilities include responding to emergencies and enforcing laws within the city.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma, police certification, and a valid Washington State driver's license. The role offers competitive benefits including relocation incentives for out-of-area applicants.

Qualifications

• Two years full-time civilian law enforcement experience.
• Current police officer certification or equivalent.
• Valid Washington State driver's license upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Respond to crime scenes and emergencies.
• Detect and apprehend criminals.
• Enforce laws and ordinances of the City.

Skills

Law enforcement experience

Emergency response

Criminal apprehension

Legal knowledge

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AA or BA Degree in police science or related field

Tools

Standard police equipment

Motorized vehicles

Job description

Overview

The Richland Police Department is currently seeking Lateral Police Officer applicants. Lateral Police Officers start at Step C: $48.95 (Hourly) and may be considered if you have two (2) years of continuous full-time civilian law enforcement experience in a city, county, state, or federal law enforcement agency without a break of more than 24 months.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of a Police Sergeant or designee, the officer performs police protection and other services to safeguard the lives, property, and constitutional rights of the citizens of Richland. Responsibilities include:

• Responding to crime and accident scenes, emergency situations and other requests for assistance.
• Detecting, apprehending and arresting criminals.
• Enforcing the laws and ordinances of the City.
• Performing a variety of specialized duties as assigned, with subject to 12‑hour shifts, callbacks, standby, and overtime as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two (2) years of continuous full‑time commissioned civilian law enforcement experience.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license upon hire date (out‑of‑state applicants must obtain within two months).
• Current police officer certification or equivalent (decertification in any State could be a cause for disqualification).
• Twenty‑one (21) years of age at time of application.
• U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient.
• Successfully complete field training provided by the Richland Police Department before completion of the probationary period.
• Submit an online application, current resume, POST certification, and updated Personal History Statement (PHS) in PDF format.
• Be able to successfully complete the Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy and obtain a Washington State Police Officer certification within the applicable probationary period, if out‑of‑state.

Desirable Qualifications

• AA or BA Degree in police science, law, criminal justice or related field.
• Five or more years of continuous full‑time commissioned civilian law enforcement experience, including patrol service and experience in one or more specialties (e.g., SWAT, Drug Recognition Expert, Certified Bomb Technician, Vehicle Accident Reconstruction, Field Training Officer, investigative assignment).
• Bi‑Linguistic ability is a plus.

Working Conditions

The work environment requires daily travel across Richland City streets, experience in outdoor work throughout the year, and exposure to extreme weather conditions. Physical demands include operating motorized vehicles in inclement weather, driving high‑speed chases, and the ability to lift, push, carry, and pull objects up to 100 lbs. on occasion. The role requires the ability to restrain and control persons, as well as manual dexterity for operating weapons and standard equipment.

Benefits and Incentives

• Lateral hiring incentives include relocation expenses of up to $5,000 (proof of expenses required) after successful completion of the probationary period for applicants relocating from at least 100 miles away from the RPD station.
• 80 hours of banked vacation time upon start date.
• Participation in the Washington State LEOFF II Retirement Plan.
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits with City‑paid contributions.
• Paid holidays, city‑match on retirement plans, and a deferred compensation plan.
• Education Incentive Program and special pays.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diversified workforce. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws. The provisions of job announcements listed on this website do not constitute an express or implied contract of employment with the City.