Police Officer Recruit (Entry Level)

City of Tacoma; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tacoma is seeking Police Officer Recruits to join the Tacoma Police Department. This role supports public safety through integrity, professionalism, and community engagement, with focus on reporting and investigations.

The position involves probationary duties and potential advancement to represented status. Applicants must meet minimum qualifications, pass testing with Public Safety Testing, and complete a multi-stage hiring process including PAT and written exams.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of police principles, practices, and procedures used in law enforcement and related laws.
• Understanding of evidence rules, arrest laws, and recent legislation affecting police duties.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and exercise sound judgment under pressure.
• Clear verbal and written communication, including report preparation.
• Ability to work respectfully with diverse communities and build cooperative relationships.
• Knowledge of crime scene preservation, investigation techniques, and basic first aid.
• Proficiency in safe operation of police vehicles and firearms per department standards.
• Competence in using computers and related technology for law enforcement tasks.

Responsibilities

• Understanding of police principles, practices, and procedures and their application to operations.
• Familiarity with rules of evidence and laws of arrest to ensure lawful enforcement actions.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills to assess situations and act under pressure.
• Effective communication with the public, colleagues, and in detailed reporting.
• Work respectfully with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Team-oriented mindset to build cooperative, professional relationships.
• Knowledge of crime scene preservation and investigation techniques to support thorough investigations.
• Proficiency in safe vehicle operation and proper use of firearms as per standards.

Skills

Police principles

Evidence & arrest laws

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Diversity awareness

Teamwork

Crime scene basics

Vehicle operation & firearms

Computer literacy

Job description

The City of Tacoma is seeking Police Officer Recruits to join the Tacoma Police Department.

Are you ready to serve and protect your community with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to public safety? The City of Tacoma is seeking motivated, critical- thinking individuals to join our team as Police Officer Recruits.

As a Police Officer Recruit, you will play a vital role in maintaining the safety and well-being of Tacoma’s residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Understanding of police principles, practices, and procedures and how they apply to law enforcement operations.
• Familiarity with rules of evidence and laws of arrest to ensure lawful and ethical enforcement actions.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills to assess situations accurately and take effective action under pressure.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with the public, colleagues, and preparing detailed reports.
• Ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse cultures, languages, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to build and maintain cooperative, professional relationships.
• Knowledge of crime scene preservation and investigation techniques to support accurate and thorough investigations.
• Proficiency in safe vehicle operation and proper use of firearms in accordance with department standards.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures used in police work, including relevant laws and ordinances.
• Understanding of rules of evidence, laws of arrest, and recent legislation affecting police duties.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and take effective action while maintaining sound judgment under pressure.
• Skill in communicating clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, including report preparation.
• Ability to build and maintain cooperative working relationships and interact respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of crime scene preservation, investigation techniques, and basic first aid procedures.
• Proficiency in the safe operation of police vehicles, firearms, and related equipment in accordance with department standards.
• Competence in using computers and related technology for law enforcement tasks and documentation.

This is a classified, non-represented position during the probationary period. Upon successful completion of probation, the position becomes represented. We are looking for individuals who value integrity, accountability, and community engagement. If you are ready to make a difference and build a rewarding career in law enforcement.

Important Information about the Recruiting & Testing Process

Please note: A felony conviction is a violation of standards and considered an automatic disqualifier. Please note: A domestic violence conviction is a violation of standards and considered an automatic disqualifier.

The Tacoma Police Department has partnered with Public Safety Testing to administer both the Written Exam and the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).

Minimum Qualifications

• You must be a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident;
• You must possess a high school diploma or GED;
• You must be at least 20.5 years of age at the time of application - and be 21 years of age by date of hire;
• Once you apply, you must complete and pass the testing process with Public Safety Testing noted above. You must be able to meet the physical requirements and medical standards prescribed by the City of Tacoma and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements

• You must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at time of application. A valid Washington State driver's license is required for employment (with maintenance thereafter) and driving history will be thoroughly assessed during the hiring process.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Above-average physical endurance in running, climbing and lifting as well as good balance, hearing and vision.
• Work includes indoor and outdoor environment.
• Officers may work varying shifts depending on assignment to include nights and weekends. The general Police Patrol Officer schedule is a 4/10 schedule with rotating days off.

Incumbents in this classification may be exposed to gunfire, toxic chemicals, traffic hazards, and occasional driving at high speeds.

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.

Eligible candidates must pass all phases of the hiring process including oral board, pre-offer assessment test, and background investigation.

Upon successful completion of these hiring steps, the applicant may receive a conditional offer of employment, conditional upon available positions within the Police Department and the successful completion of the polygraph examination, physical and psychological examinations, and any other phases of the pre-employment process that might need to be accomplished. Candidates may be removed from the eligible list for failure to pass any of these hiring steps. Once an applicant becomes a commissioned officer, the position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 6 Tacoma Police Union IUPA.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend an hour or more entering the required information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly Rate: $47.39

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 seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

IMPORTANT TESTING INFORMATION

Applicants must pass the physical abilities test (PAT) and written exam before being placed on an eligibility list for interview and hiring consideration. The PAT consists of three activities: squat thrusts, sit-ups and push-ups.

The requirements for the PAT can be found on the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission website.

Eligible candidates must pass all phases of the hiring process including oral board, pre-offer assessment test, and background investigation.

Upon successful completion of these hiring steps, the applicant may receive a conditional offer of employment, conditional upon available positions within the Police Department and the successful completion of the polygraph examination, physical and psychological examinations, and any other phases of the pre-employment process that might need to be accomplished.

Candidates may be removed from the eligible list for failure to pass any of these hiring steps. Once an applicant becomes a commissioned officer, the position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 6 Tacoma Police Union IUPA.