Police Officer Recruit (Entry Level)

Tacoma Police Department; Tacoma (WA); Sur place; USD 65 000 - 85 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The City of Tacoma seeks Police Officer Recruits to join the Tacoma Police Department. As a Recruit you will help protect and serve the community with integrity and professionalism while building essential skills for a career in law enforcement.

You will learn policing principles, participate in training, and contribute to safe neighborhoods. The role requires passing the testing process, meeting physical standards, and being eligible to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• Citizen or lawful permanent resident status.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Age 21 by date of hire; 20.5+ at application.
• Pass testing and medical/physical standards.
• Valid Washington driver’s license.

Responsabilités

• Understand 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 reports.
• Ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse cultures, languages, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to build and maintain 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 in accordance with department standards.

Connaissances

Police principles

Evidence rules

Analytical decision-making

Clear communication

Diversity & inclusion

Teamwork

Crime scene preservation

Vehicle operation

Firearm proficiency

Computers for law enforcement

Formation

High School Diploma or GED

Outils

Law enforcement software basics

Description du poste

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.

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 tim.