Sheriff Patrol Deputy (Lateral-Entry)

Clallam County; Port Angeles (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Clallam County in Port Angeles, WA seeks a sworn peace officer to patrol designated areas, conduct investigations, and aid the public. Candidates must meet WA state certification, pass a thorough background check, and complete required training.

The role requires reporting duties, writing clear reports, and readiness for on-call assignments. The position emphasizes strong writing skills, English literacy, and the ability to work autonomously after field training.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be 21 years or older
• Ability to obtain Washington State Driver's license
• Must pass a thorough background investigation including drug screen, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and physical examination
• Must meet Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission physical standards

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas of the County in a police patrol vehicle or on foot.
• Perform on-scene investigations at crime scenes and aid persons in trouble.
• Handcuff and search arrested persons and secure custody; issue citations or make arrests as warranted.
• Prepare case files detailing investigations and present to prosecuting attorney.
• Respond to reports of crime, interview victims, witnesses and suspects, and gather evidence.

Skills

Writing skills

English literacy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

• Successfully completed the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy or be a graduate of a Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy or equivalent, as accepted by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Graduates from accepted out-of-state academies will be required to successfully complete the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy within one year after employment with the Department.


• Must not have any period of separation from law enforcement that exceeds five (5) years prior to appointment.


• Successfully completed a bona fide Field Training program and deployed full-time to patrol squad/unit to perform duties autonomously as a sworn peace officer, and successfully completed probation.


• Have the ability to perform the essential mental and physical demands and functions of the position.


• Have solid writing skills, basic report preparation using computer technology.


• United States’ Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident at the time of appointment.


• Ability to read and write the English language (required by RCW 41.14.100)


• Valid driver’s license at the time of employment.


• Have no prior felony convictions and/or recent or excessive drug usage history. Applicants will be disqualified if they have resigned in lieu of being terminated for cause or were discharged for disqualifying misconduct from a full-time commissioned law enforcement position, in accordance with RCW 43.101. Pass a Physical Abilities Test (contact Brenda Wenzl @ [e-mail] to schedule)

TYPICAL WORK

• Patrol designated areas of the County in a police patrol vehicle and/or on foot to deter and discover crime.


• Perform on-scene investigations at crime scenes.


• Aid persons in trouble and render other public services as needed.


• Patrol a designated area of the County in a patrol car to enforce traffic and parking ordinances and investigate collisions.


• Operate a radar unit to confirm speed violations.


• Routinely check vehicle identification against current list of stolen vehicles and identification of violator against list of outstanding arrest warrants.


• Issue citations to violators of state laws and County ordinances.


• Serve warrants of arrest; arrest persons on misdemeanor and felony charges.


• Handcuff and search arrested persons and secure their custody.


• Complete necessary reports concerning alleged crimes and available evidence and witnesses.


• Serve subpoenas, garnishments, writs of execution, writs of attachment, writs of restitution, orders of sale and various other civil processes issued by the courts.


• Respond to reports of possible crime and take action as the situation requires securing the scene.


• Locate and interview victims, witnesses, and suspects.


• Gather evidence and arrest suspects; complete incident and arrest reports.


• Investigate persons suspected of being engaged in crime and ascertain and secure evidence pertaining to alleged crime and arrest suspects for probable cause.


• Respond to collision scenes; administer emergency first aid and summon aid cars or other patrol units for assistance in treating the injured and controlling the scene.


• Interview principals and witnesses, make general drawings of accident scenes noting details and complete a standard accident report.


• Issue citations or make arrests as the situation warrants.


• Investigate and assist drivers in stalled vehicles and pedestrians who appear to be hurt or in trouble.


• Interview persons with complaints or inquiries, give information on laws and ordinances, and attempt to resolve the problem or to direct them to proper authorities.


• Conduct thorough investigations of reported crimes appropriate to their assignment.


• Arrange line‑ups for victims and witness identification.


• Gather evidence and conduct necessary searches.


• Prepare case files detailing all aspects of an investigation and present it through the chain of command to a prosecuting attorney.


• Receive training in the safety and use of firearms and other weapons.


• Testify in court.


• May perform specialized duties depending on individual officer’s background and ability, and the needs of the department.


• Perform other related duties as assigned.


• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a High School Diploma or G.E.D.


• Minimum age of 21 years at time of appointment.


• Must have the ability to obtain valid Washington State Driver's license.


• Must meet Clallam County Civil Service Pre-Employment Screening Standards


• Must be willing to submit to, and pass a thorough background investigation to include a drug screen, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, and physical examination.


• Must meet the current physical standards adopted by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Contact Person:

Brenda Wenzl, Deputy Chief Examiner @ [phone]. Email: [e-mail]

This position is:

• Represented by a Union (AFSCME 1619-D)


• Eligible for benefits


• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Lateral applicants start at year 3 in the pay scale, which as of July 1, 2026 is $8,387.40/year more than year 1.

CLALLAM COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Clallam County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Clallam County’s Human Resources, at [phone].