Police Officer - Entry Level

This is a continuous posting created to establish an eligibility list. Applications are reviewed throughout the year and will be contacted if they are moving forward in the process.

**Entry level candidates must apply through Public Safety Testing to be considered for an entry level position with the City of Bonney Lake.  Effective March 1, 2025, PST transitioned to a new written exam. To be considered for the City of Bonney Lake's new eligibility list, applicants will have to have passed this new written exam.** 

The City of Bonney Lake is located in East Pierce County and remains one of the fastest growing cities in the County and Western Washington. With a population just over 21,000 (encompassing 7 square miles), the City provides well balanced opportunities for working, living and play/recreation. Bonney Lake is the perfect place for families and offers affordable housing, many shopping options, trails/parks, several lakes, an active community and great schools! We are the heart of the plateau with sweeping views of Mount Rainier from many vantage points throughout the City.

The Police Department enjoys great support from the community and the current administration, which includes the City Administrator, Mayor and Council. The department is comprised of:

•  32 Commissioned Officers (Police Chief, 2 Assistant Chiefs, 5 Sergeants, 25 Police Officers)  

• 7.5 Non-Commissioned Officers (2.5 Community Service Officers, 3 Records Clerks, a Confidential Administrative Assistant, and a Child Passenger Safety Manager). 

• In addition, to the regular duties of a Police Officer. the department also offers opportunities for ancillary duties to include, but not limited to: Marine Services Unit, Investigations, Metro Tactical Response Team, Field Training Officer, Specialized Traffic Emphasis, Public Information Officer, School Resource Officer, Metro Collision Response Team, CJTC TAC Officer, Firearms Instructor and other opportunities.
  
  

Premium Pay
In addition to the generous wage/benefits package the City offers the following premiums:

• Education: 2.5% for AA/AS, 5% for BA/BS;
• Detective: 5%;
• Field Training Officer: 5%;
• Detective: 5%;
• Hazardous Duty: 2.5%,  Motorcycle 5%;
• Longevity
  • Step 1: 7 to 10 years - 2% increase
  • Step 2: 10 - 15 years - 3% additional increase
  • Step 3: 15 - 20 years - 4% additional increase

General Purpose    Perform a variety of routine and complex general duty police work involving the protection of life and property; the enforcement of City, State and Federal laws, prevention and investigation of crimes and maintenance of order, and positively engage with community members on an assigned work shift. Work is performed independently and as part of a team. Tasks are completed with general guidelines and require some independent judgment. Contribute to the City’s and department’s vision, mission, and goals in the performance of all job duties.
 
Supervision
Reports To:  Police Sergeant
Supervises:  Generally, none.  May be assigned to work with new members to the department, reserve officers, temporary employees or volunteers as assigned or required.Essential Functions

• Maintain current knowledge of applicable local, state and federal laws and the rules, regulations and policies of the Bonney Lake Police Department as set forth by the Chief of Police.
• Patrol the City to enforce laws, prevent crime, preserve peace and order, and provide public protection to ensure safety and security of individuals and property.
• Initiate and/or respond to calls for service or the scene of any incident requiring police attention; Submits all required reports in an accurate and timely manner.
• Assist in resolving criminal, non-criminal and civil issues up to and including but not limited to warnings, mediation, reports, referral reports to outside agencies, infractions, citations and/or arrests. 
• Process complaints, arrest offenders, conduct routine investigations; obtain search warrants, collect and preserve related evidence; interview victims, witnesses, and suspects.
•  Ensures all work is in accordance with Federal, State and City legal guidelines, Bonney Lake Police Department Policies & Procedures, and accepted law enforcement practices.
• Develop knowledge regarding streets, landmarks, local activities, known criminals, locations of frequent criminal or hazardous conduct or any other matter of police interest in the community.
• Participate in crime prevention initiatives.
• Respond to traffic collisions or other medical emergencies and render necessary first aid/CPR until medically trained responders arrive. 
• Properly care for all City issued equipment assigned by the City to assist in the performance of duties.
• Perform traffic and crowd control functions as necessary; facilitate traffic flow and safeguard against collisions.   
• Testify in court proceedings when required by subpoena; prepare for court testimony by ensuring any physical evidence is present upon request of the prosecuting attorney; review reports; familiarize self with the facts to be able to testify in a knowledgeable manner.
• Use force as necessary and in accordance with current departmental policy and procedures, protecting self and others from physical harm.
• Transport and book prisoners into detention facilities.
• Report to superior officer any hazardous conditions, equipment problems or matters of intelligence.
• Arrive to work on time for duty hours, dressed in proper uniform, neat appearance, and physically/mentally fit for duty.
• Sign, understand, and is committed to the Oath of Office.
• Read, understand, and maintain a current copy of the Police Department policy and procedures operations manual.  
• May serve as a member or leader of various City committees.
• Create an environment of teamwork and respect.
• Commitment to working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, promoting a sense of belonging, and actively identifying and removing barriers to inclusion. 
• Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to the field.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned, and provide backup to related positions, as needed.

Education, Experience and License Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Washington State Driver's License or ability to obtain one.  
• Ability to read and write the English language. 
• Lawful permanent resident, United States citizen or deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient.
• Not less than 21 years of age at the time of hire. 
• Ability to pass entrance examination (physical fitness and cognitive) successfully, interview with the Chief of Police, and meet the minimum medical and health standards adopted by the Civil Service Commission. 
• Stringent personal background investigation; polygraph examination, psychological evaluation conducted by a licensed psychologist; and a medical physical, including a drug-screening test. 

Competency Requirements

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to law enforcement.
• Knowledge of modern police methods and procedures; laws of arrest, search and seizure; principles of crime and accident investigation; basic techniques for crime prevention and criminal investigations; identification and preservation of evidence.
• Ability to operate police vehicle and other police equipment in all situations 
• Attention to detail.
• Communicates effectively.
• Prioritizes customers.
• Interacts in a positive way with all individuals. 
• Builds collaborative relationships.
• Anticipates problems and develop contingency plans.
• Takes initiative within job scope.
• Remains flexible to changing priorities.
• Determines priorities and takes prompt action.
• Meets deadlines and responds to individuals in a timely manner.
• Cognizant to the attitudes, feelings or circumstances of others and have an awareness of how one’s behaviors may impact others.  
• Work effectively with others to achieve common goals.
• Social awareness.
• Ability to problem solve challenging matters in a timely manner.
• Resolves and works through conflict with grace, dignity, tact and respect. 
• Knowledge of personal computers, Word, Excel, radars, cameras, and specialized law enforcement equipment.

Physical Demands

• Moving throughout City facilities and buildings.
• Travel to off-site locations and move throughout the community as needed.
• Drive and perform field work.
• Operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Communicate with City employees and residents.
• Sit for long periods of time, 
• Walk, operate a vehicle and assigned equipment. 
• Required to work a variety of shifts. 
• Lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds on occasion.
• Ability to physically exert oneself to restrain people on occasion.

 
Work Environment

• Work is performed in a vehicle, an office environment and/or performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Exposure to high voltage wires, hazardous materials, heights, and noise from equipment.
• Work all shifts to include day, swing and graveyard.
• Work holidays and weekends.
• Noise level out in the field is moderately loud.
• Noise level in the office is moderately quiet.
• During emergencies, the employee may occasionally work near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives.
• Employee may be subject to combative people.
• Work assigned shift

 
Reasonable requests for accommodation may be approved to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.Personal computer, vehicles, radars, cameras, and specialized law enforcement equipment.

Core Values  
The City is  a team of dedicated professionals who respect and serve the community and each another and has highlighted six core values:
 

• Professionalism: Being ambassadors of the City by providing expert service delivery.
• Service: Giving helpful assistance or advice to our customers.
• Accountability: Performing the duties of my position in a responsible way. 
• Respect: Fairly considering the rights, opinions and ideas of others.
• Integrity: Acting in harmony with the laws and values of the City.
• Teamwork: Working together to best serve the community.