Lateral Police Officer

Applicants should verify that the police training academy (CJTC summary site) they attended is recognized by the State of Washington. If your academy is not listed, you do not qualify as a lateral applicant and must apply as an entry-level officer by testing through www.PublicSafetyTesting.com. 

General Statement of Duties: Protects life and property through the enforcement of traffic, criminal and other State statutes, laws and City ordinances. Renders assistance to the public and investigates crimes for the purpose of detection, apprehension and prosecution. 

Supervision: Direct supervision is from a superior officer and works performed in accordance with well-established procedures, although individuals must exercise independent judgment in emergency situations. Supervision is not normally a function of this classification, but incumbents any act as a "coach" for reserve officers for newly hired police officers.

 

• Patrols areas of the City in a patrol car or on foot to deter and discover crime and enforce traffic and criminal statutes and laws; issues citations to violators and arrests persons on misdemeanor or felony charges; handcuffs and searches arrested persons and takes them into custody as warranted; books arrested persons in a correctional facility.                         
   
• Responds to emergency requests for assistance or to crime-in-progress calls and takes initial action as the situation requires; secures the scene; administers first aid as necessary; interviews available victims and witnesses and gathers evidence; completes incident and arrest reports; arrests suspects for probable cases in felonies.
   
• Conducts detailed investigations into one or more type of crimes, including fraud, theft, burglary, narcotics, gambling, homicide, sex offenses and similar crimes; interviews witnesses, suspects ad informants; analyzes and interprets data and evidence; performs stake outs and undercover operations, collects evidence; performs stake outs and undercover operations; collects evidence or stolen goods; processes and logs evidence into custody and sends evidence to crime lab for analysis if required; participates in criminal investigations conducted by other law enforcement agencies.
   
• Obtains search and arrest warrants; serves summons and subpoenas.
   
• Performs traffic enforcement duties; responds to and investigates vehicular accidents; summons emergency medical assistance as required; assists visitors by providing directions and other information; performs breathalyzer tests.
   
• Prepares case reports, confers with the City or District Attorney; testifies in court.
   
• Conducts security checks of homes and businesses.
   
• Makes presentations regarding law enforcement activities and crime prevention programs to school or community groups.
   
• Assists in training new police officers and reserve officers in basic patrol functions and related duties. 
   
• Performs other duties as required.
   

Abilities: Ability to review a multitude of information related to a criminal incident; identify the key elements and develop a case which can be successfully prosecuted; to analyze stressful, hazardous or life-threatening situations quickly and objectively, and to determine the proper course of action; to read, understand and uniformly enforce laws, ordinances and rules and regulations; to cope with stressful situations firmly, tactfully and with respect for individual rights; to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; to write accurate reports of incidents; to use skill in the use and care of a variety of firearms and law enforcement equipment; to properly perform basic first aid; to perform hazardous tasks requiring strenuous physical exertion for limited periods of time; to recall facts and conditions observed while under severe physical and/or emotional stress; to testify clearly, cogently and with credibility in criminal court; to maintain harmonious working conditions with supervisors and co-workers.  

Special Requirements: A valid Washington State driver's license may be required.  

Must have been employed as a full-time law enforcement officer in a civilian police agency or sheriff's office with at least two (2) years of prior service.

All candidates must complete a background check, polygraph, psychological exam, and medical screening. Out-of-state candidates must complete a Washington State equivalency academy within one year of appointment.