Entry Level Police Officer - City of Olympia : Job Details

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the To Apply section below to learn more.

New hires must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a condition of employment with the City of Olympia. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position

Special Application Instructions

* Entry Level Police Officer candidates: The City of Olympia uses Public Safety Testing (PST) as the initial step for hiring entry level police officers. Persons interested in applying for police officer positions should visit the PST website at to begin the process. Payment of a fee is required.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this position and/or requirements, contact Nicole Camus, Sr HR Analyst, at (360) ###-#### or via email at [email protected].

Police Officer - Recruit:

* Requires no prior Police experience.

* Police Officer - Recruits are employed at a rate 10% below step A of the salary range for Police Officer.

* When recruits complete FTO training and are capable of independently performing assigned police duties, they advance to step A of the salary range.

* As a condition of employment Police Officer Recruits are required to attend and successfully complete the law enforcement training academy approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) within 6 months of hire.

Examples of Duties:

* Patrols designated area of the City during an assigned shift in a patrol car, on a motorcycle or on foot.

* Responds to calls for police assistance or investigation; establishes and maintains control of persons and traffic at the scene; provides protection of life and property, conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence, takes statements, issues citations and makes arrests.

* Prepares written reports in accordance with departmental policies and procedures, including case, complaint and shift reports.

* Appears personally in court and testifies as witness or arresting officer.

* Prepares and presents oral presentations as a public service to schools, community action groups and the general public.

* Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

* Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern police work and the laws governing arrest, custody of prisoners, search and seizure and rules of evidence.

* Knowledge of patrol procedures, criminal investigation techniques, criminal identification and records maintenance.

* Knowledge of court rules and procedures.

* Knowledge of radio procedures.

* Ability to cope with a wide variety of situations with tact, discretion, courtesy and respect for citizen's rights.

* Ability to prepare written reports in an accurate, comprehensive, timely and legible manner.

* Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

* Ability to speak effectively to individuals and groups.

* Ability to maintain composure and take responsible action during stressful or dangerous situations.

* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and enforcement officials, general public and other employees.

* Ability to practice first aid.

* Ability to use and maintain firearms.

* Skill in the safe and effective use of self-defense weapons and methods.

* Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.

Required Experience/Education:

* Police Officer - Recruit: High School graduation or GED equivalent.

Special Requirements:

* Police Officers must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with authorization to work in the U.S. and at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.

* A valid Washington State Drivers' License is required upon employment.

* Successful completion of polygraph and psychological examinations, and criminal background investigation are required prior to hire.

* Ability to meet and maintain physical and health standards is a condition of employment.

* Ability to possess a firearm in accordance with Federal or State regulations is a condition of continuing employment.

* Conviction of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may result in not being hired or termination of employment as a commissioned police officer.

Contacts:

* Police Officers routinely come in contact with the general public, other Police Department employees, Municipal Court staff, law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions, and those persons suspected or convicted of crimes.

* Contacts with suspects and prisoners are negative by nature and require a great deal of sensitivity, alertness and interpersonal skill, and the technical knowledge to deal with physical force.

* Contacts with the general public and other groups require the employee to present a professional, law-abiding image on and off duty as a representative of law enforcement and the City of Olympia.

* Police Officers must be able to use tact and discretion, exercise independent judgment, and maintain confidentiality in a variety of routine, emergency or dangerous situations.

Supervision:

* Once a Police Officer becomes experienced, he/she may supervise other Police Officers, and may be assigned special duty which requires supervision of special units or functions.

Accountability:

* Police Officers are accountable for maintaining public peace and safety, while complying with departmental policies and procedures in the execution of law enforcement duties.

Working Conditions:

* Police Officers work in various office and outdoor settings, including significant time spent traveling in a patrol vehicle.

* Due to the nature of contacts, working conditions are unpredictable and contain an element of personal and public danger.

* Police Officers may be confronted with verbal or physical abuse in the course of their duties.

* Physical demands include walking and sitting for extended periods of time, ability to defend self and/or others in hostile, combative situations; may be required to stoop, bend, crawl, climb, carry and/or push heavy objects and any other physical movement in the performance of public safety duties.

The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.