Police Officer - Lateral

Salary : $100,836.00 - $120,036.00 Annually
Location : Mount Vernon, WA, WA
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 26-00003
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 01/07/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: PGC


Summary
The City of Mount Vernon has an exciting opportunity for Experienced Police Officers who have a passion for community service and are looking for a new opportunity to serve the City of Mount Vernon.


Take a look at what our department is about: Our Mission: To consistently seek and find ways to affirmatively promote, preserve, and deliver a feeling of security, safety, and productive, quality services to citizens and visitors in our community.
NOTE: The Mount Vernon Police Department is now offering a $25,000 lateral signing bonus OR the option of a $20,000 signing bonus with an 80-hour vacation bank for lateral entry police officers payable in three installments.



$25,000 Bonus:

• $10,000 to be paid on the first paycheck following the officer's hire
• $10,000 to be paid after successful completion of the field training program
• $5,000 to be paid upon successful completion of the probationary period

$20,000 bonus and a vacation bank of 80 hours:

• $10,000 to be paid on the first paycheck following the officer's hire
• $5,000 to be paid after successful completion of the field training program
• $5,000 to be paid upon successful completion of the probationary period

Essential Functions

1. Patrols a designated area of the City in a police patrol vehicle and/or on foot to deter and discover crime; does on-the-scene investigations at crime scenes; aids persons in trouble; and renders appropriate public services as needed.
2. Enforces traffic and parking ordinances; operates a radar unit to discover speed violations; routinely checks vehicle identification against current list of stolen vehicles and identification of violator drivers against list of outstanding warrants. Provides traffic control assistance as necessary.
3. Issues citations to violators of City Ordinances; serves warrants of arrest; arrests persons on misdemeanor and felony charges; handcuffs and searches arrested persons and secures their custody; completes necessary reports concerning the alleged crime, circumstances of arrest and available evidence and witnesses.
4. Responds to reports of possible crime and takes action, as situation requires, to secure the scene; interviews victims and witnesses; gathers evidence and arrests suspects; completes Incident and Arrest Reports; investigates persons suspected of being engaged in crime; ascertains and secures evidence pertaining to alleged crime; and arrests suspects for probable cause.
5. Reports to scene of automobile accidents; administers emergency first aid and summons aid cars and other patrol units for assistance in treating the injured and controlling the scene; interviews principals and witnesses; makes general drawings of accident scenes, notes details, and completes a standard Accident Report; issues citations or makes arrests as situation warrants.
6. Investigates and assists drivers in stalled vehicles, and pedestrians who appear to be hurt or in trouble; interviews persons with complaints or inquires, gives information on law and ordinances and attempts to resolve the problem or to direct them to proper authorities.
7. Investigates family disputes, reports of maltreatment of children, and complaints about mentally ill persons; may take principals into custody or turn them over or refer them to appropriate agencies such as juvenile and medical authorities; preserves the peace during conflicts between individuals and groups, and answers citizen complaints.
8. Performs guard duty at hospitals and in court; transfers prisoners to and from jail.
9. Does thorough investigations of reported crimes, including collecting and preserving evidence; interviews victims and witnesses; locates, arrests, and interviews suspects; arranges line-ups for victim and witness identification; gathers evidence and conducts necessary searches; develops information pertinent to the investigation and follows that information to a conclusion; prepares case file detailing all aspects of an investigation; obtains and executes search warrants when directed, and presents to Detective Division for filing with Prosecuting Attorney.
10. Develops street contacts to obtain information about crime; maintains contact with paroled criminals and suspects at large; does undercover and decoy work; checks known and possible stolen property outlets such as pawnshops and junkyards.
11. Testifies in court and serves all proper court documents. Serves as Court Officer, if necessary.
12. Attends training sessions, as necessary.
13. May perform all specialized duties, depending upon individual officer's background and abilities and the needs of the Department.
14. Responds to such complaints as bomb threats and takes appropriate action, including searching for hazardous material.
15. Represents the Department in public as public speaker when assigned to do so.

Qualifications

1. Minimum of 21 years of age
2. High school diploma or GED
3. Minimum of 90 quarter hours (60 semester) at an accredited college or university.
4. The college education requirement will be waived for lateral officers with three or more years of continuous service, in good standing and current on all state mandated requirements.
5. U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.
6. Out of state applicants must obtain a valid Washington State Drivers License within 30 days of hire.
7. Must be able to successfully pass the following:

a. Oral Civil Service Examination

b. Background Investigation

c. Polygraph Examination

d. Psychological Examination

e. Medical Examination

Applicants must possess a valid and current peace officer certificate from a state training commission that is recognized by the State of Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, and has been employed for a minimum of 12 consecutive months, within the last 24 months, as a full-time law enforcement officer with a civilian law enforcement agency. A lateral entry officer must have no more than six months break in service, from separation to the time of submitting an application with the Mount Vernon Police Department.

Applicants who have been employed as a Park Ranger and possess the Park Ranger Law Enforcement Certification that is recognized by the WSCJTC as a general authority Washington Peace Officer with the full authority of a general authority peace officer commissioned to enforce local laws of the state of Washington generally as set forth in RCW 10.92.020(4). This includes successful completion of the Equivalency training to receive state certification.


Out of State candidates who have been previously certified in another state, must pass the WSCJTC equivalency examination.


If not currently employed must successfully complete the Public Safety Testing Physical Ability Test.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Federal and State Laws and established principles, practices, policies and procedures of police work.
• 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.
• Organization and planning.
• Geography and street locations.

Skill in:

• The use and care of a variety of firearms.
• Investigative techniques and procedures.

Ability to:

• Maintain self-discipline and credibility through honest and ethical behavior.
• Adapt to shift work.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively, recognizing actual and potential dangers, and to determine a proper course of action.
• Write clear incident reports, organizing details logically.
• Read, understand, and interpret laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
• Learn applicable City Ordinances.
• Cope with situations firmly, tactfully, and with respect for individual rights.
• Speak well and express oneself clearly.
• Communicate effectively with a diverse population, including those with social and behavioral problems.
• Establish and maintain effective relations with fellow employees and with citizens from all racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
• Perform strenuous physical tasks, such as pursuing fleeing suspects on foot and arresting suspects who resist.
• Observe and remember details.

Interview Process:
Only those applicants meeting all application procedures and minimum qualifications may be admitted to the interview process. Because this recruitment is continuous, interviews will be scheduled periodically. Candidates will be selected for panel interviews based upon the needs of the Police Department and other relevant factors as determined by the Chief Examiner. The interview process will be 100% of the final examination score. There will be a minimum passing score on the interview.


APPLICATION PROCESS:
Include with your application the following:
A. A cover letter that addresses the following questions:

1. Why are you interested in joining the Mount Vernon Police Department?
2. Why do you want to serve the Mount Vernon community?
3. Why is this career move right for you?

B. A Resume

C. Unofficial transcripts from each accredited college, or university, you have attended including explanation of credit hour conversion.

D. Supplemental Questions (your application will not be considered if not included):

1. Describe your definition of "policing".
2. Describe three challenges or issues you see the police profession facing now or in the future?
3. During your police career, describe a project or program that you played an instrumental role that you're most proud of?

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave
• Gym Membership reimbursement
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

The City of Mount Vernon provides and enforces a drug free workplace

and maintains a smoke free work environment.

The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave
• Gym Membership reimbursement
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

01


Why are you interested in joining the Mount Vernon Police Department?
02


Why do you want to serve the Mount Vernon community?
03


Why is this career move right for you?
04


Describe your definition of "policing".
05


Describe three challenges or issues you see the police profession facing now or in the future?
06


During your police career, describe a project or program that you played an instrumental role that you're most proud of?
07


Have you attached your cover letter?

• Yes, it is attached for further review.
• No, I understand that my application will not be considered.

08


Have you attached your resume?

• Yes, it is attached for further review.
• No, I understand my application will not be considered.

09


Do you have an Associate's Degree or two years (90 quarter hours/60 semester hours) of general education coursework toward a degree at an accredited college or university? (Copies of your unofficial transcript(s) for all schools attended must be included in your application).

• Yes, it is attached for further review.
• No, I understand my application will not be complete.

10


Are you a U.S. citizen or permanent resident?

• Yes
• No

11


Are you 21 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

12


Do you have a valid Washington State Driver's license or the ability to obtain one by the time of hire, and a good driving record?

• Yes
• No

13


Are you a graduate of a municipal or regional Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy or equivalent, as accepted by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission?

• Yes
• No

14


If yes, please provide your law enforcement training academy name and graduation date.
15


Do you have at least 12 months full-time paid law enforcement experience, as a fully commissioned police officer within the past 24 months?

• Yes
• No

16


Have you had a break in service in your law enforcement career?

• Yes
• No

17


If yes, list dates not in active service, duration of break, and reason for break in service. If no, list N/A
18


Have you received any verbal or written disciplinary actions including warnings, reprimands or suspensions with your law enforcement service?

• Yes
• No

19


If yes, list dates and circumstances. If no, list N/A.
20


The City of Mount Vernon encourages Veterans to apply for any of our Civil Service positions, which includes positions in our Police and Fire Departments. RCW 41.04.010 provides for a veteran's preference to be added to the passing grade of certain veterans.Will you be requesting Veteran's Preference?

• Yes
• No

21


If you answered "Yes" to question no. 20 above, please upload your DD-214.Have you uploaded your DD-214?

• Yes
• No

Required Question