Lateral Police Officer

Job Posting

Employer: City of Longview WA

Salary: $98,544.00 - $121,104.00 Annually

Location: 1351 Hudson, Longview, WA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 26.2-LPO

Department: Longview Police

Opening Date: 08/27/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

Job Description

Lateral applicants hired will be eligible for $10,000* incentive pay. Please attach any required certifications and a cover letter. This position is for experienced law enforcement officers only (see minimum qualifications below). Candidates without full-time work experience as a sworn police officer, expired certifications or more than a 24 month break in commissioned service should apply as an entry-level candidate. Applicants are encouraged to review our Civil Service rules (section 7.1) on our website for more information on our lateral entry requirements.

Essential Job Duties

This position provides first line duty in the protection of life and property of the citizens of the community including the enforcement of laws and ordinances, the preservation of the peace, apprehension of criminals, control of non-criminal conduct and the application of services to the community. Police protection is provided by the City 24 hours a day. Individual officers may be assigned to either an 8, 9, 10 or 10.5 hour shifts, depending on shift assignment. Responsible for assigned areas within the city for patrol by various means (i.e. patrol vehicle, bicycle, foot, etc.) for constant observation of all properties within the assigned area, work traffic on a selective basis and is available and responsible for answering all calls of any nature during assigned duty hours, (i.e. domestic, emergency, accident, etc.). Investigate crimes and complaints against persons & property such as murder, assault, manslaughter, robbery, rape, various sex crimes, burglary, theft and other reported crimes, and prepare and document appropriate reports and evidence. Perform public relations work in public safety, law enforcement, traffic accidents and crime prevention, and make routine checks of public dances, licensed liquor establishments and other public gatherings (i.e. sporting events, or other special community events). Render assistance and information to the public as well as emergency first aid or lifesaving methods to accident victims or persons unable to help themselves. Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Selection is based upon civil service rules. Testing for lateral candidates include a physical agility test and oral interview. Incumbents must have a High School Diploma or equivalent, be 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen, possess a valid driver's license, possess a current basic law enforcement qualification certification issued by the state in which he/she attended the basic law enforcement academy; possess a current State Department of L&I Basic First Aid Card or ability to obtain within 90 days, and be certified by the Washington State Toxicologist in operation of the breathalyzer or ability to obtain within 90 days. Applicants must have at least one year experience as a full-time commissioned police officer. If not currently employed as a law enforcement officer, the candidate must have successfully completed a state-certified law enforcement academy, have one year experience as a full-time commissioned police officer, and have been employed as a sworn law enforcement officer within the 24 months preceding application. Applicants are required to attach documentation of a law enforcement certificate, a cover letter, and include all law enforcement job experience. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Ideal Candidate Information

Knowledge: American system of government, the judicial process, federal, state and local laws and ordinances; law enforcement policies and procedures; principles and practices of criminal investigation; identification and modern police administration; use and care of firearms and defensive weapons. Physical: The incumbent must be physically capable of driving a vehicle safely under various conditions, including emergencies; frequently lifting, carrying, dragging, pulling and pushing objects of varying weight and size; standing, walking and running for extended times over various distances and conditions, such as pursuing a running suspect through yards and over fences and walls; observe and recognize people, activity, vehicles, street signs and environmental conditions from a reasonable distance during day and night; not posing a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves or others, use only force objectively necessary to control situations and persons, including combative or fleeing suspects, able to operate a variety of firearms and weapons safely and proficiently. Occasional climbing stairs and/or ladders. Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while performing duties. Occasional kneeling/crouching/crawling may be required in responding to emergency situations. Constant use of both hands and arms in reaching/handling/grasping/fingering while performing duties or while operating vehicle. Overhead reaching required. Constant use of sight, hearing and speech abilities necessary to perform essential tasks. Visual requirements include color and peripheral vision and hand/eye/foot coordination while operating vehicle. Mental: Incumbents must be able to read and understand English language documents, legibly hand write accurate and grammatically correct reports; communicate effectively orally, in writing, and using the police radio; exercise good judgment in dealing with routine unusual situations; learn and comprehend factual information, policies, procedures and rules, and use good judgment and discretion in applying same to changing conditions in similar and non-similar situations; maintain composure and judgment during emergency or tense situations; confront problems and enforce laws; refuse to participate in or tolerate unethical behavior; not be subject to impeachment in court due to character, reputation, history of dishonesty or violation of law, including drug violations, act courteously toward others; take direction from supervisors; maintain good working relationships with other members of the Department and City; accept criticism and apply to performance, be dependable in meeting scheduled assignments; and work extended hours when required. Working Environment: As a Police Officer, the incumbent is exposed to a wide range of negative and hostile physical and psychological factors. The incumbent frequently drives and walks in a wide variety of weather conditions which are not avoidable. In the performance of job duties, the incumbent must occasionally lift heavy objects and wrestle with combative criminals. Psychologically, the incumbent is exposed to verbal abuse and socially unacceptable behavior, and must at all times be mentally alert to potentially dangerous situations. The incumbent must be able to work evenings and holidays as assigned and respond to emergencies when necessary.

Benefits

The City provides a comprehensive benefits package that is predominantly employer-paid for full family coverage, which includes medical, dental, vision, employee assistance program, long-term disability insurance, and employee basic life insurance with buy-up options for the employee, employee's spouse and dependents. All employees are required to participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems programs and have the option to participate in a 457 deferred compensation program. Other benefits include generous paid leave such as vacation, holidays, and sick leave, and voluntary participation in a tax-deferred medical or dependent 125 plans. Vacation: Upon hire 54 hours per year (2.25 hours per pay period), 2-4 yrs of service 96 hours per year (4 hours per pay period), 5-9 yrs of service 132 hours per year (5.50 hours per pay period), 10-14 years of service 156 hours per year (6.50 hours per pay period), 15-19 years of service 180 hours per year (7.50 per pay period), 20+ years of service 204 hours per year (8.50 per pay period). Holidays: 104 hours of annual holiday leave bank Sick Leave: Upon hire 96 hours, then 8 hours per month. Deferred Compensation Matching: The City matches all police guild employee contributions up to 2.5%. Education Premium: Employees with BA/BS Degree earn 4% per month. Bilingual Premium: $75 per month Equipment/Clothing Allowance: $350 per year Longevity Pay: 2% at 5 years of service, 4% at 10 years of service, 6% at 15 years of service, 8% at 20+ years of service. Medical Plan: 95% of medical premiums are paid by the City for employee's and dependents. A waiver of coverage into a VEBA account is provided at $750 per month for those with qualifying coverage. Dental/Vision plans: 100% of dental and vision premiums are paid by the City for employee's and dependents. Life Insurance: $50,000 of basic life insurance is provided for employees and paid for by the City. Long Term Disability Insurance: A Long Term Disability policy is provided by the City for employees.