Police Officer - Recruit/Entry Level

OUR MISSION The mission of the Federal Way Police Department is for every member to consistently earn the public’s trust while enhancing the quality of life for residents, visitors, and businesses within our City. We accomplish our mission by providing the highest quality law enforcement, community education, and support services possible while making the best use of the resources entrusted to us. We are recognized as professional, innovative, diverse, ethical, and as a valued partner in building economic viability in our area. BASIC FUNCTION Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, and performing individually or as a member of a team, participate in the following activities: enforce state statutes and local ordinances, regulations and laws; apprehend suspects; respond to and investigate disturbances and incidents; patrol and conduct surveillance; receive training and maintain skills proficiency; operate a vehicle during routine and emergency situations; communicate with the public in normal and adverse situations; complete verbal and written reports and documentation; work independently following written or verbal instructions that are general in nature; and perform a variety of specialized duties as assigned. Develop relationships, represent the department, handle inquiries, and maintain public relations. Make decisions under time pressure and coordinate with others. Motivate and encourage cooperation from individuals and teams. Control and direct actions in emergencies while ensuring safety precautions. Cooperate with colleagues and act as a liaison among departments. Handle disputes and grievances, maintain professionalism, and administer discipline when necessary. Supervise and direct colleagues, issue instructions and maintain presence. Patrol, use appropriate equipment, handle dangerous items, and react physically when needed. Inform and report: prepare detailed investigative reports, issue citations, communicate with supervisors, and explain technical situations to the public. Assist and care for citizens in need of aid, counseling, and support. Respond to calls, enforce laws, protect life and property, safeguard constitutional rights. Perform specialized assignments in programs such as K‑9, DWI enforcement, domestic violence, traffic enforcement, training, and narcotics investigations. Collect information, conduct interviews, observe hazards, and document findings. Analyze, interpret, and simplify information for report writing and public communication. Advocate on behalf of department, build public trust, and influence cooperation. Administer forms, maintain records, and produce legible documentation. Respond physically by restraining suspects, providing first aid, and rescuing those in danger. Use, maintain, and modify tools, equipment, and vehicles, including firearms and specialized vehicles. Operate vehicles proficiently, including cars, vans, trucks, and powered water vehicles. Employ sensory skills to discern details, colors, and auditory cues. Perform related duties as assigned. REQUIREMENTS Requires high school graduation or equivalent. College level coursework in law enforcement or a related field and bilingual capability are highly desirable. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident; age 21 or older; hold a valid Washington State driver’s license with a good driving record; meet department physical fitness standards; and submit to thorough employment reference and background investigations, psychological and medical evaluations, FBI record checks and polygraph examinations. Felony convictions disqualify. KNOWLEDGE OF Police department organization, policies, and directives. Principles, practices, and procedures used in police work. Community policing concepts. State, County, and City laws and ordinances. City services and human service agencies. Recent legislation and court decisions affecting police duties. Geography, street addressing, and characteristics of the City and specific areas of assignment. Traffic and crowd control techniques. Rules of evidence and laws of arrest. Firearm laws and usage. Operation of specialized police vehicles and equipment. Crime prevention procedures. Oral and written communication skills. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. Basic first aid procedures. ABILITY TO Exercise discretion when responding to emergencies. Protect the lives, property, and constitutional rights of the general public. Prepare clear and concise reports. Present evidence and testimony in court. Maintain current knowledge of law and modern law enforcement techniques. Respond to crime and emergency scenes and take immediate and appropriate action. Apply emergency first aid methods skillfully. Maintain proficiency in driving and use of firearms per departmental guidelines. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; react quickly and calmly in emergency conditions. Maintain self‑control under emotionally demanding circumstances; work long hours and endure physical strain. Participate in specialized programs and assignments to support police-related activities and community relations. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Read, interpret, apply and explain laws, codes, rules, regulations, and procedures. Understand and work within scope of authority. Carry out supervisors’ instructions and department procedures. Relate effectively to people of various cultures, languages, disabilities, and socio‑economic situations. Deal courteously with the general public and convey a positive, professional image of the department and City. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Operate a vehicle during normal and adverse conditions. Observe safe driving practices; comply with safety standards and regulations. Physical ability to perform essential work activities. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL EFFORT Work includes indoor and outdoor environments, may require time in a vehicle, and most time spent sitting, standing, walking, some running, stooping, kneeling, and climbing. Conditions may involve high or low temperatures, contaminated air, noisy or dirty environments or restricted spaces, inadequate lighting, machine vibration, and wearing body, ear, and eye protection. Position may involve exposure to gunfire, toxic chemicals, traffic hazards, occasional driving at high speeds, communicable diseases, and physical and/or verbal abuse from hostile or disoriented individuals. Employees are assigned shifts covering all twenty‑four hours, seven days a week. #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-Federal-Wa