Police Officer - Entry Level

Responsibilities Under the direction of a Police Sergeant, perform general duty police work involving resolution of citizen and public safety concerns; the protection of life and property; enforcement of laws and ordinances; prevention and investigation of crimes; and maintenance of order. Help create and nurture a community‑oriented public safety department; respond positively to citizen concerns and encourage citizen involvement. Coordinate Police Department efforts to impact perceived and actual crime problems; provide feedback on community concerns and initiatives. Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance; may be subject to extended work hours or call‑backs outside normal shift hours. Act as primary investigator of all crimes occurring within assigned areas during duty hours; make on‑scene arrests when warranted and protect crime scenes. Investigate complaints involving family disputes, juvenile disputes, and mentally disabled persons. Investigate traffic accidents, physically direct traffic, and place temporary traffic control devices as needed. Provide the public with general information on laws and ordinances; guide citizens to appropriate authorities. Attend training to maintain current knowledge of criminal and civil laws; may train other employees. Patrol designated area by vehicle, foot, bike, or other conveyances; look for crimes, hazardous situations, and potential threats. Respond to emergency and routine calls for service. Perform computer inquiries from patrol vehicle and stationary terminals. Serve and enforce civil process, arrest warrants, and subpoenas. Pursue fleeing suspects on foot or in vehicles; perform rescue and pursuit operations. Provide first‑aid CPR to injured persons. Take immediate action to remedy hazards and protect life and property. Stop traffic violators and take remedial action; identify suspicious individuals. Apprehend law‑violators, using justifiable force when necessary. Tactfully diffuse verbal abuse and endure hostile environments. Testify in court hearings. Search for lost or wanted persons over varying terrain; conduct searches of people, vehicles, and buildings. Determine lawful searches or arrests; use physical force governed by law and department regulations. Read, review, and enforce various court orders. Develop knowledge of known offenders; correlate records of criminal activity. Recover lost or stolen property with careful handling of items. Assist in administrative duties: coordinate multi‑department responses, plan community events, and lead non‑sworn units. Prepare affidavits for search warrants; interview witnesses and suspects; appear in court to present evidence. Provide assistance and referrals for domestic violence cases, indigent persons, and stranded individuals. Prepare training materials for officers and community groups. Attend neighborhood meetings and interact with community members to improve relations and build public trust. Document incidents and actions by writing case reports and field interview cards; maintain daily logs and related reports. Actively champion workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership. Qualifications High school graduation or equivalent; college‑level coursework in law enforcement or related field is highly desirable. At least 21 years of age. Valid Washington driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. Meet department standards of physical ability required for the role. Submit to employment reference and background investigation, psychological and general medical evaluation, FBI record check, and polygraph examination. Knowledge City ordinances, state and federal laws, and WAC rules. Department policy and procedure. Modern police methods and procedures. Criminal behavior, underlying criminality, and social, psychological, and physical needs of offenders. Geography and street locations. Laws of arrest, search, and seizure. Principles of crime and accident investigation. Basic techniques of crime prevention and criminal investigation. Evidence identification and preservation. First‑aid principles and application. Organization and planning. Abilities Use and care for firearms. Operate police vehicle and other equipment. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships. Analyze dangerous situations rapidly and accurately. Maintain control in stressful, hostile, and hazardous conditions. Enforce all applicable laws. Prepare concise reports. Act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing. Interact with individuals, groups, and organizations representing diverse backgrounds. Cope with situations courteously and respect others’ rights. Demonstrate high standard of personal and professional ethics. Effectively deal with violations of policies impartially. Maintain physical fitness. Recognize appropriate use of deadly force under state law and department policy. Operate motor vehicle, computers, radios, and other police equipment. Working Environment Indoor and outdoor environments with adverse weather conditions. Possible verbal abuse; assignments may include evening and weekend hours with call‑out duty. Above‑average physical endurance required—running, climbing, lifting, balance, hearing, and vision. Potential exposure to gunfire, toxic chemicals, traffic hazards, high‑speed driving, communicable diseases, and physical abuse from hostile individuals. Physical Abilities Seeing, hearing, and speech abilities to perform essential functions and communicate. Walking, standing, driving, lifting, carrying, climbing, pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, squatting, and reaching. Repetitive hand and arm motion; fine finger manipulation; prolonged viewing of computer screens and phone communication. Hazards Physical hazard may occur when interacting with hostile participants with potential for violence. FLSA Designation Non‑Exempt, eligible for overtime. Union Affiliation Lakewood Police Independent Guild. Equal Opportunity The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all. We welcome your contributions. #J-18808-Ljbffr