Police Officer - Lateral

Police Officer

Employer: City of Lacey

Salary: $8,044.85 - $10,487.69 Monthly

Location: 420 College Street SE, Lacey, WA

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 2025-00027

Department: Police

Division: Protective Enforcement - Patrol

Opening Date: 05/01/2025

Closing Date: Continuous

The basic purpose of lateral police officers is to maintain law and order, protect life and property, and enforce local, state, and federal laws and ordinances with minimal training. Officers will patrol assigned areas, respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, conduct investigations, and engage with the community to promote safety and trust. This position requires integrity, sound judgment, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public service.

Essential duties and responsibilities include patrolling assigned areas of the city in a police car or on foot to deter and discover crime; performing traffic enforcement, enforcing ordinances, conducting DUI investigations, and assisting drivers in stalled vehicles; administering emergency first aid to injured persons when safe to do so; providing information to the public regarding crime prevention, laws, and ordinances; establishing and maintaining good public relations with citizens; initiating investigations of complaints, family disputes, collisions, and criminal activities; gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, documenting statements and following investigations through to completion; compiling related reports and appearing in court to present information; establishing traffic control and police protection at fires and other incidents; checking and reporting deficiencies in street lights, signs, and road surfaces; assisting in training new officers in basic patrol functions and related duties; issuing citations and serving warrants of arrest and court orders; arresting persons on misdemeanor or felony charges; handcuffing, searching, and securing their custody; transporting suspects to jail; completing related reports; testifying in court as required; advising supervisor, orally and/or in writing, of activities, investigations, and arrests; and may be assigned to other divisions or other duties per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Required qualifications include a high school diploma or GED and a combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required; being at least twenty-one (21) years of age; no felony or domestic violence convictions; proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking the English language; passing physical ability testing, a thorough background investigation, an integrity interview, a psychological evaluation, a polygraph examination, and a Chief's interview prior to being hired; passing pre-employment medical testing for the ability to perform the essential functions of the position and maintaining a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position; verification of identity and United States work authorization; possession of or ability to obtain a valid Washington State driver's license at time of appointment; current Washington State Peace Officer Certification; one (1) year of continuous law enforcement experience with a law enforcement agency as a full-time police officer and/or detective within the last twelve (12) months; and out-of-state laterals must successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission's 80-hour Equivalency Academy.

Preferred qualifications include an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field.