Entry Level Police Officer

Entry Level Police Officer

If you have not taken the written test through Public Safety Testing, you will not be considered for this position. PST Scores must be dated March 1, 2025, or later. The Tumwater Police Department is continuously looking for Entry Level Police Officer candidates. We're searching for individuals to diversify and enhance our excellent team. To be considered for the recruitment process, applicants for the Entry Level Police Officer position must first pass a written exam and physical ability test through A fee is required to take the exam. Applicants that have scores submitted to Tumwater will be contacted with instructions to complete a city application. Applicants with a minimum of two (2) years of service as a commissioned law enforcement officer may apply as a Lateral Police Officer (see job posting).

Protects life and property through the enforcement of traffic, criminal and other State statutes, laws and City ordinances. Renders assistance to the public and investigates crimes for the purpose of detection, apprehension and prosecution. Direct supervision is from a superior officer and works in accordance with well-established procedures, although individuals must exercise independent judgment in emergency situations.

Essential Job Duties

Patrols areas of the City in a patrol car or on foot to deter and discover crime and enforce traffic and criminal statutes and laws; issues citations to violators and arrests persons on misdemeanor or felony charges; handcuffs and searches arrested persons and takes them into custody as warranted; books arrested persons in a correctional facility.

Responds to emergency requests for assistance or to crime-in-progress calls and takes initial action as the situation requires; secures the scene; administers first aid as necessary; interviews available victims and witnesses and gathers evidence; completes incident and arrest reports; arrests suspects for probable causes.

Conducts detailed investigations into one or more type of crimes, including fraud, theft, burglary, narcotics, gambling, homicide, sex offenses and similar crimes; interviews witnesses, suspects and informants; analyzes and interprets data and evidence; performs undercover operations; collects evidence; processes and logs evidence into custody; participates in criminal investigations conducted by other law enforcement agencies.

Applies for search and arrest warrants; serves criminal and civic orders.

Performs traffic enforcement duties; responds to and investigates vehicular accidents; summons emergency medical assistance as required; assists visitors by providing directions and other information; performs breathalyzer tests.

Prepares case reports, confers with the City or Prosecuting Attorney; testifies in court.

Conducts security checks of homes and businesses.

Makes presentations regarding law enforcement activities and crime prevention programs to school or community groups.

Assists in training new police officers in basic patrol functions and related duties.

Performs other duties as required.

Selection Criteria

Knowledge: Knowledge of modern methods, principles, techniques and practices of municipal law enforcement; knowledge of modern methods, principles, techniques and practices used in the prevention, investigation and suppression of criminal activities; knowledge of investigative and forensic techniques and procedures; knowledge of the rights of suspects and defendants; knowledge of the identification and preservation of physical evidence; knowledge of the behavior of criminals.

Abilities: Ability to review a multitude of information related to a criminal incident; identify the key elements and develop a case which can be successfully prosecuted; to analyze stressful, hazardous or life-threatening situations quickly and objectively, and to determine the proper course of action; to read, understand and uniformly enforce laws, ordinances and rules and regulations; to cope with stressful situations firmly, tactfully and with respect for individual rights; to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; to write accurate reports of incidents; to use skill in the use and care of a variety of firearms and law enforcement equipment; to properly perform basic first aid; to perform hazardous tasks requiring strenuous physical exertion for limited periods of time; to recall facts and conditions observed while under severe physical and/or emotional stress; to testify clearly, cogently and with credibility in criminal court; to maintain harmonious working conditions with supervisors and co-workers.

Minimum Qualifications: To be considered for the recruitment process, applicants for the Entry Level Police Officer position must first pass a written exam and physical ability test through within the past year. Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. Must be able to pass, or have medical transcripts which demonstrate successful completion of, a LEOFF II medical examination or any other standard physical examination as required by the City of Tumwater or the State of Washington. Must be able to meet the requirements of the Rules and Regulations of the Civil Service Commission, which may encompass requirements regarding minimum age, education, physical strength and agility or other job-related qualifications. Must be able to successfully complete the Basic Academy presented by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission within fifteen months of date of hire. Special Requirements: A valid Washington State driver's license may be required.

Other Information Specific to This Position

Tumwater is a vibrant community, rich in history, community, and opportunity.

Nestled into the base of Puget Sound, Tumwater is the southern gateway to the Seattle/Tacoma metropolitan area. It's just a little over an hour from the Pacific Ocean beaches, the Olympic Peninsula, and Mount Rainier with beautiful landscapes of prairie, river, estuary, and lush green trees. With its central location, Tumwater is a picturesque Northwest community with convenient access to arts, cultural and outdoor recreation.

Our vision is to create a future that is highly livable with diverse and engaged residents, a strong economy, and a healthy natural environment. Safe neighborhoods, quality schools, and a sense of community pride make Tumwater a great place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tumwater is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

The City of Tumwater is committed to wellness, safety, the environment and racial equity.

Benefits

Benefits Summary – Tumwater Police Guild

The City of Tumwater offers a comprehensive benefits package for Police Guild employees, including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance through AWC and the Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Trust Medical plans include Kaiser Permanente 200 and Premera Plan F (Premera includes vision); dental through Delta Dental with orthodontia; vision through VSP.
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with a city contribution of $250 per month
• Paid Leave Benefits
  • Vacation Leave accrued based on years of service, per Police Guild collective bargaining agreement
  • Sick Leave accrued monthly and available for personal or family illness
  • Paid Holidays as recognized by the City of Tumwater, with additional provisions for employees required to work holidays
• Washington State Retirement – LEOFF 2 , including retirement, disability, and death benefits
• Deferred Compensation & Retirement Savings
  • MissionSquare 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • MissionSquare Roth IRA
• Life, Disability & AD&D Insurance
  • Basic life insurance provided by the City
  • Short-term and long-term disability, AD&D, and supplemental life options available
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health care and dependent care (pre-tax)
• Workers' Compensation (L&I) coverage
• Dependent Coverage eligible through age 26
• COBRA continuation rights

Benefit eligibility, accrual rates, and leave usage are governed by the Police Guild collective bargaining agreement and applicable City policies.