LATERAL POLICE OFFICER

Police Officer Position

Employer: City of Walla Walla

Salary: $90,420.00 - $119,988.00 Annually

Location: Police Department, WA

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Police Department

Opening Date: 07/18/2025

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: PGLD

Description

Performs a variety of public safety work providing emergency aid, security, and protection to the community's citizens.

General direction and oversight are provided by the assigned Shift Sergeant.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

1. Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City's core values: Service - Integrity Collaboration - Equity - Leadership - Community.
2. Employees of the Police Department are expected to model and foster the Department's core values: Service Pride Integrity and Return with Honor in all endeavors.
3. Patrol assigned area to aid in preventing crime and to enforce Federal, State and City laws and regulations.
4. Observe, report and act upon conditions conducive to crime and danger such as checking buildings and residences for security, assisting other officers on traffic stops and checking suspicious persons and vehicles. Reports traffic hazards and directs traffic flow when necessary.
5. Determines the nature of a call, investigates the circumstances, and takes any necessary and prudent action, such as making arrests and transporting prisoners. Searches prisoners, collects personal effects, and assures proper receipting and safeguarding of personal effects.
6. Provides assistance to the public in emergency and non-emergency situations. Administers first aid and requests medical service. Performs crisis intervention in sensitive situations such a family dispute. Provides general information to the public on laws and ordinances. Assists persons with complaints and inquiries or directs them to the appropriate authorities.
7. Prepares a variety of records and reports, such as reports on arrests, property impounded, accidents offenses, and damage to property.
8. Performs investigative assignments on serious crimes; conducts interviews of victims, witnesses, and suspects; submits progress reports on cases under investigation; collects and documents evidence and may arrest suspects.
9. Appears in court and is available to testify in matters which the officer has knowledge.
10. Maintains proficiency in the use of police related equipment.
11. Prepares and maintains legible, concise, and understandable incident reports.
12. May perform special assignments related to investigation, crime prevention, traffic control, school resource, K-9, or SWAT.
13. May assist in the training of new officers and reservists.

Other job functions:

1. Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance which is essential for successful job performance.
2. Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
3. Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction.
4. Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
5. Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
6. Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• City ordinances, Civil Service regulations, applicable State and federal laws and WAC rules.
• Content, intent, and application of criminal law.
• Adult and juvenile judicial procedures and criminal justice system.
• Civil and constitutional rights.
• Department regulations, policies, procedures, and general order.
• Laws of arrest, search, and seizure.
• Techniques of investigation and interrogation.
• Criminal case preparation and procedures.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Report writing and case preparation.
• Crime scene management.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Assign, instruct, and review work of subordinates in an effective working relationship.
• Analyze dangerous situations rapidly and accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Enforce State, municipal and other applicable laws.
• Determine appropriate level and scope of Police response.

Tools and equipment used:

Police vehicles; desktop and laptop computers; telephones and cell phones; in-car and portable radios; personal protective gear; bullet proof vest; department issued firearms; handcuffs; chemicals; OC pepper spray; Taser; baton; fax machines.

Physical demands:

Sitting and standing for extended periods of time; seeing, hearing, and speaking to exchange information; repetitive hand movements; intermittently stand, walk, run, kneel down, stoop, bend at the waist and lift up to 50 pounds; seeing and hearing to conduct work; occasionally fulfill Police Officer duties during call-out for emergencies; may be required to carry, drag or restrain individuals.

Work environment:

Office environment and field setting at all times and weather conditions; driving a vehicle to conduct work.

Conditions present high stress and threat to personal safety during periods of search and seizure and arrest. Potential threat from exposure to toxic materials, bloodborne pathogens and other potential infectious materials; may be subject to physical threat from unruly and dangerous individuals, criminals, unsafe building sites and gunshots; and may require extended work schedule during period of emergency.

Required minimum qualifications:

Any combination equivalent to: Graduation from high school or GED. Applicants must successfully pass a written, physical ability and oral examination prior to a conditional offer of employment. A polygraph, medical and psychological series of exams must also be passed with acceptable results.

Special requirements:

Must be a minimum of 21 years of age; a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; possess valid State driver's license and proof of good driving record; first aid and CPR certification; a background investigation must verify no prior criminal conviction or activity. Must successfully complete the Washington State Law Enforcement Training Commission Academy during an initial eighteen-month trial service period.

Desired qualifications:

An Associates and/or bachelor's degree desirable. Bilingual in Spanish.