Police Officer - Entry Level

Police Officer Position

Entry level Police Officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting life and property, and enforcing local, state, and federal laws and ordinances. 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

These duties involve multiple skills and may include but are not limited to the following depending on area of assignment, needs of the organization, emergency services or special projects:

• Patrols assigned areas of the City in a police car or on foot to deter and discover crime.
• Performs traffic enforcement enforces ordinances; conducts DUI investigations; assists drivers in stalled vehicles.
• Administers emergency first-aid to injured persons when safe to do so.
• Provides information to the public regarding crime prevention, laws, and ordinances; establishes and maintains good public relations with citizens.
• Initiates investigations of complaints, family disputes, collisions, and criminal activities; gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, documents statements and follows investigations through to completion; compiles related reports and appears in court to present information; contacts witnesses and arranges for court appearances.
• Establishes traffic control and police protection at fires and other incidents; checks and reports deficiencies in streetlights, signs, and road surfaces.
• May assist in training new officers in basic patrol functions and related duties.
• Issues citations and serves warrants of arrest and court orders; arrests persons on misdemeanor or felony charges; handcuffs, searches, and secures their custody; transports suspects to jail; completes related reports.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Testifies in court as required.
• Advise supervisor, orally and/or in writing, of activities, investigations and arrests.
• May be assigned to other divisions or other duties i.e. Investigations Unit, Community Resource Unit, Traffic Unit, etc. per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• H.S. Diploma or G.E.D. AND have a combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
• No felony or DV convictions.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language proficiently.
• Must be able to successfully complete the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
• Must be able to pass physical ability testing, a thorough background investigation (which includes driving record, work history, credit history, conviction/arrest record, reference check, and drug history), an integrity interview, a psychological evaluation, a polygraph examination, and a Chief's interview prior to being hired.
• Must pass pre-employment medical testing for the ability to perform the essential functions of the position and maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Washington State driver's license at time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice or related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Laws, RCW and ordinances.
• Defensive tactics.
• Departmental policies, rules, and procedures.
• Investigative techniques.
• Interview techniques.
• Traffic collision investigative techniques, as required by the position.
• Basic City of Lacey geography (streets).
• How to research, organize and compile data.
• Driving rules and regulations.

Skill in:

• Situational analysis and using sound judgement and decision making.

Ability to:

• Work in compliance with federal and state laws, city policies, standards and operations of work-related procedures and programs related to assigned duties; interpret, apply and explain them.
• Navigate safely through the city; drive defensively and safely operate vehicles and equipment in routine and emergency situations.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively recognize threats and potential dangers and determine the proper course of action.
• Work independently (including in the field) with minimal direction while being accountable to team members and supervisor(s) and following established procedures and specific directions and instructions.
• Read, write and speak the English language proficiently.
• Demonstrate proficiency in technical performance standards developed for the position.
• Demonstrate the City's standards for interpersonal and team behaviors, public contacts, and supervision.
• Maintain strong attention to details and consistent follow-up. Maintain confidentiality of records and other information.
• Provide courteous service, in frequently stressful situations, to the public. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public in a professional and courteous manner and deal with sometimes distressed members of the public.
• Properly handle and document evidence. Demonstrate regular reliable attendance and work varied shifts and schedules.
• Work with constant interruptions and requests for service within deadlines.
• Make and execute accurate, split-second decisions.
• Read, understand, and explain pertinent laws, rules, and procedures.
• Handle stressful situations with firmness, tact, and respect for individual rights.
• Use and care for firearms and a variety of law enforcement equipment such as vehicles, Lidar units, cameras, Draeger, and fingerprint kits.
• Write clear, concise, accurate reports.
• Drive a police vehicle skillfully and defensively.
• Perform necessary physical activities; defend oneself and the public in physical confrontations.
• Conduct investigations.