Police Officer

Prior to application, candidates must first pass a written and physical exam through Public Safety Testing and submit their scores to City of Sequim via the Public Safety Testing website ( A Police Officer’s primary responsibility is to maintain peace, safety and order and to protect life and property through impartial enforcement of federal, state and local laws. Under the direction of a Sergeant or command staff, the Police Officer is responsible for protecting lives and property within his/her jurisdiction. It is important for officers to maintain a high public profile in order to deter criminal behavior. Base wage range for this position is $38.41 - 47.49 per hour. According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, employees will start at the lower end of the salary range. This position is eligible for longevity pay, education pay, and can ultimately range up to $53.18 per hour for a bachelor’s degree holder with 20+ years of service. This is a non-supervisory position; however, the officer may provide guidance, training, and evaluation to new recruits and reserve officers. Officers must be available any day, including Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and may be required to work shifts or rotations. Civil Service rules of the City shall apply. Job Responsibilities Operates a motor vehicle for extended periods in all environmental conditions and occasion high speeds in congested traffic. Patrols city limits from a patrol car, on foot, or bicycle to monitor activity. Directs traffic in congested and emergency areas; reports safety hazards. Responds to scenes of collisions, investigates cause, and takes enforcement action. Responds to scenes of crimes, traffic collisions, and accidents, searching for and preserving evidence. Interviews victims, witnesses, and potential suspects. Patrols and examines buildings and residences to detect suspicious conditions. Monitors and enforces traffic laws and safety ordinances within a prescribed jurisdiction. Issues criminal citations and infractions. Identifies and eliminates hazards to public safety. Detects and/or prevents criminal activities. Apprehends individuals suspected of unlawful activity while observing constitutional and legal guidelines. Responds to calls for service and assistance from citizens. Conducts detailed investigations, identifies and interviews witnesses, victims and suspects, and gathers information that pertains to suspected criminal activities. Records information related to daily patrol activities and prepares reports to aid in the prosecution of offenders. Prepares reports pertaining to arrests and investigations. Appears in court to testify as needed. Provides first aid as needed. Conducts light preventative maintenance on departmental equipment. May conduct follow‑up investigations based on reports and other data compiled by department personnel. Qualifications An applicant must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment. An Associate’s degree from an accredited institution is highly desired. Attendance at and graduation from the Washington State Basic Police Academy is required by State law; this will be covered as an employee of the City. Must be able to pass Washington State standards for police officers, maintain strict confidentiality, and read, understand, and interpret ordinances, laws, and operating procedures. Communication skills—oral and written—are required. CPR, AED, and first aid certification, qualification in the use of firearms, and training in the use of specialized police equipment such as radar and breathalyzer machines are required. A valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of insurability must be maintained throughout employment. Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the field training program and probation. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Excellent interpersonal relations, communication, maturity, emotional stability, and sound judgment under stress. Ability to respond to varying situations with tact and diplomacy, handling stressful, hostile, or irrational persons. Maintain objective approaches to problems under unfamiliar conditions and display a pleasant, professional demeanor with citizens. Maintain confidentiality of all information acquired in the discharge of duties. Maintain personal health and good physical condition, overall stamina, and ability to perform moderate to strenuous activity. Skill in emergency situations requiring rapid evacuation to avoid injury or provide assistance. Physical dexterity to manipulate standard police equipment, use a motor vehicle, two‑way radio, and operate a computer with a typing speed of at least 25 words per minute. Vision sufficient to perform all duties; hearing alarms and identifying danger or hazard audibly. Ability to read and interpret ordinances, laws, and operating procedures and communicate effectively orally and in writing. Present oneself favorably to the City in all contacts with employees, citizens, agencies, courts, jurisdictions, businesses, and residences. Working Conditions Work is performed both indoors and outdoors and may involve inclement or severe weather, natural or manmade disasters, and exposure to chemicals, insect stings, temperature extremes, blood, communicable diseases, and unsanitary conditions. Officers may encounter irrational, ill, hostile, or violent individuals and may be subject to verbal and/or physical attack or assault. Situations may involve gunfire and require the use of firearms and protective equipment such as body armor or gloves. Officers must have the physical ability to walk, run, push, or lift, and be able to engage in physical altercations, subdue or calm a combative individual, and rescue victims. Officers operate a City patrol car safely and efficiently, may be required to work overtime, and may have to appear in court during shifts or on days off. Officers may be placed in a stand‑by status subject to call. #J-18808-Ljbffr