Certified Police Officer

To qualify as a Certified Police Officer, a candidate must:

• Be employed as a full-time paid employee by a law enforcement agency at the time of application and currently in a probationary status with the employing agency.
• Must have satisfactorily completed the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission basic law academy or its equivalent.

Candidates with more than two (2) years of experience should apply as a Lateral Police Officer.

General Statement of Duties:

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.

Supervision:

Direct supervision is from a superior officer and works in accordance with well-established procedures, although individuals must exercise independent judgment in emergency situations.

• 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

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.

Qualifications:

• A)Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• B) 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 may be required by the City of Tumwater or the State of Washington.
• C) Applicants must be employed as a full-time paid employee by a law enforcement agency at the time of application and currently in a probationary status with the employing agency.
• D)Must have satisfactorily completed the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission basic law enforcement academy or its equivalent.

Special Requirements:

A valid Washington State driver's license may be required.

Applicant must have completed the WA State Criminal Justice Training Center Basic Law Enforcement Academy and be a certified WA State Peace Officer. The applicant must have less than two years of police experience.

All candidates must complete a background check, polygraph, psychological exam, and medical screening.

Other information (if any) specific to this position:

Certified Police Officer starting salary is determined by the Police Chief.

The City of Tumwater is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.