Position Description
The Tacoma Police Department is recruiting
in-state Police Officer (Exceptional Hire) candidates.
NOTE: a Police Officer applicant is determined to be an "Exceptional Hire" candidate if they have s uccessfully completed law enforcement academy training approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission AND meet the other minimum qualifications for this classification - see below. Candidates hired from this exam will be placed at
step 2 ($48.31)* in the hiring range. Please note, step placement is at the discretion of the hiring authority and is subject to change at any time.
A Police Officer is responsible for crime prevention, criminal apprehension, and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances. This is general duty and investigatory police work involving the protection of life, property and preservation of peace. Work involves an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent discretion in emergencies.
Employees may be assigned to work on special assignments that call upon specialized ability and knowledge usually attained through experience as a uniformed Police Officer. All assignments in this class involve responsibility for recognizing the social importance of police functions, for tactful and courteous treatment of the public, and for conscientious and efficient performance of duties under little direct supervision. Physical requirements include above-average physical endurance in running, climbing, and lifting as well as good balance, hearing, and vision.
City of Tacoma Recruitment
The City of Tacoma wants to employ a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and we welcome candidates with diverse and/or multicultural skill sets and personal experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
Transforming Tacoma The Tacoma Police Department is a proud participant in Transforming Tacoma; actively working to d evelop pragmatic, specific recommendations and reforms that the Tacoma Police Department and the City of Tacoma can implement to strengthen the Tacoma Police Department’s relationship with Tacoma’s community; ensure that the Tacoma Police Department’s activities and operations are safe, just, effective, lawful, and consistent with national, best, emerging, and transformational practices. For more information about this effort, please visit the Transforming Tacoma website.
*New range as of January 30, 2024 Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - Reside in Washington State;
- Must be a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident
- Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D.
- Less than two (2) years of experience as a fully commissioned law enforcement officer in the state of Washington, with no more than a 24-month break in service. NOTE: Non-patrol sworn officer experience, such as jail/corrections/court, or dispatch, does not count toward the required experience in calculating the total months of post-commissioned experience.
NOTE: Applicants who failed probation, were terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, are about to be terminated, or would not be considered for rehire by their former department or agency, may not be eligible for an exceptional hire position.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS- Successful completion of law enforcement academy training approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
- Current possession of a Washington State Peace Officer Certification
- Valid Washington State Driver's License, First Aid and CPR card with maintenance thereafter
Knowledge & Skills
- Understanding of the principals, practices, and procedures used in police work
- Up-to-date knowledge of State, County and City laws and ordinances, recent legislation, and court decisions affecting police duties
- Geography of the city
- Traffic and crowd control techniques
- Operation of a variety of specialized police vehicles and equipment
- Crime scene preservation and investigation methods and techniques
- Preparing clear and concise electronic reports
- Exercising independent judgment when responding to emergencies
- Ability to multi-task
- Correct usage of English; grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary
Physical requirements will adhere to the Tacoma Police Officer job classification specification.
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders. Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to Human Resources Analyst, Yaisa Criss-Greenwood, at 253.320.4732.
**JOB ANNOUNCEMENT UPDATE: The Salary Range for this Classification has been updated effective January 30, 2024. The rate of pay at time of any offer is based on the current salary range, not the date of application.** Applicants must pass all phases both before and after the eligibility list is established, including driving record, credit history, conviction/arrest record, work history, reference check, oral board interview, and polygraph examination.
Applicants may be removed from the eligible list for failure to pass the pre-employment interview, background investigation, or any other screening element. Once a conditional offer of employment is made, all applicants must undergo a polygraph, medical examination, and psychological evaluation to determine if they meet the Tacoma Police Department standards in effect at the time of examination. The medical examination will include a drug screening.
This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 6 Tacoma Police Union IUPA. Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400.
Possession of a Washington State Driver's License is required at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter. In addition, possession of a valid First Aid card and CPR card with maintenance thereafter are required prior to the end of the probationary period. An employee must successfully complete a twelve-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Public Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
Closing Date/Time: 6/30/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
