EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT POLICE OFFICER (LATERAL)

Salary*: $4,504 - $5,756 per month

(*Additional pay based on education level and special
assignments, starting pay may be negotiated based on experience.)

CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT

The City of Tumwater is examining applicants who have been employed as law enforcement officers within the last 36 months and successfully completed probation for their current or former public safety employer for potential employment as a full-time Police Officer. This recruitment is continuous - applications are accepted at any time and will be periodically considered for addition to an eligibility for hire list when requested by the Civil Service Commission.

Tumwater is a rapidly growing community of over 17,000 population with a patrol area of about 15 square miles. The Police Department is directed by a Chief and a Police Commander. There are four Patrol Lieutenants. The patrol division consists of two teams working four 11 hour days, followed by four days off. The Department includes an Investigation Unit consisting of a Detective Lieutenant and two Detectives. Officers can be assigned to special positions such as drug enforcement, traffic, SWAT, Dive Team, or K-9.

The Department strongly prefers officers willing and able to extend themselves to addressing community problems while enforcing the law. The Department is especially interested in building a staff which reflects the changing ethnic makeup of the community. Female applicants and persons from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

SUMMARY OF WORK:

Police Officers are involved in all aspects of law enforcement, including patrol and traffic enforcement activities, crime and accident prevention and investigation, and providing general assistance to the public. Police Officers respond to citizen requests and complaints of a diverse nature. Work involves an element of danger and Police Officers will be expected to exercise considerable judgment in responding to emergency situations and performing law enforcement duties.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Patrols area of City in 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 into 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 cause in felonies.

Conducts detailed investigations into 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 stake outs and undercover operations; collects evidence or stolen goods; processes and logs evidence into custody and sends evidence to crime lab for analysis if required; participates in criminal investigations conducted by other law enforcement agencies.

Obtains search and arrest warrants; serves summons and subpoenas. 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; and prepares case reports, confers with the City or District Attorney; testifies in court.

Conducts security checks of homes and businesses. Makes presentations regarding law enforcement activities and crime prevention programs to schools or community groups. Maintains and encourages community contacts to promote community policing. Assists in training new police officers and reserve officers in basic patrol functions and related duties.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

The following criteria has been identified as related to the successful performance of duties as a Police Officer and will be considered in the testing and hiring processes.

Knowledge:  Knowledge of modern methods, principles, techniques and practices of municipal law enforcement used in the prevention, investigation and suppression of criminal activities; of investigative and forensic techniques and procedures; of laws, codes and statutes applicable to police work; of the rights of suspects and defendants; of the identification and preservation of physical evidence; of the behavior of criminals and causes underlying criminality.

Ability: Ability to review a multitude of information related to a criminal incident; to 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, 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.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Employed within the last 36 months in a full-time, paid, commissioned position in a civilian law enforcement agency.
• Completed probation as a full-time, paid, commissioned law enforcement officer for the current or former public safety employer.
• Ability to prove successful completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission basic law enforcement academy or its equivalent.
• Ability to meet physical, medical and background standards for Police Officers as established by the City.
• 21 years of age at time of hire.
• U.S. Citizen.
• A valid Washington state Driver’s License and acceptable driving record upon hire.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to successfully complete the following:

• Background investigation by the Police Department (criminal activity, employment history, driving record, etc.).

Following a conditional offer of employment, a prospective officer must successfully complete, as a condition of continued employment:

• A medical examination by a licensed physician and a psychological examination by a licensed psychologist to establish fitness for duty;
• Polygraph examination.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURES:

A qualifications examination will be conducted of all qualified applicants. Those candidates passing the qualifications examination will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of the examination score. The qualifications examination measures the applicants self-declared expertise and experience in a number of policing areas including: patrol work, youth liaison work, detective, field training officer, emergency vehicle operations instructor, firearms instructor, defensive tactics instructor, and relief supervisor.

Following certification, an eligibility for hire list may be used, at the discretion of the Police Chief, to fill vacancies. The Chief may request either the lateral list or the entry level eligibility list, based upon the needs of the department.

The Chief may choose from among the top seven candidates on an eligibility list. Candidates may be asked to interview with the Chief and/or his designee. All requirements would have to be satisfactorily completed by the candidate as a condition of hire.

Candidates appointed to a Police Officer position will be required to satisfactorily complete a 12 month probationary period in accordance with Tumwater Civil Service Rules. Salary levels and certain other conditions of employment are established by a collective bargaining agreement.

Veteran’s Scoring Criteria will be added to the final score for those who qualify under the City’s civil service rules. If you wish to request veteran’s scoring criteria, you must complete a City of Tumwater veteran’s scoring criteria form and return it, along with a form DD214, with your job application. Unclear information or information that is not supported by the DD214 will be disregarded.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

In accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Section 274A, all new employees must show employment authorization to work in the United States and verification of identity. Applicants are advised that this documentation is a condition of employment with the City of Tumwater. New employees will be advised of acceptable documents to verify identity and work authorization.
Under Washington state law, if you have previously utilized Veteran’s preference or scoring criteria to obtain a public service job, you may not claim preference or scoring criteria a second time.

HOW TO APPLY:

Request a Police Officer (Lateral Entry) application packet at Tumwater City Hall, 555 Israel Road SW, Tumwater, WA  98501. Or contact the City’s jobline at (360) 754-4129. Or retrieve required application materials from the City’s internet webpage at www.ci.tumwater.wa.us. Resumes or other application forms will not be accepted in lieu of the official application packet.

City of Tumwater Application
Questionnaire
Reciprocity States
Veteran's Scoring Criteria Form
EEO Form

Back to Police Dept. Openings

THE CITY OF TUMWATER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Updated: December 5, 2011