Becoming a Tumwater Police Officer

The Tumwater Police Department has an open recruitment for lateral and entry-level police officers. For current hiring status, visit Job Openings.

Positions

In addition to standard patrol assignments, the Tumwater Police Department offers the following premium and specialty assignments.

Entry Level Police Officer Applicants

Applicants must be 21 years of age with no felony or domestic violence convictions, and possess a valid Washington driver's license at the time of appointment. Prior to consideration, all applicants must pass a written and physical test through PST: Public Safety Testing.

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

Successful candidates will complete a 720-hour academy and a three-month field-training program.

Lateral Police Officer Applicants

Applicants must have been employed as full-time law enforcement officers in a civilian police agency or sheriff's office with at least two years of prior service.

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

Out-of-state candidates must complete a Washington State equivalency academy within one year of appointment.

Lateral Transfer Incentives

• Longevity pay will reflect total years of service as a commissioned law enforcement officer.
• The probationary period for lateral transfers is six months and begins at the start of their Field Training Program.
• Lateral transfers may apply for specialty and/or premium assignments upon completion of their probationary period. 

Certified Police Officer Applicants

Applicants must have been employed as a full-time law enforcement officer in a civilian police agency or sheriff's office with less than two years of prior service. 

Candidates must have satisfactorily completed the WACJTC Basic Law Enforcement Academy or it's equivalent. 

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

Pay and Benefits

A Current Salary Schedule is available through the Employee Services section of the website.

• Officers receive thirteen paid holidays, plus a floating holiday to be used each year. Vacation accrual begins at 8 hours per month and increases up to 15 hours based on months of service.
• Officers work a 4/4 schedule with 11-hour shifts. Shift bidding is seniority-based. 
• All commissioned staff are issued handguns, rifles, and external vest carriers. Back-up weapons are issued upon request.
• Take-home vehicles are offered for any officers residing within 36.5 miles of Tumwater City Hall.
• Tumwater police officers enjoy top-of-the-line equipment and uniforms and all necessary equipment is provided by the City. Officers also receive $1,250 annually for approved uniform and equipment replacement, in addition to a monthly stipend for uniform maintenance.
• Officers will be eligible for the Washington State Public Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Retirement System (LEOFF2). They may also take advantage of deferred compensation and city-funded HRA/Post-Retirement medical earnings programs.
• Insurance packages include comprehensive medical, dental (including orthodontics), and vision.

Additional Incentives

• Educational Pay: AA/AS Degree 2.5%, BA/BS Degree 4%, Master's Degree 6%
• Physical Fitness Pay: Officers who successfully pass the physical fitness test will be eligible for a lump sum payment of 3% of the employee's annual salary minus applicable taxes and other deductions. Eligibility begins after 3 years of service with the Tumwater Police Department, or to lateral officers after completion of probation.
• Longevity Pay: 2% at 10 years, 2.5% at 15 years, 3% at 20 years, and 3.5% at 25 years.
• Deferred Compensation Match: City of Tumwater matches employee contributions of up to 2% of base pay.
• The Tumwater Police Department strongly encourages officers to pursue ongoing growth and provides opportunities to build skills and knowledge within the department and with outside training.
• Officer wellness: The Tumwater Police Department provides a robust officer-wellness program and invests ample resources into ongoing evaluation and improvement.