Police Officer ENTRY-LEVEL

Seattle Police Department Police Officer

The Seattle Police Department is looking to create a diverse team of hardworking, committed individuals with a passion for public service and who are deeply aligned with our City's values of Race and Social Justice. The City of Seattle is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, gender identity, political ideology, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Important items to note :

Hiring bonus : The City of Seattle is offering a $7,500 hiring bonus for entry-level police officers. To learn more, visit the Seattle Police Department website.

Speak with a recruiter : Complete this form and a recruiter will text you!

Attend a virtual applicant workshop : Sign up here to participate in an upcoming Seattle Police Applicant Workshop to learn more about policing careers, the Seattle Police Department, and tips to navigate our hiring process!

Hiring process :

1. Apply : All candidates must submit an application to the City of Seattle as soon as possible. To submit an application, click "Apply" at the top of this job bulletin. A resume and cover letter are not required.

2. Register and complete two (2) exam components : The law enforcement exam components must be self-scheduled through the National Testing Network (NTN). Examinations are offered virtually or at physical locations across the United States, and the City of Seattle will pay for the exam. The required exam components include :

• Frontline National (Law Enforcement) Exam
• Public Safety Self-Assessment (Parts 1 & 2)

3. Physical ability test : While scheduling your written exam, the NTN system will prompt you to schedule your Washington Physical Ability Test (WAPAT). We encourage you to complete your WAPAT with NTN as soon as possible. Passing the WAPAT is required to move forward in the hiring process. If you are an out-of-state candidate, you will not be expected to travel to Washington to complete your WAPAT.

4. Backgrounding : Candidates who pass the WAPAT will receive a link via email from the Seattle Police Background Unit to fill out their personal history information. SPD will then conduct a thorough investigation into the candidate's history. Ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications for this position listed below.

5. Medical evaluation, psychological exam, and polygraph exam : Candidates must complete a medical evaluation that includes drug screening, medical history, vision and hearing test, and a stress EKG test. A psychological exam will be completed via Zoom. The medical tests can only be completed in person at specific Seattle locations currently.

6. Final offer of employment : If the candidate completes and passes all the above steps, they will be given an official offer of employment with the Seattle Police Department.

Preference points : The City of Seattle offers multiple forms of preference points. Preference points can only be applied to passing exam scores. Once you pass the exam, instructions for requesting preference points will be emailed along with your final exam results. All requests for preference points will be evaluated in accordance with Rules 9.17 - 9.21 of the City of Seattle's Public Safety Civil Service Commission.

Job responsibilities :

Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations. Explains laws and police procedures to residents. Operates a patrol car. Patrols city streets, areas, and businesses to deter criminal activity and promote public safety. Investigates conditions hazardous to life or property; conducts initial investigations of crime and crime scenes; may assist detectives in criminal investigation work. Conducts search and seizure activities as appropriate. Collects and preserves crime scene and evidence. Arrests and / or detains suspected violators of the law. Reviews facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved. Records facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities. Renders aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries. Transports individuals in custody. Presents evidence and testimony in judicial settings. The City of Seattle provides police service 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is required.

Qualifications :

Eligibility standards : Be at least twenty and half (20.5) years of age. Hold United States citizenship, OR have legal permanent residency in the U.S., OR be a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient. Attained a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency (GED). Applicants must meet all eligibility standards by the date of participation in the exam process.

Minimum employment standards :

Drug use : Have not used marijuana within twelve (12) months prior to taking civil service exam, and have not used cocaine or crack within the previous five (5) years, and have not used club drugs, such as, but not limited to : Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol, or MDMA (ecstasy) within the previous three (3) years, and have not used any hallucinogens, LSD, mushrooms, or psilocybin within the previous five (5) years, and have not used PCP, Angel Dust, Wet or Phencyclidine within the previous five (5) years, and have not used opium, morphine, or heroin within the previous five (5) years, and have not used methamphetamine, crank, crystal, ice, speed, glass, or amphetamine within the previous five (5) years, and have not inhaled aerosols, sometimes referred to as huffing (paint) or whippits (nitrous oxide) or used khat within the previous three (3) years, and have not used any illegal drug(s) while employed in a criminal justice and / or law enforcement capacity, and have not manufactured or cultivated illegal drug(s) for the purpose of the sales / marketing of the drug(s). Have not sold or facilitated the sale of illegal drugs.

Traffic record : A candidate's driving record will be thoroughly assessed and may be a factor for disqualification. Examples of infractions / traffic crimes that may be disqualifying : Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), reckless driving, or hit & run driving. Suspension of your driver's license within five (5) years of the exam date. Three (3) or more moving violations (speeding, negligent driving, etc.) within five (5) years of the exam date will be carefully reviewed. Two (2) or more accidents within five (5) years of the exam date, wherein candidate was judged to be at fault and / or charged with a moving violation.

Criminal history : A candidate's criminal history, including all arrests, prosecutions, deferred prosecutions, "Alford" pleas, and non-conviction information will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification. Any adult felony conviction. Any misdemeanor or felony conviction while employed in a criminal justice and / or law enforcement capacity. Any domestic violence conviction.

Employment record : A candidate's employment history, including any terminations, or leaving an employer in lieu of termination, will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification.

Financial record : A candidate's credit history, including excessive credit card debt or unresolved accounts in collection will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification. Failure to pay income tax or child support.

Professional appearance : All applicants are expected to maintain a professional appearance at all times. SPD has the sole discretion in determining what is considered professional, as it relates to the position of Police Officer. Any and all tattoos, branding (intentional burning of the skin to create a design), voluntary disfigurement (marring or spoiling of the appearance or shape of a body part), or scarification (intentional cutting of the skin to create a design) shall be carefully reviewed by SPD on a case-by-case basis.

Other items : A valid Washington State Driver's License is required prior to being hired. Ability to accurately type at least 35 wpm is highly desirable. Seattle residence is not required for application or appointment.

Job offers are contingent on review of credit, criminal and driving history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.