Job Details

Police Officer

Performs general duty police work in the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Examples of job functions include:

• Exercises powers of arrest and control; defends self and uses force and deadly force; enforces motor vehicle laws; operates vehicle under emergency conditions and provides emergency assistance; responds to crime scenes and performs criminal investigations; participates in special operations.
• Patrols a designated area on foot or in a radio and computer equipped vehicle to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crime, to direct traffic and to enforce traffic and parking regulations.
• Answers calls and investigates complaints involving accidents, fires, misdemeanors and felonies; investigates suspicious activities. Administers first aid, interviews witnesses, gathers information and evidence, makes arrests, prepares reports, testifies as witness in court.
• May be assigned, on a permanent or shift basis, to such specialized technical or administrative duties as: working police desk, maintenance of criminal records, license inspection, photographic and identification work, traffic safety training, field training, radio operation, etc. Advises public on laws and ordinances, provides general information and otherwise assists the public.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Education: Completion of high school or equivalent.
• Experience: Successful completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Basic Law Enforcement Academy. No prior law enforcement experience is required.
• Licenses: Possession of a valid driver's license and a valid WSCJTC BLEA certification.
• Other requirements include being 20 years of age at the time of application and 21 years of age at the time of appointment, being within the normal weight range for height, meeting physical requirements for the position, and passing a post-offer physical and psychological examination prior to appointment. A police record may be grounds for rejection.

The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

Upon notification that you have passed through the minimum qualifications, you will receive a Personal History Statement to complete and submit along with the T&E. This documentation will be used to conduct a background investigation. It is a MANDATORY MINIMUM REQUIREMENT to complete the Personal History Statement. If the Personal History Statement is NOT received in Civil Service by the deadline given, your application will not be considered.

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.

Benefits include:

• Double-time pay for large special events
• Shift differential
• Provided uniforms & equipment
• Education incentive pay
• 4% match deferred comp
• Paid academy
• Patrol schedule that allows for 4 and 5 day weekends, as well as 2 weekends off a month.
• 148 entry-level vacation hours accrued on a bi-weekly basis.
• 60 hours of Floating Holidays (these count as personal time you can take whenever you like).
• Accrual of 6 hours of sick time on a bi-weekly basis. 120 hours starting sick time for lateral hires.
• Washington State LEOFF 2 Retirement Pension
• City-Sponsored Deferred Compensation Plan with 4% match and an extra 2.2% contribution regardless of contribution.
• Medical
• $175/month into a Health Reimbursement Account
• Vision
• Dental
• Life Insurance
• Excellent Long Term Disability Plan
• PORAC LDF
• Flexible Health Spending Account
• Supplemental Insurance
• LegalShield/ID Shield
• Pet Insurance
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance
• HRA VEBA
• Swing Shift 0.75%
• Mid/Power Shift 1.5%
• Graveyard Shift 3.25%
• AA or AS 2% BA or BS 4%
• AA or AS 2.5% BA or BS 4.5%
• AA or AS 3% BA or BS 5%
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer Sponsored Bus Pass (ESBP) Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Fully paid uniform and equipment
• Paid academy
• Longevity Pay