Police Officer Experienced Lateral

Tacoma Police Department Lateral Entry Officer

The City of Tacoma is seeking Lateral Police Officers to join the Tacoma Police Department.

The Tacoma Police Department will be giving hiring priority to in-state lateral candidates for any immediate vacancies. Qualified out-of-state candidates will be placed on an eligible list for interview and hiring consideration and may be considered for subsequent vacancies. At this time the Tacoma Police Department is placing out-of-state lateral candidates at step 4 ($59.55)

• in the hiring range; in-state laterals will be placed at step 5 ($62.53)
• in the range. In-state laterals with 5+ years will start at step #6. Please note, step placement is at the discretion of the hiring authority and is subject to change at any time.

Key Responsibilities

• Patrol and Public Safety
• Emergency and Incident Response
• Law Enforcement Actions and Investigations
• Community Interaction and Coordination
• Equipment and Skill Proficiency

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of laws, policies, and law enforcement procedures
• Patrol, investigation, and crime scene skills
• Proficiency with equipment and technology
• Communication and reporting abilities
• Judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving
• First aid and emergency response knowledge
• Interpersonal and community-relations skills

Are you ready to serve and protect your community with integrity and professionalism? The City of Tacoma is seeking motivated, community focused Lateral Entry Officers to join the Tacoma Police Department. You will play a crucial part in police work involving the protection of life and property and keeping Tacoma safe.

The job classification of Lateral Entry Officer is classified and represented. Lateral Entry Officers perform general duty police work involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, maintenance of order, and prevention and investigation of crimes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be currently employed as a law enforcement officer or have been employed as a law enforcement officer in the last 24 months. There may not be more than a 24-month break in service
• Must have 12 or more months of continuous post-commissioned street patrol experience
• Non-patrol sworn officer experience, such as jail/corrections/court, military police or dispatch, does not count toward "street patrol experience" in calculating the total months of post-commissioned experience
• 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.
• Out-of-state lateral commission must be approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Commission

Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements

• Successful completion of law enforcement academy training approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
• Valid Driver's License.

Department Mission

To create a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and visit by working together with the community, enforcing the law in a fair and impartial manner, preserving the peace and order in our neighborhoods, and safeguarding our Constitutional guarantees.

Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2026, 5:

00 p.m. 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 who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at time of application to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.

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 ***.

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly:

$47.39 - $65.66

Annually:

$98,571.20 - $136,572.80

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma 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.