Experienced Police Officer

City of Gig Harbor•Gig Harbor, WA

3d•$91,826 - $111,614•Onsite

About The Position

The Gig Harbor Police Department is expanding its force and seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to serve the community, maintain safety, and build trust. This role offers a unique policing experience in a city known for its stunning waterfront, friendly atmosphere, and strong sense of community. The department fosters a collaborative and supportive environment with backing from city administration and residents, providing officers with the resources and encouragement to excel. The position involves protecting public safety, preventing crime, and enforcing laws, with considerable discretion in daily activities and the use of enforcement powers. Work includes patrolling by vehicle, foot, bicycle, and/or boat, responding to calls for service, conducting investigations, performing crime prevention assignments, and testifying in court.

Requirements

At least 21 years of age at time of application
High school diploma or GED equivalent
US citizen or lawful permanent resident
Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently
Valid Washington State driver license (or ability to obtain prior to hire) with a history of safe driving and maintenance throughout the duration of appointment
Score a minimum of 70% on Oral Board interview
Successfully pass background investigation, emotional intelligence screening, polygraph, psychological, and medical examination.
Successful completion of a State accredited law enforcement academy (for Lateral Entry)
Previous employment as a Commissioned Police Officer on a full-time basis by a law enforcement agency exceeding a consecutive 12-month period (for Lateral Entry)
Shall not have had a lapse in employment as a law enforcement officer for a period exceeding the previous twelve months, calculated from the day of appointment (for Lateral Entry)
Successfully completed a basic law enforcement academy recognized as a full equivalent to the Washington state basic law enforcement academy by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission within the preceding twelve months and will be given a Conditional Offer of Employment within that twelve-month period (for Exceptional Entry Level)
Peace officer certification, commission, and/or licensing has lapsed because of a break in service as a full-time, fully commissioned peace officer in this or any other state or territory for more than twenty-four months but less than sixty months and who are required to attend the equivalency (for Exceptional Entry Level)
All requirements of WAC 139-05-210 shall also apply.
If separated from a law enforcement agency, the separation must be without cause or resigning in lieu of discipline.

Nice To Haves

Bicycle and marine patrol duties are assigned upon qualification.

Responsibilities

Ensures Department services are provided with exceptional customer service and the highest level of ethical standards.
Patrols the community in a vehicle, on foot, or bicycle and/or boat when assigned, to deter and detect criminal activity.
Emphasis on customer service approach to work collaboratively with community partners to improve safety and reduce crime.
Responds to calls for service: administers first aid to injured persons, documents allegations of a crime; protects persons and property; and advises on preventative practices.
Performs preliminary and continued investigations (traffic and criminal): searches for and collects physical evidence; and, interviews witnesses and victims.
Enforces traffic laws by monitoring traffic movement visually and with radar, contracts violators, and issues traffic citations.
Conducts Security Surveys for businesses.
Inspects new construction for compliance with Security Ordinance.
Recovers and returns stolen property.
Testifies in court.
Writes reports on alleged crimes, traffic accidents, and arrests.
Performs crisis intervention in sensitive and dynamic situations; explains content of law to persons involved in a dispute, describing the process of filing a formal complaint, the extent of law enforcement powers, and the responsibility of citizens to follow prescribed legal procedures, provides referrals to appropriate community resources.
Attends meetings, seminars, and other training classes to maintain current up-to-date knowledge of criminal and civil laws, as well as technical skills in order to remain proficient in the performance of duty; maintains awareness of newly-enacted laws and recent court decisions and their effects on police duties and responsibilities.