Certified Entry Level Police Officer

Law Enforcement Officer

This exam is for experienced law enforcement officers only, who meet all of the criteria for certified entry. If you are not currently certified as a law enforcement officer or do not have the required law enforcement experience, do not apply for this posting by completing this application. You must instead apply to participate in the entry-level police officer exam process for which there is a separate application that you will be invited to apply to you upon completing and passing PST testing.

Please read the educational and experience requirements on this posting. Ensure to include on your application: name(s) of basic law enforcement academy attended, credits completed, which State or Territory you have fulfilled your training, and attach your Police Academy Certification.

Certified Entry Level candidates applicants please click here to apply. Certified Entry Level applicants only have to take the written exam with Public Safety Testing and are not required to take the physical agility test (PAT).

About Our Community:

The City of Tukwila is a unique and exciting city to live, work and visit even though it is just under 10 square miles. With a population of only 22,000 residents, the city sees upwards of 150,000 visitors and workers daily. The residential population is also host to individuals from all over the world with over 80 languages spoken by students of the Tukwila School District making it a truly unique community.

Tukwila is also home to the largest mall in the Pacific Northwest, headquarters for major national and international corporations, The Museum of Flight, and a thriving hub of popular retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses.

About the Tukwila Police Department:

The Tukwila Police Department is a municipal police department with 77 commissioned officers and 24 non-commissioned support staff. We are fortunate to work in a supportive environment with supportive community members, supportive elected officials, and supportive police department command staff. Our officers come from all walks of life and experiences including lateral officers from all over the country. We genuinely support and care about our officers, their mental health and general wellbeing. As such, we provide our officers with a set schedule with the same weekdays off and every other Saturday off, 490 hours of leave per year, the ability to work out on-duty and a supportive environment to help them grow throughout their careers. Their families are also valued and supported as part of our greater law enforcement family.

When it comes to technology, we are one of the leading departments in the nation. Besides a brand-new police station that opened in 2020 complete with a massive gym, quiet rooms, patio with BBQ grills and a full-size kitchen, our officers enjoy having a take-home patrol vehicle. The officer and vehicles are equipped with barcode scanners, Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) equipped dash cameras, body worn cameras (BWC), headrest printers, mobile fingerprint scanners and much more to make their jobs easier and more efficient. Our officers are all issued iPhones and tablets to complete their day-to-day tasks.

Our Mission:

As an involved part of the Tukwila community, our mission is to provide public safety services that are professional, compassionate and transparent. As individuals and teams, we are committed to earning the public's trust with skills, professionalism and collaboration.

Our Vision:

Our vision is that all Tukwila neighborhoods and communities feel protected and respected in their times of need.

We Value:

Serving the community so that all members of the public are safe, secure and thriving. As community needs evolve, so will police services.

Building positive, strong teams within the department and with the community. When we invite a variety of perspectives and experiences, we improve mutual respect and support.

Being accountable to the community and each other by working with determination, thoroughness, openness, honesty and skill. When we can be transparent about challenges, we can develop lasting solutions. Growing in competency and empathy by constantly developing skills and relationships.

Why Choose the City of Tukwila?

• Competitive salary with scheduled step increases on an annual basis
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employer contributions to the State Retirement System pension plan
• Deferred Compensation plan options
• Paid holidays as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement
• VEBA (tax-free health savings account)
• Employee Wellness Program in addition to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Take Home Car Program

Officers have opportunities to receive the following additional compensation and pay incentives:

• Education (2% police-related Associate's degree; 4% Bachelor's or higher degree)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Longevity Pay starting after 5 years of service
• Overtime opportunities
• Specialty Assignment pay ranging from 5% to 7%
• Night shift differential 2%
• Option to have Kelly Days and Holiday Bank paid out.

Selection and Civil Service Testing Guidelines:

Civil Service Testing for certified and lateral entry consists of complete online application (including transcripts), a telephone interview, written exam, background investigation, polygraph examination, written/oral psychological exams, and a medical exam. The testing is scheduled at your convenience. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to humanresources@tukwilawa.gov

How To Apply:

Fill out the application online completely. Please include a resume and memo to the Chief of Police on why you want to work for the Tukwila Police Department. Please note that we do not accept incomplete applications, attached resumes are not accepted as an online application. Veteran's Preference Points:

City of Tukwila follows the guidance given by the State of Washington regarding applying veteran's points. Please attach a copy of your DD214 or NGB Form 22 to your online application if you are eligible to claim these points. The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity employer and strives to employ a diverse workforce reflective of the community it serves. Qualified applicants with multicultural experience and/or backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are currently a law enforcement officer but do not meet the time in-service requirements of a Certified Entry Level Police Officer, you may qualify to test as an Exceptional Entry candidate. Exceptional Entry candidates should apply as an Entry Level Police Officer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs investigative tasks, evaluates cases for leads and investigation direction; collects and preserves evidence; interrogates suspects and questions witnesses.
• Enforces traffic and parking regulations; directs traffic; makes detailed investigations and reports of traffic accidents.
• Determines when lawful search, seizure and arrest should be attempted; such actions may include a foot chase and/or vehicle pursuit, when necessary.
• Performs a variety of judicial assistance activities; including testifying in court and related activities required to enforce municipal and other laws and ordinances.
• Assists in departmental administrative and supervisory activities as assigned, including performing public relation assignments.
• Operates firearms in compliance with department rules.
• Cleans and maintains assigned firearms and vehicles.
• Patrols designated area of city in police vehicle on assigned shift; foot patrol of districts as assigned.
• Completes special details as assigned by the Sergeant and prepares reports and documents to maintain a record of activities.
• Writes reports; maintains daily logs and other related reports.
• Serves warrants; makes arrests and transports prisoners to jail.
• Responds to and investigates citizens' complaints and provides service to citizens.
• Represents department by speaking at public meetings on special topics of interest or on law enforcement in general

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge (position requirements at entry):

• Methods, principles and practices of law enforcement and crime prevention;
• The laws governing arrest, custody of prisoners, search and seizure, and rules of evidence.

Skills (position requirements at entry):

• Ability to exercise independent judgment in emergency situations in accordance with departmental rules and regulations
• Ability to safely operate police vehicles
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish effective working relationships

Law Enforcement Officer

This exam is for experienced law enforcement officers only, who meet all of the criteria for certified entry. If you are not currently certified as a law enforcement officer or do not have the required law enforcement experience, do not apply for this posting by completing this application. You must instead apply to participate in the entry-level police officer exam process for which there is a separate application that you will be invited to apply to you upon completing and passing PST testing.

Please read the educational and experience requirements on this posting. Ensure to include on your application: name(s) of basic law enforcement academy attended, credits completed, which State or Territory you have fulfilled your training, and attach your Police Academy Certification.

Certified Entry Level candidates applicants please click here to apply. Certified Entry Level applicants only have to take the written exam with Public Safety Testing and are not required to take the physical agility test (PAT).

About Our Community:

The City of Tukwila is a unique and exciting city to live, work and visit even though it is just under 10 square miles. With a population of only 22,000 residents, the city sees upwards of 150,000 visitors and workers daily. The residential population is also host to individuals from all over the world with over 80 languages spoken by students of the Tukwila School District making it a truly unique community.

Tukwila is also home to the largest mall in the Pacific Northwest, headquarters for major national and international corporations, The Museum of Flight, and a thriving hub of popular retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses.

About the Tukwila Police Department:

The Tukwila Police Department is a municipal police department with 77 commissioned officers and 24 non-commissioned support staff. We are fortunate to work in a supportive environment with supportive community members, supportive elected officials, and supportive police department command staff. Our officers come from all walks of life and experiences including lateral officers from all over the country. We genuinely support and care about our officers, their mental health and general wellbeing. As such, we provide our officers with a set schedule with the same weekdays off and every other Saturday off, 490 hours of leave per year, the ability to work out on-duty and a supportive environment to help them grow throughout their careers. Their families are also valued and supported as part of our greater law enforcement family.

When it comes to technology, we are one of the leading departments in the nation. Besides a brand-new police station that opened in 2020 complete with a massive gym, quiet rooms, patio with BBQ grills and a full-size kitchen, our officers enjoy having a take-home patrol vehicle. The officer and vehicles are equipped with barcode scanners, Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) equipped dash cameras, body worn cameras (BWC), headrest printers, mobile fingerprint scanners and much more to make their jobs easier and more efficient. Our officers are all issued iPhones and tablets to complete their day-to-day tasks.

Our Mission:

As an involved part of the Tukwila community, our mission is to provide public safety services that are professional, compassionate and transparent. As individuals and teams, we are committed to earning the public's trust with skills, professionalism and collaboration.

Our Vision:

Our vision is that all Tukwila neighborhoods and communities feel protected and respected in their times of need.

We Value:

Serving the community so that all members of the public are safe, secure and thriving. As community needs evolve, so will police services.

Building positive, strong teams within the department and with the community. When we invite a variety of perspectives and experiences, we improve mutual respect and support.

Being accountable to the community and each other by working with determination, thoroughness, openness, honesty and skill. When we can be transparent about challenges, we can develop lasting solutions. Growing in competency and empathy by constantly developing skills and relationships.

Why Choose the City of Tukwila?

• Competitive salary with scheduled step increases on an annual basis
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employer contributions to the State Retirement System pension plan
• Deferred Compensation plan options
• Paid holidays as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement
• VEBA (tax-free health savings account)
• Employee Wellness Program in addition to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Take Home Car Program

Officers have opportunities to receive the following additional compensation and pay incentives:

• Education (2% police-related Associate's degree; 4% Bachelor's or higher degree)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Longevity Pay starting after 5 years of service
• Overtime opportunities
• Specialty Assignment pay ranging from 5% to 7%
• Night shift differential 2%
• Option to have Kelly Days and Holiday Bank paid out.

Selection and Civil Service Testing Guidelines:

Civil Service Testing for certified and lateral entry consists of complete online application (including transcripts), a telephone interview, written exam, background investigation, polygraph examination, written/oral psychological exams, and a medical exam. The testing is scheduled at your convenience. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to humanresources@tukwilawa.gov

How To Apply:

Fill out the application online completely. Please include a resume and memo to the Chief of Police on why you want to work for the Tukwila Police Department. Please note that we do not accept incomplete applications, attached resumes are not accepted as an online application. Veteran's Preference Points:

City of Tukwila follows the guidance given by the State of Washington regarding applying veteran's points. Please attach a copy of your DD214 or NGB Form 22 to your online application if you are eligible to claim these points. The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity employer and strives to employ a diverse workforce reflective of the community it serves. Qualified applicants with multicultural experience and/or backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are currently a law enforcement officer but do not meet the time in-service requirements of a Certified Entry Level Police Officer, you may qualify to test as an Exceptional Entry candidate. Exceptional Entry candidates should apply as an Entry Level Police Officer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs investigative tasks, evaluates cases for leads and investigation direction; collects and preserves evidence; interrogates suspects and questions witnesses.
• Enforces traffic and parking regulations; directs traffic; makes detailed investigations and reports of traffic accidents.
• Determines when lawful search, seizure and arrest should be attempted; such actions may include a foot chase and/or vehicle pursuit, when necessary.
• Performs a variety of judicial assistance activities; including testifying in court and related activities required to enforce municipal and other laws and ordinances.
• Assists in departmental administrative and supervisory activities as assigned, including performing public relation assignments.
• Operates firearms in compliance with department rules.
• Cleans and maintains assigned firearms and vehicles.
• Patrols designated area of city in police vehicle on assigned shift; foot patrol of districts as assigned.
• Completes special details as assigned by the Sergeant and prepares reports and documents to maintain a record of activities.
• Writes reports; maintains daily logs and other related reports.
• Serves warrants; makes arrests and transports prisoners to jail.
• Responds to and investigates citizens' complaints and provides service to citizens.
• Represents department by speaking at public meetings on special topics of interest or on law enforcement in general

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge (position requirements at entry):

• Methods, principles and practices of law enforcement and crime prevention;
• The laws governing arrest, custody of prisoners, search and seizure, and rules of evidence.

Skills (position requirements at entry):

• Ability to exercise independent judgment in emergency situations in accordance with departmental rules and regulations
• Ability to safely operate police vehicles
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish effective working relationships

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