Experienced Police Officer (Lateral)

　　Salary

　　$88,150.40 - $122,116.80 Annually

　　Location

　　Tacoma, WA

　　Job Type

　　Classified

　　Job Number

　　4202-24

　　Department

　　Tacoma Police Department

　　Division

　　Police

　　Opening Date

　　01/08/2024

　　Closing Date

　　6/30/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

　　Description

　　Benefits

　　Questions

　　Position Description

　　The Tacoma Police Department is offering an incentive for lateral hires. The incentive includes $10,000 upon commission and paid to the employee on their first check; $7,500 upon completion of probation; and $7,500 one year after the completion of probation. NOTE: for this recruitment, only candidates whom are hired and start in the 2024 calendar year will qualify for the incentive.

　　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 ($53.26)* in the hiring range; in-state laterals will be placed at step 5 ($55.92)* in the range. Please note, step placement is at the discretion of the hiring authority and is subject to change at any time.

　　A Police Officer is responsible for crime prevention, criminal apprehension, and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances. This is general duty and investigatory police work involving the protection of life, property, and preservation of the peace. Work involves an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision. Physical requirements include above-average physical endurance in running, climbing, and lifting as well as good balance, hearing, and vision.

　　City of Tacoma Recruitment

　　The City of Tacoma wants to employ a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and we welcome candidates with diverse and/or multicultural skill sets and personal experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

　　Transforming Tacoma

　　The Tacoma Police Department is a proud participant in Transforming Tacoma; actively working to d evelop pragmatic, specific recommendations and reforms that the Tacoma Police Department and the City of Tacoma can implement to strengthen the Tacoma Police Department’s relationship with Tacoma’s community; ensure that the Tacoma Police Department’s activities and operations are safe, just, effective, lawful, and consistent with national, best, emerging, and transformational practices. For more information about this effort, please visit the Transforming Tacoma (https://www.cityoftacoma.org/government/city_departments/City_Managers_Office/transforming_tacoma) website.

　　*New Range as of January 30, 2024

　　Qualifications

　　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, 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.

　　NOTE: Applicants who failed probation, were terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, are about to be terminated, or would not be considered for rehire by their former department or agency, are not eligible for a lateral position.

　　LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

　　Successful completion of law enforcement academy training approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

　　Valid Washington State Driver's License, First Aid and CPR card with maintenance thereafter.

　　Knowledge & Skills

　　Understanding of the principals, practices and procedures used in police work

　　Up-to-date knowledge of State, County and City laws and ordinances, recent legislation and court decisions affecting police duties

　　Geography of the city

　　Traffic and crowd control techniques

　　Operation of a variety of specialized police vehicles and equipment

　　Crime scene preservation and investigation methods and techniques

　　Preparing clear and concise electronic reports

　　Exercising independent judgment when responding to emergencies

　　Ability to multi-task

　　Correct usage of English; grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary

　　Physical requirements will adhere to the Tacoma Police Officer job classification specification.

　　Selection Process & Supplemental Information

　　JOB ANNOUNCEMENT UPDATE: The Salary Range for this Classification has been updated effective January 30, 2024. The rate of pay at time of any offer is based on the current salary range, not the date of application.

　　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 may be removed from the eligible list for failure to pass the pre-employment interview, background investigation or any other screening element. Once a conditional offer of employment is made, all applicants must undergo a polygraph, medical examination and psychological evaluation to determine if they meet the Tacoma Police Department standards in effect at the time of examination. The medical examination will include a drug screening.

　　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 253.591.5400.

　　Possession of a Washington State Driver's License is required at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter. In addition, possession of a valid First Aid card and CPR card with maintenance thereafter are required prior to the end of the probationary period. An employee must successfully complete a twelve-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

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

　　Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

　　Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

　　Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

　　Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

　　Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

　　Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

　　Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

　　Other Employment Information

　　Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

　　Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

　　Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

　　Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

　　01

　　These questions will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position and as a tool to screen applications prior to an in depth look at your application materials. They should be completed thoroughly and honestly. Your responses to these questions may be assessed through the interview and reference check process. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from the examination process and possible bar from future employment opportunities with the City of Tacoma.

　　I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

　　Yes

　　No

　　02

　　Are you currently or have you been employed as a Law Enforcement Officer in the last 24 months?

　　Yes

　　No

　　03

　　Do you have 12 months post-commissioned street patrol experience?

　　Yes

　　No

　　04

　　How many years of post-commissioned, full-time sworn street patrol experience do you have?

　　No experience

　　Less than 1 year

　　1 year but less than 2

　　2 years but less than 5

　　5 years but less than 10

　　10 years or more

　　05

　　Are you a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident?

　　Yes

　　No

　　06

　　Do you a have a high school diploma or equivalent? Please remember that verification of high school graduation, or its equivalent may be provided in the form of an official transcript, diploma, or other approved documentation that confirms graduation from high school or its equivalent. You will be required to produce one of the prescribed documents as part of the background process.

　　Yes

　　No

　　07

　　Have you graduated from a law enforcement academy recognized by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WAC Code 139-05-210)?

　　Yes

　　No

　　08

　　When did you graduate from the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy or a police academy equivalent to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission? Please list month and year. Be prepared to provide your academy certificate of completion upon request.

　　09

　　Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

　　Job Interest Card notification

　　Professional organization

　　Military organization

　　City of Tacoma employee

　　Online job board posting

　　Word of mouth

　　LinkedIn

　　Indeed

　　Facebook

　　Instagram

　　Careers in Government

　　Government Jobs

　　Outreach Event

　　National Diversity Network

　　African American Job Network

　　Asian Job Network

　　Disability Job Network

　　Latino Job Network

　　Retirement Job Network

　　LGBTQ Job Network

　　Veteran Job Network

　　Other (please provide information below)

　　10

　　Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.

　　Required Question

　　Agency

　　City of Tacoma

　　Address

　　Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

　　Phone

　　253-591-5400

　　Website

　　http://www.cityoftacoma.org

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