Demo

Police Officer - Exceptional Entry

City of Gig Harbor, WA
Gig Harbor, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/14/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/7/2025

Salary : $88,635.00 - $107,736.00 Annually

Location : Gig Harbor, WA

Job Type : Full-time

Job Number : 23-00017

Department : POLICE

Division : Officers

Opening Date : 09 / 08 / 2023

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Are you a dedicated law enforcement professional who has successfully completed a basic law enforcement academy within the past twelve months, but has not attained commissioned peace officer status? Or has your peace officer certification, commission, and / or licensing 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 24 months, but less than 60 months? Are you seeking a fresh and exciting career opportunity?

The Gig Harbor Police Department is excited to announce that we are expanding force. We're seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to serve the community, maintain safety and build trust. Come join an exceptional team that takes pride in delivering the Best Possible Service to our community.

Nestled in the heart of natural beauty, Gig Harbor offers a truly unique policing experience. Our city, known for its stunning waterfront, friendly atmosphere, and strong sense of community, provides the perfect backdrop for officers who are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of residents and visitors alike. At the City of Gig Harbor, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for our officers. With unwavering backing from both city administration and our engaged residents, you'll have the resources and encouragement you need to excel in your role.

We encourage you to visit the Benefits tab above for additional compensation and benefits package information, including retirement medical plan and longevity pay after 2 years!

Under the direct supervision of a Police Lieutenant and Sergeant, with general supervision by the Chief of Police, the employee's behavior is governed by policies and procedures of the Police Department; local, state, and federal laws; and court decisions.

This is a responsible human relations and skilled position in public safety. The employee in this position is responsible for the protection of the public's safety, the prevention of crime, and the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws.

The employee exercises considerable discretion in regulating daily activity and use of enforcement powers.

Work includes patrolling the community by vehicle and on foot. Bicycle and marine patrol duties are assigned upon qualification. The employee responds to calls for service, which include reports of criminal activity, traffic safety, crime prevention, and general public safety problems.

The employee conducts preliminary and continued investigations for reported crimes and traffic accidents. This responsibility includes crime scene processing, interviewing witnesses and victims, and enforcing specific violations of the law.

The employee performs several assignments to prevent crime and traffic accidents. These assignments are educational and inspectional : presentations on prevention techniques; conducting security surveys; security checks on home and businesses; inspection of business practices and policies; and inspection of building construction for compliance with the security ordinance.

Performance is monitored daily by the Police Sergeant, Lieutenant, or Chief of Police, for compliance with policies and laws. However, the employee usually performs with minimum supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES :

Knowledge of :

  • Thorough knowledge of the accepted practices of delivering police service.
  • Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal laws.
  • Thorough knowledge of department policies, procedures, regulations, and directives.
  • Considerable knowledge of court decisions relating to police powers.
  • Good knowledge of human relation techniques.
  • Basic first aid and CPR procedures.
  • Ability to :

  • Write comprehensive and detailed crime reports, accident reports, and administrative reports.
  • Effectively communicate orally.
  • Relate to the community, superiors, city officials, and other city employees.
  • Effectively and safely use a firearm and operate a motor vehicle.
  • Physically apprehend suspects / persons.
  • Maintain fitness for duty.
  • Perform the essential duties of the job.
  • Maintain reliable and dependable attendance.
  • PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT :

  • The employee primarily drives a vehicle, walks, or rides a bicycle when assigned.
  • There is considerable walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and at times, running.
  • Since the employee takes physical custody of persons, there is a certain amount of physical contact and confrontation. Employee may be vulnerable to personal injury in some cases.
  • The work sometimes requires above average physical agility and conditioning.
  • The employee is exposed to all weather conditions, and other outside environmental conditions.
  • May be exposed to hazards such as chemicals, temperature extremes, occasional driving at high speeds, bloodborne and communicable diseases.
  • May encounter hostile, disoriented, or violent individuals and may be subject to verbal and / or physical attack or assault from such individuals or may have gunfire directed at them.
  • The employee rotates in a 24-hour shift schedule and may be required to work overtime and on holidays as department need arises.
  • Subpoenaed appearances in court to testify in the prosecution of individuals charged with misdemeanor or felony charges is a regular and ongoing occurrence and may occur on a day off or before / after a regularly scheduled shift.
  • QUALIFICATIONS

  • 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 within 30-days of 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.
  • Additional Exceptional Entry Level Requirements :

  • Persons who have not attained commissioned peace officer status but have 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; OR
  • Persons whose 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.
  • 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.
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • This position is considered essential for public safety.
  • This position is represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 117.
  • As a part of the hiring process, the City of Gig Harbor will be conducting an extensive criminal background check by law enforcement agencies, which includes fingerprinting. Please review of disqualifying crimes and negative actions to determine if you meet the hiring standard for this position.

    If you need assistance and / or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@gigharborwa.gov.

    Longevity Premium Pay

    2.5% of base salary after 2 years of continuous employment

    5% of base salary after 5 years of continuous employment

    6.5% of base salary after 10 years of continuous employment

    College Premium Pay

    2% of base salary for an Associate Degree

    3% of base salary for a Bachelor Degree

    Shift Differential

    5% of base salary for shifts beginning at 12pm or later

    Schedule : Each employee works three consecutive 12.5-hour shifts, followed by four days off each week. Plus, one additional 10-hour shift per month.

    Assigned Take-Home Vehicle

    Uniforms and Equipment - purchased by the city

    MEDICAL / DENTAL / VISION INSURANCE

    Teamsters Welfare Trust (c / o Northwest Administrators, Inc.)

  • Medical Plan A
  • City pays 95% of the premium.

    2023 Employee premium is $78.38 / month.

  • Dental Plan A
  • City pays 100% of the premium

  • Vision Plan EXT
  • City pays 100% of the premium

    RETIREMENT MEDICAL PLAN (RWT-Plus) - eligible after 3 years of service

    Low premiums. Only $175 / month in 2023!

    DISABILITY INSURANCE

  • Long-term Disability : Standard Insurance - Trusteed Plan Services Corporation
  • ANNUAL LEAVE

    Vacation - 80 hours per year for first year

    Sick Leave - 96 hours per year

    Holiday - 110 hours per year

    Floating Holiday - 2 shifts per year

    Bereavement - 40 hours per year

  • Vacation : After each succeeding year of service 0.67 additional hours of vacation per month (8 additional hours per year), not to succeed 20 hours per month.
  • RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

    Employee Contribution Employer Contribution

    8.53% 5.30%

    401(a) in place of Social Security

  • 6.20% 6.20%
  • 50 per pay period $25 per month

    Optional Match up to $200, deposited

    into HRA VEBA account

    EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - /

    EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT

    Best Commuter Business 2023

    The City of Gig Harbor has been recognized as one of Pierce County's leading commuter-friendly businesses by Ride Together Pierce! The silver level Best Commuter Business recognition honors Gig Harbor's commitment to supporting sustainable transportation in Pierce County.

    The City of Gig Harbor is a receipient of the 2024 WellCity Award!

    This is awarded by the Association of Washington Cities and recognizes those that place employee well-being among their core values and demonstrate that futher by developing healthy workplace cultures and promoting employee health and wellness. As a reward, the City recieves a 2% discount on all medical premiums.

    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 background 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 Gig Harbor.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.

    Are you currently 21 years of age or older?

    Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED?

    Do you have the ability to read, write, and speak English fluently?

    Have you successfully completed a state-accredited law enforcement academy?

    Do you have a valid Washington State Driver License or ability to obtain one prior to hire?

    If yes, please list the name of the academy and date of completion. (A copy of the certification from a state accredited civilian law enforcement academy must be attached to your application.)

    Are you currently or have you been employed as a full-time commissioned peace officer with a city or county law enforcement agency for at least 12 months within the preceding 24 months?

    If you answered yes, please list the name of the law enforcement agency.

    Has your peace officer certification in any state ever been revoked or denied?

    If you answered yes, your peace officer certification in any state ever been revoked or denied, please explain why.

    Have you ever been terminated for cause, terminated during probation, asked to leave, or resigned in lieu of termination from ANY public agency?

    If you answered yes, you have been terminated for cause, terminated during probation, asked to leave, or resigned in lieu of termination from ANY public agency, please provide the details below.

    Do you have any DUI conviction or deferred prosecution for an alcohol or drug related driving offense within preceding 10 years AND / OR any other traffic conviction (Reckless Driving, Suspended License, etc.) within preceding three years?

    Have you ever been engaged in any of the following?

  • Illegal, non-prescribed anabolic steroid use within preceding five years.
  • Use or possession of cannabis / hashish within preceding one year.
  • Illegal use of any other controlled substance in preceding ten years. o Schedule I : RCW 69.50.204o Schedule II : RCW 69.50.206o Schedule III : RCW 69.50.208o Schedule IV : RCW 69.50.210o Schedule V : RCW 69.50.212
  • Illegal use of any controlled substance while employed in a criminal justice capacity.
  • Intentional inhalation ("huffing") of any aerosol or substance (nitrous oxide, whippets, paint, glue, DXM, etc.) within preceding five years.
  • Pattern of illegal use of prescription medication.
  • Any sale of illegal drugs within preceding five years or after the age of 21.
  • Have you ever been convicted of the following?

  • Any adult felony.
  • Any misdemeanor or felony while employed in a criminal justice capacity.
  • Any conviction under a domestic violence statute.
  • Any conviction involving the use or possession of firearm in the commission of a crime.
  • Any unlawful sexual misconduct.
  • Please tell us why you want to work for the City of Gig Harbor Police Department.

    How did you hear about this position?

  • City of Gig Harbor Website
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • Police 1
  • Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs
  • Public Safety Testing (PST)
  • Go Law Enforcement
  • Police Career Finder
  • International Association of Chiefs of Police
  • Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC)
  • College Website
  • Other
  • Required Question

    Salary : $88,635 - $107,736

    If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
    Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

    What is the career path for a Police Officer - Exceptional Entry?

    Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Police Officer - Exceptional Entry career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
    Income Estimation: 
    $60,982 - $71,065
    Income Estimation: 
    $63,211 - $86,677
    Income Estimation: 
    $45,833 - $56,838
    Income Estimation: 
    $69,185 - $95,783
    Income Estimation: 
    $60,982 - $71,065
    Income Estimation: 
    $63,211 - $86,677
    Income Estimation: 
    $45,833 - $56,838
    Income Estimation: 
    $69,185 - $95,783
    Income Estimation: 
    $93,725 - $113,663
    Income Estimation: 
    $114,334 - $128,441
    Income Estimation: 
    $45,833 - $56,838
    Income Estimation: 
    $56,900 - $89,276
    Income Estimation: 
    $65,729 - $89,521
    Income Estimation: 
    $69,185 - $95,783
    Income Estimation: 
    $69,185 - $95,783
    Income Estimation: 
    $93,725 - $113,663
    View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

    Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Police Officer - Exceptional Entry jobs in the Gig Harbor, WA area that may be a better fit.

    Police Officer (Exceptional Entry)

    City of Bonney Lake, Bonney Lake, WA

    Police Officer (Exceptional Entry)

    City of Bonney Lake, WA, Bonney Lake, WA

    AI Assistant is available now!

    Feel free to start your new journey!