What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lateral Police Officer position at City of Lakewood?

Salary : $7,422.00 - $9,867.00 Monthly

Location : Lakewood, WA

Job Type : Regular Full-Time

Job Number : 2024 -LATERAL

Department : Police

Opening Date : 10 / 11 / 2024

JOB SUMMARY

THIS JOB LISTING IS FOR LATERAL (experienced) POLICE OFFICER APPLICANTS ONLY.

Under the direction of a Police Sergeant, perform general duty police work involving resolution of citizen and public safety concerns; the protection of life and property; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; the prevention and investigation of crimes; and maintenance of order.

The incumbent in this position : will help create and nurture a community-oriented public safety department as envisioned by the City Council and set forth in the department vision and values statement; will respond positively to citizen concerns, encourage citizen involvement and the development of creative approaches to public safety; will participate in the coordination of Police Department efforts to impact perceived and actual crime problems; and will provide feedback to the department on community concerns and initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following

Attendance :

Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
May be subject to extended work hours and call back outside of normal shift hours or days.

Conduct Police Investigations :

Act as primary investigator of all crimes occurring within assigned areas during duty hours; make on scene arrests when warranted; protect crime scenes in situations warranting additional investigation; use varying and justifiable degrees of physical force to overcome resisting suspects and to protect self and others from injury.

Investigate and / or handle complaints involving family disputes, juvenile disputes, mentally disabled persons.

Investigate traffic accidents in various weather and traffic conditions; physically direct traffic; place temporary traffic control devices such as portable stop signs, barricades and other forms of directional signing as needed.

Knowledge of Regulatory Compliance / Laws :

Provide the public with general information on laws and ordinances; explain process of filing a formal complaint; direct citizens to appropriate authorities as necessary, reassure the public regarding concerns with safety.

Attend meetings, seminars and other training classes to maintain current knowledge of criminal and civil laws, as well as technical skills to remain proficient in the performance of duty; may train other employees.

Primary Duties :

Patrol designated area of city in police vehicle, on foot patrol, bicycle patrol and / or other conveyances on an assigned shift; patrol business and residential districts to provide an element of safety by obvious visibility; look for crimes or potential crimes or hazardous situations in progress.

Respond to emergency and routine calls for service.

Perform computer inquiries from the patrol vehicle and stationary terminals.

Serve and enforce civil process issued by the courts to include restraining orders, orders for protection, no contact orders, anti-harassment orders and subpoenas; serve arrest and search warrants.

Pursue fleeing suspects on foot and in vehicles; perform rescue and pursuit operations.

Provide first aid cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons.

Take immediate action to remedy hazards and protect life and property.

Stop traffic violators and take appropriate remedial action; identify suspicious individuals and question their activities.

Apprehend violators or offenders of the law; in situations where lawful arrests are resisted, the officer must be prepared and able at times through training, judgment and high levels of physical exertion to use justifiable levels of force to overcome the resistance and protect citizens, themselves, and fellow officers.

Tactfully diffuse any verbal abuse which may occur in the course of performing work assignments. Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with hostile views and opinions of suspects and others encountered in an antagonistic environment.

Testify in court hearings.

Search for lost or wanted persons over varying terrain and conditions for extended periods of time.

Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.

Determine when a lawful search or arrest can or should be attempted; determine when and to what extent physical forces should be used, as governed by law and department regulations.

Read, review, interpret, serve and enforce various court orders.

Develop knowledge about known offenders and businesses possibly involved in or promoting criminal activity; correlate records of such criminal activity.

Recover lost or stolen property; lift and move commonly recovered items such as bicycles, televisions, stereo components, tools, automotive wheels and parts, and small safes without destroying or damaging items.

Assist in administrative duties such as coordinating multi-department response to persistent criminal activity, planning police / community relations events, and training, leading or coordinating non-sworn work units such as Parking Enforcement.

Prepare affidavits for search warrants; interview witnesses and suspects. Develop and use informants and other investigative aids; appear in court to present evidence and to testify against persons accused of crimes.

Provide assistance and referrals for domestic violence cases, indigent persons and stranded individuals.

Prepare material to present at training sessions for police officers or others, including schools, businesses, private citizen groups, etc.

Relationship Building / Management :

Attend neighborhood meetings and interact with community members to solve neighborhood problems, improve community and police relations and build public trust.

Report Writing :

Document incidents and actions by writing case reports and field interview cards; maintain daily logs and prepare other related reports.

Safety :

Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

High school graduation or equivalent is required. College level coursework in law enforcement or a related field, bilingual capability and specialized law enforcement training are highly desirable.

Graduation from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy or state approved equivalent AND work experience as a police officer within the last five years is required.

If out-of-state police officer experience OR it has been a break in Washingron service for more than two years but less than five years, completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Equivalency Academy within 90 days of employment is required.

If it has been more than five years since your employment as a police officer, you are ineligible to apply as a Lateral Police Officer (see Entry Police Officer).

A valid Washington driver's license by hire date, and satisfactory results of a stringent personal background investigation are required.

Hiring Process Summary

Online applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Testing will be conducted as needed to fill department vacancies.

All qualified applicants will be invited to schedule an oral board interview on a first come, first served basis until all appointment times have been scheduled.

Applicants who do not receive an interview appointment will continue to be invited to participate in any future oral board interviews until they are scheduled or until they request to be removed from consideration.

There is a 70% minimum passing score on the oral board interview.

Candidates who pass the oral board interview will be ranked on the eligibility list for a one year period, effective upon certification of the list by the Civil Service Commission.

Candidates' ranking on the eligibility list may change as other names are added to the list from subsequent examination sessions.

The highest scoring candidates will proceed to the Chief's or Chief's designee interview and thorough background investigations as openings occur.

The Rule of Five shall be utilized for final selection(s).

Any offer of employment will be conditional upon successfully passing a polygraph, psychological examination, and a physical examination which includes drug testing.

The approximate length of time from background investigation to hire is three months.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF :

City ordinances and applicable state and federal laws and WAC rules.

Department policy and procedure.

Modern police methods and procedures.

Criminal behavior and causes of underlying criminality and social, psychological and physical needs of criminals / inmates.

Geography and street locations.

Laws of arrest, search and seizure including legal ramifications of action taken.

Principles of crime and accident investigation.

Basic techniques of crime prevention and criminal investigation.

Identification and preservation of evidence.

First aid principles and application.

Organization and planning.

ABILITY TO :

Use and care for firearms.

Operate police vehicle and other police equipment.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Analyze dangerous situations rapidly and accurately.

Maintain control in stressful, hostile and hazardous conditions.

Enforce all applicable laws.

Prepare clear and concise reports.

Act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Communicate effectively in English with co-workers, superiors and the general public, both orally and in writing.

Interact effectively with individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions and beliefs.

Cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect to the rights of others.

Demonstrate the knowledge of and adherence to a high standard of personal and professional ethics.

Effectively deal with violations of rules, policies, and procedures on an impartial basis.

Maintain standards of physical fitness.

Recognize when the application of deadly force is appropriate under state law and department policy.

Employ deadly force in order to protect human life.

Operate a motor vehicle, computers / keyboards, B.A.C. verifier machines, telephones, police radios, mobile data terminals, tape recorders, firearms, batons, handcuffs and other police related equipment.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT :

Work includes indoor and outdoor environment; subject to adverse weather conditions and possible verbal abuse; employees may be assigned to work evening and weekend hours, and are subject to call out. The performance of police duties requires above average physical endurance in running, climbing and lifting, as well as good balance, hearing and vision. Incumbents in this classification may be exposed to gunfire, toxic chemicals, traffic hazards, occasional driving at high speeds, communicable diseases and physical abuse from hostile or disoriented individuals.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Constant Demands : Seeing, hearing, and speech abilities to perform essential functions and communicate with others. Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Walking standing, driving lifting; carrying; climbing pushing / pulling; bending and twisting at the waist; crouching; kneeling / squatting; reaching (below the knees, knees to shoulder, and above the shoulders); foot controls. Frequent Demands : Repetitive hand and arm motion; handling / grasping; fine finger manipulation; talking; viewing computer screen; using phone communications : sitting for extended periods of time.

HAZARDS

Exposure to physical hazard may occur when interacting with hostile participants with potential for violence.

FLSA DESIGNATION

Non-Exempt, eligible for overtime.

UNION AFFILIATION

Lakewood Police Independent Guild

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all. We welcome your contributions.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

LAKEWOOD POLICE INDEPENDENT GUILD MEMBERS

This is a summary of benefits and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to the Lakewood Police Independent Guild collective bargaining agreement, City policies and plan booklets for details.

SALARY INCREASES

Step increases are granted upon completion of 12 months of actual service until the maximum of the salary range is reached. A maximum of 10% of professional development pay is available to qualifying employees.

HOLIDAYS

Employees accrue and take holidays on a basis equivalent to the employee's regularly assigned shift hours. The following are recognized holidays :

New Year's Day

M.L. King, Jr. Day

Presidents' Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans' Day

Thanksgiving

the day after Thanksgiving

Christmas day

Employees regularly scheduled to work 5 8-hour days will accrue one floating holiday on their anniversary date.

ANNUAL LEAVE (PTO - PAID TIME OFF)

Annual leave is a benefit granted to employees to continue normal compensation during approved absences and is intended to encompass both vacation and medical leave. Annual leave is not available during the first 60 days of employment except for illness. Leave may be accumulated for succeeding years with a maximum accrual of 1400 hours; however, at the end of the calendar year, the amount carried forward into the new year shall not exceed 1200 hours.

Accrual Rate :

During the 1st year 216 hours of leave per year

After the 1st thru 4th year 240 hours of leave per year

After the 4th thru 9th year 264 hours of leave per year

After the 9th thru 14th year 288 hours of leave per year

After the 14th thru 20th year 312 hours of leave per year

After the 20th year 336 hours of leave per year

SHARED LEAVE

If an employee exhausts all paid leave, they may be eligible to receive donated leave to cover an unpaid absence caused by illness or injury.

MILITARY LEAVE

Employees who are members of any federal military reserve unit or the Washington National Guard will receive up to twenty-one working days of paid leave during each year beginning October 1 and ending September 30, while engaged in active training duty or active duty.

The City will maintain continuity of health benefits to employees' families when employees are ordered to involuntary active military duty. Military differential pay is available during active military duty of more than 30 days and for no longer than 24 months.

JURY DUTY LEAVE

Employees will be paid their regular compensation while serving on jury duty provided they forfeit the juror's daily stipend to the City.

RETIREMENT PLAN

Employees and the City make contributions to the Washington Department of Retirement Systems' LEOFF Plan.

Under Social Security's Government Pension Offset, any Social Security spouse's or widow's or widower's benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from the City's retirement plan.

SOCIAL SECURITY REPLACEMENT

In lieu of Social Security, the City provides an alternative plan through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. The employee contributes 6.20% and the City contributes 4.77% of the employee's salary. The employee's investment choices range from conservative (low risk) to aggressive (high risk) opportunities. Employees are immediately 100% vested in the plan.

Under Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision, any Social Security retirement or disability benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from this replacement plan.

VOLUNTARY 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available to employees through payroll deduction. This is an optional investment program offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation or Washington Department of Retirement Systems. The City matches an employee's contribution up to 6% of the employee's base monthly pay rate.

VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

The Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125) is an optional tax savings program which is offered to employees annually. It allows employees to reduce taxable income by using part of their salary on a pretax basis to pay for out of pocket health care expenses and dependent care costs.

The effective date of health insurance is the first day of the month following hire.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

During the first year of employment, employees are required to enroll in the High Deductible Health Plan unless precluded by a documented, ongoing medical condition or if covered by insurance outside of the City.

Three medical plans are offered to employees and dependents through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) :

Regence High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account. The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee and dependents, and makes contributions to the Health Savings Account.

Regence HealthFirst Plan ($250 deductible). The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee and 86% of the premium for dependents.

Kaiser Permanente Plan ($200 deductible). The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee and 86% of the premium for dependents.

Employees may be eligible to opt out of medical insurance coverage to receive a $1,500 annualized contribution to their deferred compensation account and / or flexible spending (IRS Section 125) account.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is paid for by the City, and is a voluntary, confidential resource available to employees, dependents and household members. The EAP provides professional counseling assistance in addressing a variety of concerns ranging from substance abuse to relationship issues.

VISION INSURANCE

A separate vision plan provides for annual eye examinations for employees and dependents. A $25 deductible benefit is also provided for lenses, frames and contact lenses.

DENTAL INSURANCE

Washington Dental Service (WDS) Plan E insurance is provided through AWC. The City pays the entire premium cost for employees and dependents. This is an incentive based plan - 70% to 100% of Class I and Class II benefits (routine exams, basic cleaning, x-rays, fillings, etc.) are covered. Class III benefits (crowns, inlays and onlays) are paid at 50%. The dental plan pays a maximum of $2,000 per individual annually for covered benefits per incentive period (a calendar year). A separate orthodontia plan provides a one time orthodontia benefit of $1,000 for eligible children.

SURVIVOR INCOME LIFE INSURANCE

A monthly survivor income benefit is paid to an employee's eligible spouse and children upon the employee's death. Prior to any reduction for Social Security survivor's benefits, a benefit amount equal to 30% of the employee's insured earnings is paid to the spouse or children, and 60% is paid if both spouse and children survive.

LIFE / ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE

The City provides basic life insurance / accidental death and dismemberment insurance through Standard Insurance. The basic life insurance benefit is equal to the employee's annual salary rounded up to the next thousand to a maximum of $100,000. An additional life insurance benefit is provided through the Washington State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The benefit is $15,000 for loss of life and $85,000 for accidental death and dismemberment.

DISABILITY INSURANCE

Short and long term disability insurance is provided through the Washington State FOP. The plan has a 29 day elimination period for off the job injuries and a 180 day elimination period for on the job injuries. The benefit amount is 66.67% of regular pay, to a maximum benefit of $7,500 monthly.

The effective date is the first of the month following hire, unless an employee is hired on the first day of the month, in which case the coverage is effective immediately.

EMPLOYEES MAY ELECT TO ENROLL IN THE FOLLOWING SELF PAY PLANS :

SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE

Employees may apply for $30,000 to $300,000 in supplemental term life insurance coverage. Spouses may also be insured. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee.

SHORT TERM DISABILITY (STD)

Short term disability insurance provides benefit payments to help replace lost income when an employee is disabled due to a non-occupational accident or illness. Pregnancy or its complications are covered provided enrollment in STD insurance is prior to conception. Benefits are payable for a maximum of 13 weeks. This benefit is offered to employees at the time of hire and annually thereafter.

ADDITIONAL INSURANCE PLANS

Additional insurance plans are available to employees through AFLAC, such as accident / disability, cancer, STD, dental and hospital intensive care.

Lakewood Police Department standards require that you answer TRUE to questions 1-18 in order to be considered for this position. I understand that I will be disqualified from this process if I answer FALSE to any of the questions numbered 1-18.

True

False

I will cooperate in a background investigation by providing complete and truthful information to the investigators.

True

False

Have you graduated from the Washington State Police Academy or state approved equivalent AND worked as a police officer within the last 5 years?

True

False

I will be truthful in a polygraph examination.

True

False

I have obtained or can obtain a Washington State driver's license.

True

False

I do not exceed the 6 point driving violation limit (for the most recent 36 months) after applying the following police officer driving standards to my driving history : Revocation of driver's license = 8 pts. Denial of issuance of driver's license = 8 pts. Negligent homicide = 8 pts. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs = 8 pts. Reckless driving (involving accident) = 8 pts. Reckless driving (no accident) = 6 pts. Negligent driving (involving accident) = 6 pts. Negligent driving (no accident) = 4 pts. Hit and run (attended) = 8 pts. Hit and run (unattended) = 6 pts. Driving while driver's license suspended = 4 pts. Speeding 0-14 over posted limit = 2 pts. Speeding 15-19 over posted limit = 3 pts. Speeding 20-25 over posted limit = 6 pts. Speeding more than 25 over posted limit = 8 pts. Other moving violations (involving accident) = 4 pts. Other moving violations (no accident) = 2 pts.

True

False

I have not been convicted of a felony as an adult (18 years of age or older).

True

False

I have not bought, sold, possessed, or used any controlled substance such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, or other illegal drugs, during my entire commissioned service as a police officer, except as required for job duties.

True

False

I do not have a history of committing illegal acts which could undermine the public confidence in a police officer or the City of Lakewood Police Department. As a result, I believe I can pass an investigation which thoroughly covers my personal history including ANY illegal behaviors (misdemeanors or acts for which I was not caught), immoral acts, my work history, honesty and integrity.

True

False

I am able to perform the essential functions of police work with or without reasonable accomodation; essential job functions include running, subduing and detaining fleeing suspects, driving a vehicle, shooting a firearm, verbal communication with the public and writing reports.

True

False

I am willing to undergo a thorough medical examination.

True

False

I am willing to be evaluated by a psychologist.

True

False

I am willing to carry and use a firearm.

True

False

I will work any shift, including nights, weekends and holidays, as assigned by my superiors.

True

False

I can read, write, and speak the English language, so as to be easily understood by others.

True

False

I have never been dismissed from a commissioned law enforcement position for any reason other than failing to complete the training process, probation or comply with a COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

True

False

I have never been asked to resign in lieu of discharge for disciplinary reasons from a commissioned law enforcement position.

True

False

I have never resigned from a commissioned law enforcement position in order to avoid discipline.

True

False

List all positions you have held as a commissioned, full-time, paid peace officer, beginning with your present (or most recent) position. Please include the following information for each position : a. Job Titleb. Employer / Department Namec. Addressd. Number of Full-Time Paid Sworn Officerse. City or County Servedf. Population of City / County Servedg. Dates of Employmenth. Total Number of Months Employedi. Primary Responsibility (brief description)j. Immediate Supervisor's Namek. Reason for Leaving

List law enforcement related training courses you have completed that were a minimum of eight hours in duration. Include the following information for each course listed : a. Course Titleb. Course Lengthc. Instructor / Institutiond. Dates Attended

Identify all duty and specialty assignments in your law enforcement career specifically related to TRAFFIC. Assignments can be details or additional duties; however, you must have been performing duties for a minimum of six months. Include the following information for each entry : a. Assignmentb. Your Title / Rankc. Immediate Supervisord. Departmente. Length of Assignmentf. Duties Performed

Identify all duty and specialty assignments in your law enforcement career specifically related to COMMUNITY POLICING / SRO (School Resource Officer). Assignments can be details or additional duties; however, you must have been performing duties for a minimum of six months. Include the following information for each entry : a. Assignmentb. Your Title / Rankc. Immediate Supervisord. Departmente. Length of Assignmentf. Duties Performed

Identify all duty and specialty assignments in your law enforcement career specifically related to INVESTIGATIONS. Assignments can be details or additional duties; however, you must have been performing duties for a minimum of six months. Include the following information for each entry : a. Assignmentb. Your Title / Rankc. Immediate Supervisord. Departmente. Length of Assignmentf. Duties Performed

Identify all duty and specialty assignments in your law enforcement career specifically related to PRO-AC / OTHER SPECIALTY ASSIGNMENTS. Assignments can be details or additional duties; however, you must have been performing duties for a minimum of six months. Include the following information for each entry : a. Assignmentb. Your Title / Rankc. Immediate Supervisord. Departmente. Length of Assignmentf. Duties Performed

What is your interest in leaving your current department to join the Lakewood Police Department?

Have you had any complaints officially filed against you in the last three years while performing the duties of a Law Enforcement Officer? If yes, please explain in detail; if you have had more than one, please cite each incident separately.

Have you ever been the subject of an internal affairs investigation? If yes, please explain (each one separately) in detail; including the following information : a. Type of Investigationb. Reason for the Investigationc. Dated. Resolution

If you have ever had a disciplinary action imposed on you while performing the duties of a Law Enforcement Officer, please explain the circumstances in detail, including : a. Date of disciplinary actionb. Reason for disciplinary actionc. What disciplinary action was takenc. Employer / Department

Required Question

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