Demo

Lateral Police Officer

City of Longview, WA
Longview, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/17/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 3/17/2025

Job Description

Lateral applicants hired will be eligible for $10,000* incentive pay.

This position is for experienced law enforcement officers only (see minimum qualifications below). Candidates without full-time work experience as a sworn police officer, expired certifications or more than a 60 month break in commissioned service should apply as an entry-level candidate.

Applicants are encouraged to review our Civil Service rules (section 7.1) on our website for more information on our lateral entry requirements (www.mylongview.com).

Patrol Officer - $7,896 - $9,704 per month

  • Lateral Incentive - Police officer candidates meeting the
criteria of "Lateral Officer" as defined in Section 7.1.1 of the City of Longview Civil Service Commission General Rules upon being hired shall be eligible for an incentive payment of $10,000. The details of this incentive pay can be discussed with candidates during the recruitment process. This incentive applies to external candidates seeking employment with the City of Longview. Past or current officers employed by the City of Longview are not eligible for this incentive.

Essential Job Duties

This position provides first line duty in the protection of life and property of the citizens of the community including the enforcement of laws and ordinances, the preservation of the peace, apprehension of criminals, control of non-criminal conduct and the application of services to the community. Police protection is provided by the City 24 hours a day. Individual officers may be assigned to either an 8, 9 or 10 hour shifts, depending on shift assignment.

Responsible for assigned areas within the city for patrol by various means (i.e. patrol vehicle, bicycle, foot, etc.) for constant observation of all properties within the assigned area, work traffic on a selective basis and is available and responsible for answering all calls of any nature during assigned duty hours, (i.e. domestic, emergency, accident, etc.). Investigate crimes and complaints against persons & property such as murder, assault, manslaughter, robbery, rape, various sex crimes, burglary, theft and other reported crimes, and prepare and document appropriate reports and evidence. Perform public relations work in public safety, law enforcement, traffic accidents and crime prevention, and make routine checks of public dances, licensed liquor establishments and other public gatherings (i.e. sporting events, or other special community events). Render assistance and information to the public as well as emergency first aid or lifesaving methods to accident victims or persons unable to help themselves. Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Selection is based upon civil service rules. Testing for lateral candidates include a physical agility test and oral interview. Incumbents must be 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen, have completed an AA degree from an acceptable college or university*, possess a valid driver's license, possess a current basic law enforcement qualification certification issued by the state in which he/she attended the basic law enforcement academy; possess a current State Department of L&I Basic First Aid Card or ability to obtain within 90 days, and be certified by the Washington State Toxicologist in operation of the breathalyzer or ability to obtain within 90 days.
  • Officers who are appointed based on the education waiver criteria identified in the Civil Service Rules & Regulations Section 7.4 will be required to obtain an associate degree within a four-year study period after the first day of completion of his/her probationary period (first 12 months) with the Department.

Applicants must have at least one year experience as a full-time commissioned police officer. If not currently employed as a law enforcement officer, the candidate must have successfully completed a state-certified law enforcement academy, have one year experience as a full-time commissioned police officer, and have been employed as a sworn law enforcement officer within the 60 months proceeding application.

Applicants are required to attach documentation of a law enforcement certificate and include all law enforcement job experience. Education documentation (copy of degree or unofficial transcripts), if applicable, is also required at time of application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Ideal Candidate Information

Knowledge:
American system of government, the judicial process, federal, state and local laws and ordinances; law enforcement policies and procedures; principles and practices of criminal investigation; identification and modern police administration; use and care of firearms and defensive weapons.
Physical: The incumbent must be physically capable of driving a vehicle safely under various conditions, including emergencies; frequently lifting, carrying, dragging, pulling and pushing objects of varying weight and size; standing, walking and running for extended times over various distances and conditions, such as pursuing a running suspect through yards and over fences and walls; observe and recognize people, activity, vehicles, street signs and environmental conditions from a reasonable distance during day and night; not posing a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves or others, use only force objectively necessary to control situations and persons, including combative or fleeing suspects, able to operate a variety of firearms and weapons safely and proficiently. Occasional climbing stairs and/or ladders. Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while performing duties. Occasional kneeling/crouching/crawling may be required in responding to emergency situations. Constant use of both hands and arms in reaching/handling/grasping/fingering while performing duties or while operating vehicle. Overhead reaching required. Constant use of sight, hearing and speech abilities necessary to perform essential tasks. Visual requirements include color and peripheral vision and hand/eye/foot coordination while operating vehicle.
Mental: Incumbents must be able to read and understand English language documents, legibly hand write accurate and grammatically correct reports; communicate effectively orally, in writing, and using the police radio; exercise good judgment in dealing with routine unusual situations; learn and comprehend factual information, policies, procedures and rules, and use good judgment and discretion in applying same to changing conditions in similar and non-similar situations; maintain composure and judgment during emergency or tense situations; confront problems and enforce laws; refuse to participate in or tolerate unethical behavior; not be subject to impeachment in court due to character, reputation, history of dishonesty or violation of law, including drug violations, act courteously toward others; take direction from supervisors; maintain good working relationships with other members of the Department and City; accept criticism and apply to performance, be dependable in meeting scheduled assignments; and work extended hours when required.
Working Environment: As a Police Officer, the incumbent is exposed to a wide range of negative and hostile physical and psychological factors. The incumbent frequently drives and walks in a wide variety of weather conditions which are not avoidable. In the performance of job duties, the incumbent must occasionally lift heavy objects and wrestle with combative criminals. Psychologically, the incumbent is exposed to verbal abuse and socially unacceptable behavior, and must at all times be mentally alert to potentially dangerous situations. The incumbent must be able to work evenings and holidays as assigned and respond to emergencies when necessary.
Equipment Used: The following is an itemized listing of equipment that may be used in the performance of this job: The incumbent operates a patrol vehicle, handgun, shotgun, rifle, handcuffs, mace, baton, computers, fingerprint kits, cameras, and other assorted law enforcement related equipment.


The City provides a comprehensive benefits package that is predominantly employer-paid for full family coverage, which includes medical, dental, vision, employee assistance program, long-term disability insurance, and employee basic life insurance with buy-up options for the employee, employee's spouse and dependents. All employees are required to participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems programs and have the option to participate in a 457 deferred compensation program. Other benefits include generous paid leave such as vacation, holidays, and sick leave, and voluntary participation in a tax-deferred medical or dependent 125 plans.

Vacation: Upon hire 54 hours per year (2.25 hours per pay period), 2-4 yrs of service 96 hours per year (4 hours per pay period), 5-9 yrs of service 132 hours per year (5.50 hours per pay period), 10-14 years of service 156 hours per year (6.50 hours per pay period), 15-19 years of service 180 hours per year (7.50 per pay period), 20 years of service 204 hours per year (8.50 per pay period).

Holidays: 96 hours of annual holiday leave bank

Sick Leave: Upon hire 96 hours, then 8 hours per month.

Education Premium: Employees with BA/BS Degree earn 4% per month.

Spanish Bilingual Premium: $75 per month

Equipment/Clothing Allowance: $350 per year

Longevity Pay: 2% at 5 years of service, 4% at 10 years of service, 6% at 15 years of service, 8% at 20 years of service.

Medical Plan: 95% of medical premiums are paid by the City for employee's and dependents. A waiver of coverage into a VEBA account is provided at $750 per month for those with qualifying coverage.

Dental/Vision plans: 100% of dental and vision premiums are paid by the City for employee's and dependents.

Life Insurance: $50,000 of basic life insurance is provided for employees and paid for by the City.

Long Term Disability Insurance: A Long Term Disability policy is provided by the City for employees.

Salary : $350

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 Lateral Police Officer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Lateral Police Officer 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: 
$40,081 - $50,816
Income Estimation: 
$56,220 - $78,495
Income Estimation: 
$61,776 - $80,827
Income Estimation: 
$41,887 - $58,988
Income Estimation: 
$56,220 - $78,495
Income Estimation: 
$40,081 - $50,816
Income Estimation: 
$38,992 - $47,847
Income Estimation: 
$56,220 - $78,495
Income Estimation: 
$41,887 - $58,988
Income Estimation: 
$40,081 - $50,816
Income Estimation: 
$47,543 - $64,320
Income Estimation: 
$56,220 - $78,495

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs with skills like those required for the Lateral Police Officer.

Click the checkbox next to the jobs that you are interested in.

  • Community Management Skill

    • Income Estimation: $71,471 - $95,743
    • Income Estimation: $72,488 - $110,981
  • Community Outreach/Activism Skill

    • Income Estimation: $61,013 - $81,239
    • Income Estimation: $65,352 - $83,351
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at City of Longview, WA

City of Longview, WA
Hired Organization Address Longview, WA Full Time
Job Description Recruitment Information Application, resume and cover letter must completed to be considered. This recru...
City of Longview, WA
Hired Organization Address Longview, WA Full Time
Job Description Police Captain Eligibility List - Longview Police Department Position, recruitment, and testing process ...
City of Longview, WA
Hired Organization Address Longview, WA Full Time
Salary : $57,696.00 - $78,732.00 Annually Location : Longview, WA Job Type : Full-time Job Number : 25-05 Department : U...
City of Longview, WA
Hired Organization Address Longview, WA Full Time
Job Description About Longview: Longview, Washington is located in Southwest Washington along the scenic Columbia River ...

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Lateral Police Officer jobs in the Longview, WA area that may be a better fit.

Police Officer - Lateral

City of Forest Grove, Forest, OR

Lateral Police Officer

City of Battle Ground, WA, Battle Ground, WA

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!