Entry Level Patrol Officer

Performs a wide variety of law enforcement tasks with the purposes of protecting life and property, ensuring public peace and order, and preventing and responding to crime.  Patrols city, responds to dispatcher calls and citizen complaints, enforces laws and ordinances, and investigates cases.  Arrests and processes criminals and offenders.  Prepares various routine reports.    

This is a union represented position
The City of Washougal is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants must complete the written exam and physical ability test through Public Safety Testing.  This is inclusive of those that have already tested and have passing scores with PST within the last 12 months.  The passing score for the written test is 70%.  

Candidates wishing to claim veterans' preference are requested to send a copy of their DD-214 or other official military separation documentation that clearly indicates an honorable discharge from military service along with their application form.
 
 

• Respond to complaints and calls for service in a calm, efficient and professional manner
• Respond to vehicle accident and other medical emergency calls; administer first aid to sick or injured individuals as needed
• Intervene in potentially dangerous or hostile situations
• Patrol City of Washougal streets, roads, and public areas; respond to calls in a safe manner while operating a patrol vehicle through City streets and neighborhoods
• Enforce federal, state, and local traffic laws and regulations, laws governing drug possession and use, and laws governing general behavior
• Issue warnings and citations
• Prepare and serve arrest and search warrants; conduct searches of persons, vehicles, homes, and various locations
• Arrest and process criminals and offenders
• Transport prisoners to Clark County Jail
• Investigate burglary, theft, accident and other crime scenes and assemble evidence; follow up on cases
• Investigate and report on cold crimes
• Interview witnesses as necessary
• Assist neighboring jurisdictions when requested (i.e. Camas, Clark County, Skamania County)
• Work in cooperation with Department of Corrections, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other federal and state jurisdictions
• Identify and make recommendations to prevent potential safety/security hazards
• Provide security at City and other functions
• Provide traffic control during large city events
• Prepare and submit routine and special reports on various incidents
• Testify in court as necessary
• Participate in ongoing training and certifications
• Other duties as assigned

Job Specific Skills and Knowledge:

• Ability to maintain self-discipline and credibility through honest and ethical behavior and must have strong skills and abilities in a wide variety of areas including communication, creative problem solving, community service, teamwork and leadership
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws governing traffic, drug possession and use, and general behavior
• Understanding of City landmarks and geography; understanding of general geography of neighboring cities/counties
• Basic computer skills for report writing
• Safe and efficient driving skills
• Excellent physical condition
• Excellent analytical and investigative skills; attention to detail
• Ability to efficiently and effectively use firearms
• Ability to operate various electronic devices including two-way radios, tasers, radar speed units, cameras, etc.
• Ability to physically subdue violent or fleeing criminals
• Ability to remain calm, think clearly, and act quickly in emergency situations
• Ability to use courage and discernment in dangerous situations
• Ability to use tact and communicate effectively with the public and coworkers
• Ability to communicate and/or negotiate with dangerous, angry, and/or frightened individuals
                                                                   
  Mental Activities:
• Interpersonal, teamwork, and customer service skills
• Ability to speak, understand, read, and write English
• Problem analysis and decision making skills
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and/or independent action
• Ability to exercise discretion in sensitive or confidential matters
• Mentoring skills
   
  Physical Activities:
• Frequent standing, walking, stooping, repetitive motions of the feet, reaching, sitting, bending, kneeling, handling, feeling
• Continuous talking, hearing, fingering, repetitive motions of the hands and wrists, grasping
• Occasional running, fighting, wrestling
• Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry at least 80 pounds
• Ability to drive various automobiles, off-road vehicles, bicycles
• Ability to operate various weapons

• Must be at least 21 years of age.  No maximum age limit.
• Must be a United States Citizen or authorized resident alien
• Must be able to complete a thorough background check which includes a psychological and medical examination, polygraph and pre-employment drug screening
• High School diploma or Equivalent
• Valid driver's license
• Complete a state certified law enforcement academy

Salary : $6,269 - $6,966