Police Officer - Exceptional Entry

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.

Why choose the Gig Harbor Police Department? 

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!

Application and Testing Process

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• This position is considered essential for public safety.  
• This position is represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 117.

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.