Police Officer: Certified

Posting number: 901C-2026

Department: Police

Job classification: Police Officer - Certified

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Criminology

Summary

Performs general duty police work in the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Examples of duties

• Exercises powers of arrest and control; defends self and uses force and deadly force; enforces motor vehicle laws; operates vehicle under emergency conditions and provides emergency assistance; responds to crime scenes and performs criminal investigations; participates in special operations.
• Patrols a designated area on foot or in a radio and computer equipped vehicle to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crime, to direct traffic and to enforce traffic and parking regulations.
• Answers calls and investigates complaints involving accidents, fires, misdemeanors and felonies; investigates suspicious activities. Administers first aid, interviews witnesses, gathers information and evidence, makes arrests, prepares reports, testifies as witness in court.
• May be assigned, on a permanent or shift basis, to such specialized technical or administrative duties as: working police desk, maintenance of criminal records, license inspection, photographic and identification work, traffic safety training, field training, radio operation, etc. Advises public on laws and ordinances, provides general information and otherwise assists the public.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

NOTE: Before applying, please read the City of Spokane Police Department Hiring Standards.

Open Entry Requirements:
(Open entry applicants must meet all requirements when they apply.)

• Education: Completion of high school or equivalent.
• Experience: Successful completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Basic Law Enforcement Academy. No prior law enforcement experience is required. 
• Licenses: Possession of a valid driver's license and a valid WSCJTC BLEA certification.

 Other Requirements:

• Candidates must be 20 years of age at the time of application and 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Must be within the normal weight range for height.
• Physical requirements for this position, including eyesight, hearing, and other physical abilities are consistent with state law and guidelines.
• All successful candidates who have been offered a position will be required to pass a post-offer physical and psychological examination prior to appointment.
• A police record may be grounds for rejection.

Please note - Entry-level and certified employees will have an 18-month probationary period upon hire.

Supplemental information

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list. Additional examinations shall be administered as applications are received with results merged into one eligible list according to final ratings, pursuant to the Merit System Rules of the Civil Service Commission: Rule IV, Section 13 – Continuous Examinations.

The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), 

A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. Please view this video for tips to help you fill out the T&E.  

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

Upon notification that you have passed through the minimum qualifications, you will receive a Personal History Statement to complete and submit along with the T&E. This documentation will be used to conduct a background investigation. It is a MANDATORY MINIMUM REQUIREMENT to complete the Personal History Statement. If