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Police Officer (Experienced Lateral)

Salary

$98,571.20 - $136,572.80 Annually

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

4202-26

Department

Tacoma Police Department

Opening Date

01/02/2026

Closing Date

6/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Position Description

The City of Tacoma is seeking Lateral Police Officers to join the Tacoma Police Department.

The Tacoma Police Department will be giving hiring priority to in-state lateral candidates for any immediate vacancies. Qualified out-of-state candidates will be placed on an eligible list for interview and hiring consideration and may be considered for subsequent vacancies.

At this time the Tacoma Police Department is placing out-of-state lateral candidates at step 4 ($59.55)* in the hiring range; in-state laterals will be placed at step 5 ($62.53)* in the range. In-state laterals with 5+ years will start at step #6. Please note, step placement is at the discretion of the hiring authority and is subject to change at any time.

Key Responsibilities

+ Patrol and Public Safety

Patrol assigned areas to prevent crime, enforce laws and ordinances, ensure traffic safety, and provide general public assistance.

+ Emergency and Incident Response

Respond to crimes, accidents, and calls for service; secure scenes, provide first aid, and perform preliminary investigations.

+ Law Enforcement Actions and Investigations

Detect, apprehend, and arrest suspects; execute warrants; collect evidence; prepare reports; and testify in court.

+ Community Interaction and Coordination

Engage with citizens, other agencies, and city personnel to exchange information, resolve issues, and support community safety.

+ Equipment and Skill Proficiency

Maintain proficiency with police equipment, firearms, vehicles, computers, and specialized tools; participate in training as required.

Knowledge & Skills

+ Knowledge of laws, policies, and law enforcement procedures

Including state, county, and city laws; department policies; rules of evidence; and modern policing practices.

+ Patrol, investigation, and crime scene skills

Ability to respond to emergencies, preserve evidence, conduct preliminary investigations, and take appropriate action.

+ Proficiency with equipment and technology

Skilled in operating police vehicles, firearms, specialized equipment, and basic computer applications.

+ Communication and reporting abilities

Clear and effective oral and written communication, including preparing accurate reports and presenting testimony in court.

+ Judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving

Ability to analyze situations, exercise independent judgment, and adopt effective courses of action under stress.

+ First aid and emergency response knowledge

Basic first aid skills and the ability to provide immediate assistance at crime and accident scenes.

+ Interpersonal and community-relations skills

Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals, maintain cooperative relationships, and support community policing efforts.

Are you ready to serve and protect your community with integrity and professionalism? The City of Tacoma is seeking motivated, community focused Lateral Entry Officers to join the Tacoma Police Department. You will play a crucial part in police work involving the protection of life and property and keeping Tacoma safe. The job classification of Lateral Entry Officer is classified and represented. Lateral Entry Officers perform general duty police work involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, maintenance of order, and prevention and investigation of crimes.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

+ Must be currently employed as a law enforcement officer or have been employed as a law enforcement officer in the last 24 months. There may not be more than a 24-month break in service

+ Must have 12 or more months of continuous post-commissioned street patrol experience

+ Non-patrol sworn officer experience, such as jail/corrections/court, or dispatch, does not count toward "street patrol experience" in calculating the total months of post-commissioned experience

+ Must be a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident

+ Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D.

+ Out-of-state lateral commission must be approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Commission

NOTE: Applicants who failed probation, were terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, are about to be terminated, or would not be considered for rehire by their former department or agency, are not eligible for a lateral position.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

+ Successful completion of law enforcement academy training approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

+ Valid Driver's License.

Department Mission

To create a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and visit by working together with the community, enforcing the law in a fair and impartial manner, preserving the peace and order in our neighborhoods, and safeguarding our Constitutional guarantees.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Application Process

Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Applicants must pass all phases both before and after the eligibility list is established, including driving record, credit history, conviction/arrest record, work history, reference check, oral board interview and polygraph examination.

Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at time of application to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 6 Tacoma Police Union IUPA. Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

HOURLY

$47.39 - $65.66

ANNUALLY

$98,571.20 - $136,572.80

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma (https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/)

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

These questions will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position and as a tool to screen applications prior to an in depth look at your application materials. They should be completed thoroughly and honestly. Your responses to these questions may be assessed through the interview and reference check process. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from the examination process and possible bar from future employment opportunities with the City of Tacoma.

I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

+ Yes

+ No

02

Are you currently or have you been employed as a Law Enforcement Officer in the last 24 months?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Do you have 12 months post-commissioned street patrol experience? If your answer is no, you do not qualify for this position.

+ Yes

+ No

04

How many years of post-commissioned, full-time sworn street patrol experience do you have?

+ No experience

+ Less than 1 year

+ 1 year but less than 2

+ 2 years but less than 5

+ 5 years but less than 10

+ 10 years or more

05

Are you a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Do you a have a high school diploma or equivalent? You will be required to produce approved documentation as part of the background process.

+ Yes

+ No

07

Are you a fully commissioned peace officer who has completed a basic law enforcement training program in this or another state (WAC Code 139-05-210)? If your answer is no, you do not qualify for this position

+ Yes

+ No

08

When did you graduate from the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy or a police academy equivalent to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission? Please list month and year. Be prepared to provide your academy certificate of completion upon request.

09

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

+ Job Interest Card notification

+ Professional organization

+ Military organization

+ City of Tacoma employee

+ Online job board posting

+ Word of mouth

+ LinkedIn

+ Indeed

+ Facebook

+ Instagram

+ Careers in Government

+ Government Jobs

+ Outreach Event

+ National Diversity Network

+ African American Job Network

+ Asian Job Network

+ Disability Job Network

+ Latino Job Network

+ Retirement Job Network

+ LGBTQ Job Network

+ Veteran Job Network

+ Other (please provide information below)

10

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.

Required Question

Employer

City of Tacoma

Address

Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone

253-591-5400

Website

http://www.tacoma.gov

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