Entry Level Police Officer



Job Details

Entry Level Police Officer
Employer

City of Vancouver

Salary

$65,268.00 - $87,468.00 Annually

Location

Vancouver, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

18-00007

Department

Police Department

Opening Date

01/23/2018

Closing Date

Continuous

Definition

"Vancouver is recognized for its civic excellence.  Our employees are proud to work in an open, supportive environment where we are empowered to create solutions and outcomes which exceed the expectations of the citizens we serve."
 
The City of Vancouver is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Entry Level Police Officer.

Interested candidates must first test with Public Safety Testing.  http://publicsafetytesting.com
 
The Vancouver Police Department
The Vancouver Police Department is a professional, progressive and innovative law enforcement agency.  We take pride in our roles as an integral part of our community.  We strive to be a full service organization that incorporates diverse values and beliefs to be fair, equitable, and responsible for providing quality law enforcement services to our community, our agency and throughout the law enforcement profession.
We work in partnership with the community to protect life and property.  We enhance the quality of life in our city through proactive problem solving, fair and equitable law enforcement and effective use of resources.  We serve the city of Vancouver with courage, strength, integrity, compassion and pride.
 
The Position
The Vancouver Police Department strives to be a full service organization with challenging opportunities in police work for individuals who are interested in providing quality law enforcement services to the public.  Its officers are charged with protecting life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances including the prevention, detection and investigation of crimes and civil infractions and exercising of arresting authority.
Although most assignments will be patrol, experienced officers have the opportunity for special assignments in areas such as SWAT, Traffic, Detectives, Canine, Narcotics, Gangs, and Child Abuse.
The patrol schedule allows generous days off.  Officers work 10 ½ hour shifts on a 5/4, 5/4, 5/5 schedule (on/off).  Most specialty assignments enjoy a 4/10 schedule with weekends off.  Overtime is available but rarely required.
Police Officer is a full time, regular, non-exempt union position.  This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the Vancouver Police Officers Guild.

Functions

  • Patrolling a designated area of the City;
  • Responding to a variety of calls for service involving criminal and non-criminal situations and taking necessary police action;
  • Preparing accurate reports;
  • Conducting investigations, collecting evidence and interviewing witness/suspects;
  • Testifying in Federal, State and local courts, and in administrative hearings;
  • Working in partnerships with the community to solve problems;
  • Developing public relation contact with civil groups, schools, businesses, neighborhood organizations and other law enforcement agencies;
  • Representing the police department to other city service areas, elected officials, outside agencies, and to various citizen groups;
  • Performing other duties required to accomplish the objectives of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

The ideal candidate must 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.
Candidates must meet the following requirements prior to the examination date:

  • United States citizenship
  • 21 years of age
  • High School Diploma or its equivalent
  • Valid driver's license
 
The City of Vancouver requires successful completion of a thorough background investigation, and post offer psychological and medical examination, including pre-employment drug screen.

Candidates must successfully complete each step of the selection process to obtain an offer of employment.  Candidates may be removed from the process at any time for failing to meet the established standards.

Written Examination.  The standardized written examination is conducted by Public Safety Testing.  To be successful, candidates must score a minimum of 70% on the exam.

Physical Fitness Ability Test.  The physical fitness ability test is conducted by Public Safety Testing and is identical to the test used by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Application.  Once applicants have passed both the written and physical with Public Safety Testing, they will be notified that they must apply online with the city.

Structured Oral Interview.  The interview has two components:  a video scenario and a panel interview.  Both components assess skills necessary to be successful as a police officer such as observation, problem solving, communication, integrity, teamwork, persuasiveness and flexibility.  To be successful, candidates must receive a passing score on both components.

Background Investigation.  A background investigator conducts a comprehensive investigation based on information provided by the candidate in an interview and on a personal history questionnaire.  The investigation also includes a behavioral traits assessment and polygraph examination.

Final Selection Interview.  This interview panel screens for strengths that will lead to job success.

Post Offer Process.  Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must successfully complete a medical examination, including a drug screen and a psychological evaluation prior to receiving a final offer of employment.
All candidates who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to test with Public Safety Testing.

Supplemental Information

The 'Work Experience' and/or 'Education' sections of your application must clearly describe how you meet the qualifications for this position as listed above.
A resume or position description will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
For questions about the job announcement, call: 360-487-8417.
For technical help with online application, call 1-877-204-4442.
Application Help: http://www.cityofvancouver.us/hr/page/general-applicant-information.
Announcement information can be made available in an alternative format by calling 711 (Relay Operator for the Deaf).
 
The City of Vancouver is a TOBACCO FREE/DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
 
The City of Vancouver is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We strive to create a working environment that includes and values employees from all races, religion, color, sex, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or any other condition protected by federal, state or local law.
 
In conjunction with the Americans with Disabilities Act, disability will be considered only in context of an applicant's ability to perform essential functions of the job and to determine reasonable accommodation.  The physical demands described in this job announcement are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
 
This announcement is meant only as a general descriptive recruitment guide. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract and is not a complete description of the job.

The City of Vancouver offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes family and domestic partner health benefits such as medical, dental and vision.  Coverage is provided through Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield or Kaiser Permanente.  Other benefits include a deferred compensation program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.  Retirement benefits are provided through Washington State Retirement System.  For additional information, please feel free to review our specific benefits plan documents and summaries.

Employee Rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Click here to view a printable FMLA poster.

 

01
Have you successfully passed the written and physical with Public Safety Testing?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Would a drug test reveal that you are currently using illegal drugs or illegally using prescription drugs?
  • Yes
  • No
03
If yes, please explain.
04
Mark all that apply:
  • I have used marijuana within the last year.
  • I have used hallucinogenic drugs (mushrooms, LSD, PCP, etc.) within the last ten (10) years.
  • I have used hallucinogenic drugs (mushrooms, LSD, PCP, etc.) more than three (3) times in my lifetime.
  • I have used illegal drugs by free-basing or needle injection.
  • I have been convicted of a felony involving illegal drugs.
  • I used illegal drugs while employed by a law enforcement agency.
  • I have participated in the manufacture or sale of illegal drugs within my lifetime.
  • None of the above.
05
If checked, please explain.
06
I have used one or more of the following drugs within the last three (3) years:
  • Anabolic steroids without a prescription.
  • Club drugs including Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol, MDMA, ecstacy.
  • Inhaled aerosols such as huffing (paint) or whippits (nitrous oxide) or used Khat.
  • Methamphetamine, cocaine or heroin.
  • None of the above.
07
If checked, please explain.
08
Have you ever been convicted of a felony as an adult?
  • Yes
  • No
09
If yes, list the crime and the date of the conviction.
10
Have you ever been convicted of a crime under a domestic violence statute?
  • Yes
  • No
11
If yes, list the crime and the date of conviction.
12
Have you ever been convicted of any sex related crime (such as prostitution, etc.)?
  • Yes
  • No
13
If yes, list the crime and the date of conviction.
14
Have you ever been required to register as a sex offender?
  • Yes
  • No
15
If yes, please explain.
16
Has your driver's license ever been suspended or revoked for traffic crimes or moving violations?
  • Yes
  • No
17
If yes, what year was the suspension or revocation?
18
Have you been convicted, received diversion or an expungement for any misdemeanor crime in the last three (3) years?
  • Yes
  • No
19
If yes, list the crime and the date of conviction, diversion or expungement.
20
List all traffic violations received in the last three (3) years.
21
Have you been convicted of driving under the influence, reckless driving, negligent driving or hit and run within the last five (5) years?
  • Yes
  • No
22
If yes, please explain.
23
Have you served in the military?
  • Yes
  • No
24
If yes, were you discharged under honorable conditions?
  • Yes
  • No
25
Do you have any of the following tattoos (mark all that apply):
  • A tattoo signifying membership in, or affiliation with, a criminal enterprise, street gang, or any other group that advocates violence against individuals because of their race, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual preference, or disability.
  • A tattoo depicting nudity, violence or sexually explicit art or words.
  • Tattoos above your collarbone that cannot be covered while wearing a standard duty uniform.
  • Excessive tattoos (such as a 'sleeve') that cannot be covered by a standard duty uniform.
  • None of the above.
26
Have you ever used the Internet as an adult (18 years of age or older) to intentionally search for and access image or movie files depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct?
  • Yes
  • No
27
Have you ever had certification as a police officer revoked or denied?
  • Yes
  • No
28
If yes, please explain.

* Required Question

Employer
City of Vancouver
Address
415 W 6th St
P.O. Box 1995
Vancouver, Washington, 98668-1995
Phone
(360) 487-8417

Apply

OnlineApplication

Warning! You are using Internet Explorer 8. Some features of the Online Application are not fully supported in this version. Please upgrade to a later version of Internet Explorer for optimal performance.

Loading ...