Lateral Police Officer

CS15-00012 – Lateral Police Officer

"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 Lateral Police Officer.

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.

The 'Work Experience' and/or 'Education' sections of your application must clearly describe how you meet the qualifications for this position as listed below; you must also answer supplemental questions.

A resume' or position description will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

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

·         Completed a state certified law enforcement academy

·         Maintained any mandated certification such as firearms qualification and first aid/CPR

·         Received a final offer of employment, or be working as a full-time, commissioned law enforcement officer within the last 24 months

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.

Application.  All candidates must complete an online City of Vancouver Civil Service application.

Structured Oral Interview.  The video based interview assesses law enforcement experience as well as the skills necessary to be successful as a police officer such as observation skills, problem solving ability, persuasiveness and flexibility.

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.

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.

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

Electronic Application Checklist:

Application