Lateral Police Officer

About the role

The City of Lynden is conducting this recruitment to establish an eligibility register for future vacancies. There is currently one (1) vacancy at this time. Candidates who successfully complete the examination and selection process will be placed on an eligibility register in accordance with Civil Service Rules. Placement on the eligibility register does not guarantee employment but provides eligibility for consideration when vacancies occur.

Responsibilities

• Patrol and Response Patrols City streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies and other law violations' and to otherwise serve and protect.
• Maintains normal availability by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent.
• Conducts patrol activities including directing traffic, investigation of reported or observed violations of law, and conducting patrol activities.
• Responds to emergency radio calls and investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc. Takes appropriate law enforcement action.
• Investigation and Interrogation Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes committed within the City limits. Seeks out and questions victims, witnesses and suspects. Develops leads and tips. Searches scene of crimes for clues. Analyzes and evaluates evidence and arrests offenders. Prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in court proceedings.
• Participates in investigating criminal law violations occurring within the City limits, obtaining evidence and compiling information regarding these crimes, preparing cases for filing of charges, testifying in court, and related activities.
• Interrogates suspects, witnesses and drivers. Preserves evidence. Arrests violators. Investigates and renders assistance at scene of vehicular accidents. Summons ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles. Takes measurements and draws diagrams of scene.
• Reporting and Record Keeping Prepares a variety of manual and electronic reports and records.
• Communication and Coordination Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provide general information about Department activities.
• Covers other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
• No record of felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories.
• Able to read and write the English language.
• Of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits.

Minimum Qualifications

• General Entry Level Requirements: Must be 21 years or older at the time of employment.
• Lateral Requirements: Must be able to meet all Entry Level requirements listed above.
• Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent (GED). A two-year community college degree or vocational school training in police sciences, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, public administration, or a closely related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the incumbent with the necessary qualifications may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• To Support, promote, and model the City's mission, vision, and core values in all aspects of job performance.
• Maintain good physical condition in order to perform essential job functions.
• Proficiently operate personal computer and relevant software.
• Learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations.
• Learn the City's geography.
• Exercise sound judgment in evaluation situations and in making decisions.
• Communicate in a clear, concise manner, both orally and in writing.
• Implement standard, established procedures and regulations and to accurately follow verbal and written instructions.
• Effectively respond to the public both in person and through the telephone and electronic media in a manner conducive to positive customer relations.
• Plan, organize, and prioritize work to complete required tasks and meet deadlines.
• Deal effectively with sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Handle stressful situations, which may involve dealing with angry or upset individuals.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, outside entities, and the general public.
• Represent the City in a positive and professional manner.

Special Requirements

• Must have a valid Washington driver's license without record of suspension or revocation in any State (or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment).
• Ability to meet Department's physical standards and pass medical exam.
• This position is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment drug testing, including testing for cannabis.
• Successful completion of the Washington Criminal Justice Training Center Academy or Equivalency Test must be accomplished within one (1) year after employment.
• Maintain required certifications such as 1st Aid, CPR, BAC, Firearms, Taser (if applicable}, and any other certifications which may be required.

Benefits

The City of Lynden offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, deferred compensation plans and an employee assistance program. Additional Benefit Information for this position can be found here: Benefits-2026-LPPSG.