Police Officer

This position is for applicants who are not currently a Police Officer for a different department and have not completed the Washington State Criminal Justice Basic Law Enforcement Academy. For more detailed information, visit the SPD Recruitment Website.

Responsibilities

• Patrols a designated area on foot or in a radio and computer equipped vehicle to preserve law and order, prevent and discover crime, direct traffic, and 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, and testifies as a witness in court.
• 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.
• May be assigned to specialized technical or administrative duties such as working the police desk, maintaining criminal records, license inspection, photographic and identification work, traffic safety training, field training, or radio operation.
• Advises the public on laws and ordinances, provides general information, and assists the public.
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements

• Completion of high school or equivalent.
• Must be 20 years of age at application and 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Must be within normal weight range for height.
• Physical requirements, including eyesight, hearing, and other physical abilities, are consistent with state law and guidelines.
• All successful candidates will be required to pass a post-offer physical and psychological examination prior to appointment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• A police record may be grounds for rejection.
• Entry-level and certified employees will have an 18-month probationary period upon hire.

Before applying, review disqualifiers and the Spokane Police Department Hiring Guidelines.

Examination Details

• Applicants must pass the Public Safety Testing, Inc. (PST) examination and Physical Ability Test (PAT) to be eligible for hire.
• PST scores must be less than 15 months old.
• Sign up for the PST through the Public Safety Testing, Inc. website.
• The standard PST written test costs $65, allowing applicants to choose up to two agencies to receive their results. Additional agencies may be selected for extra fees.
• Applicants testing outside the designated free test date in Spokane are responsible for all costs incurred.

Completion of a Personal History Statement through the Public Safety Testing website is required and will be used for a background investigation.