Police Officer - Entry Level / Exceptional Hire / Lateral

About the role

The Oak Harbor Police Department is an accredited agency comprised of Administration, Patrol, Detectives, and Special Operations. The authorized force consists of 29 Commissioned Personnel and 12 Non-Commissioned Personnel. The department is known for its successful community involvement and problem-solving approach to law enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls for service involving both criminal activity and community caretaking activities.
• Interview persons with complaints and make proper disposition or direct them to the proper authorities/community resources.
• Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations, process crime scenes using all available techniques, gather evidence, obtain witness/victim/suspect statements, apprehend suspects, make arrests and transport offenders.
• Give advice and general information to inquiries from the public.
• Practice efficient case management including the initial documentation of appropriate information, timely follow-up and case documentation, appropriate interaction with victims, cooperation with other agencies and departments and testifying as a witness in court in connection with arrests and investigations.
• Use available time to patrol the City by radio equipped car, bicycle or on foot to prevent, discover and deter the commission of crime, to enforce criminal law, to direct traffic and to enforce motor vehicle operation.
• Take proper safety precautions, which include the appropriate application of force, proper officer safety tactical movement and positioning and de-escalation and crisis management skills.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative relations with City officials, department heads, supervisors, other departments, co-workers, representatives of business and community as well as the general public.
• Respond to inquiries using good judgment, tact and courtesy, sometimes in stressful situations.
• Interact and communicate effectively with other social, governmental and private agencies on civil and criminal matters, sometimes in emergency situations.
• Present a professional demeanor with the general public.
• Operate safely police vehicles in normal and emergency circumstances in all weather.
• Properly maintain and use other department equipment.
• Read and apply department policies, rules, regulations, instructions, laws, ordinances and general literature pertaining to policing.
• Enter or retrieve computer data.

Requirements

• Graduation from the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) or an equivalent accredited state or federal basic law enforcement academy accepted by WCJTC.
• Must be eligible for commissioned status or be a currently commissioned officer.
• Out-of-state and federal applicants must be able to attend the WSCTJC Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy (BLEEA) within six (6) months of hire.
• Must have a minimum of twelve (12) months of continuous, full-time, commissioned service (post-academy) in a civilian municipal, county, state or federal law enforcement agency.
• Must have successfully completed an approved basic training program in Washington or another state accepted by WSCJTC.
• Must not have a break in law enforcement service exceeding 60 months.
• Out-of-state applicants must successfully complete the Washington State Equivalency Academy within six (6) months of hire.

Qualifications & Requirements

• At least 21 years of age at time of application.
• A United States citizen and have the ability to read, write and speak the English language.
• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• To work with in the Use of Force continuum.
• Meet LEOFF Retirement system minimum medical and health standards.
• Able to successfully complete all required training.
• Willing and able to perform shift work, with evening and weekend work.
• Pass background investigation, including screening of criminal history, sexual offenses, recent drug use and driving record.
• Pass polygraph.

Benefits

Compensation begins with a pre-academy recruit level. We also offer education, longevity pay, and great benefits!