Police Officer Recruit (Entry Level)

About the role

The City of Tacoma is seeking Police Officer Recruits to join the Tacoma Police Department. The position is a classified, non-represented position during the probationary period. Upon successful completion of probation, the position becomes represented.

This is a rewarding career opportunity where you can make a difference in keeping Tacoma safe and secure. We are looking for individuals who value integrity, accountability, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Understanding of police principles, practices, and procedures and how they apply to law enforcement operations.
• Familiarity with rules of evidence and laws of arrest to ensure lawful and ethical enforcement actions.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills to assess situations accurately and take effective action under pressure.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with the public, colleagues, and preparing detailed reports.
• Ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse cultures, languages, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Knowledge of crime scene preservation and investigation techniques to support accurate and thorough investigations.
• Proficiency in safe vehicle operation and proper use of firearms in accordance with department standards.

Requirements

• You must be a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident.
• You must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• You must be at least 20.5 years of age at the time of application - and be 21 years of age by date of hire.
• You must be able to meet the physical requirements and medical standards prescribed by the City of Tacoma and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Skills

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures used in police work, including relevant laws and ordinances.
• Understanding of rules of evidence, laws of arrest, and recent legislation affecting police duties.
• Skill in communicating clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, including report preparation.
• Ability to build and maintain cooperative working relationships and interact respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of crime scene preservation, investigation techniques, and basic first aid procedures.
• Proficiency in the safe operation of police vehicles, firearms, and related equipment in accordance with department standards.
• Competence in using computers and related technology for law enforcement tasks and documentation.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED; at least 20.5 years of age at the time of application - and be 21 years of age by date of hire; valid motor vehicle operator's license; ability to meet physical requirements and medical standards.
• Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements: Valid Washington State driver's license.

Benefits

The City of Tacoma offers employee benefits including:

• Compensation details: Hourly Rate: $47.39
• Employee Benefits: City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Pay

Hourly Rate: $47.39

Schedule

The general Police Patrol Officer schedule is a 4/10 schedule with rotating days off. Incumbents in this classification may be exposed to gunfire, toxic chemicals, traffic hazards, and occasional driving at high speeds.

Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

The City of Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area.

Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum. With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation.

Important Testing Information

Applicants must pass the physical abilities test (PAT) and written exam before being placed on an eligibility list for interview and hiring consideration. The PAT consists of three activities: squat thrusts, sit-ups and push-ups. Please visit publicsafetytesting.com to schedule a Written Exam and PAT that works best with your schedule. The requirements for the PAT can be found on the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission website.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Application Process: Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Applicants must pass all phases both before and after the eligibility list is established, including driving record, credit history, conviction/arrest record, work history, reference check, oral board interview and polygraph examination.

Veterans who are eligible for Veterans Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at time of application to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this announcement or experience any complications while applying, please contact Human Resources at 253.591.5400 by 12:00 p.m., December 31, 2026 in order for us to assist you before the closing time.

Additional Information

To learn more about the Tacoma Police Department's hiring process, hiring standards, and the physical abilities test click here.

To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

For more information about the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma Police Department, visit our websites at www.tacoma.gov or https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/police/.