CLASS SUMMARY

Before you apply, make sure to take the written and physical Public Safety Tests. Sign up here. 

Protect and serve the community of Spokane by becoming a Police Officer. This position is for applicants who have successfully completed the Washington State Criminal Justice Basic Law Enforcement Academy. 
Applicants must take and pass the Public Safety Test before submitting their application to the City of Spokane.

EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS

• Patrols a designated area on foot or in a radio and computer equipped vehicle to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crime, to direct traffic and to 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, testifies as 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, on a permanent or shift basis, to such specialized technical or administrative duties as: working police desk, maintenance of criminal records, license inspection, photographic and identification work, traffic safety training, field training, radio operation, etc. Advises public on laws and ordinances, provides general information and otherwise assists the public.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

NOTE: Before applying, please read the City of Spokane Police Department Hiring Standards (Download PDF reader).

Police Officer - Certified Requirements
(Applicants must meet all requirements when they apply.)

• Education: Completion of high school or equivalent. Completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
• Certifications: Valid WSCJTC BLEA certification, at the time of hire.
• NOTE: No prior law enforcement experience is required.

General Requirements

• Must be 20 years of age at application and 21 years of age at the time of appointment; within normal weight range for height.
• Physical requirements for this position, including eyesight, hearing, and other physical abilities are consistent with state law and guidelines. All successful candidates who have been offered a position will be required to pass a post-offer physical and psychological examination prior to appointment.
• All applicants must possess a valid driver's license and be a United States citizen.
• A police record may be grounds for rejection.

Physical Ability Test (PAT)
All candidates must pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT). Click here for details. (Download PDF reader)

The PAT will be typically administered in the following order:

1. 300 meter run
2. Push-ups
3. Sit-ups
4. 1.5 mile run/walk

EXAMINATION DETAILS

Recruitment for this job classification is open until further notice. You must complete the online application, the Training and Experience evaluation (T&E) and the Personal History Statement in order to be eligible for hiring by City of Spokane.

T&E Evaluation Details:
The Training and Experience evaluation with instructions will be emailed out via a link from City of Spokane (info@governmentjobs.com) upon review of the applicant's minimum qualifications. You will have two weeks to complete the evaluation. The T&E has a scoring weight of 100%.

• Responses to your T&E questions should be consistent with the information given in your application details.
• Answers are subject to verification.
• Failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score; therefore, it is advantageous for you to provide a full and complete response to each examination question.
• Resumes or questionnaires uploaded as attachments will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question online.
• "See Resume" or "See Above", etc., are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

Personal History Statement:
Upon notification that you have passed through the minimum qualifications, you will receive a Personal History Statement to complete and submit along with the T&E. This documentation will be used to conduct a background investigation. It is a MANDATORY MINIMUM REQUIREMENT to complete the Personal History Statement. If the Personal History Statement is NOT received in Civil Service by the deadline given, your application will not be considered. 

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.