Entry Level Police Officer

IMPORTANT APPLICATION REQUIREMENT You must have received an invitation/email notification from City of Auburn Human Resources to submit your application. Applications will only be accepted from candidates who have successfully passed both the Law Enforcement Officer Written Exam and Physical Ability Test through Public Safety Testing (PST) and have requested their scores be sent to the City of Auburn. If you do not follow this process, your application will not be reviewed.

IF YOU HAVE NOT COMPLETED THIS STEP YET, start here: Public Safety Testing

JOIN TEAM APD

$5,000 HIRING BONUS & TAKE HOME CAR PROGRAM

As of January 2026, the approximate wait time from PST test scores/application to oral board interview is 8-12 weeks.

Job Overview The Auburn Police Department (APD) is seeking

motivated, service-driven individuals

to join our team as Entry Level Police Officers. This is an

opportunity to serve

a continuously growing community within a modern, well-resourced police department that

values professionalism, trust, integrity, and officer wellness . Our community is policed by professional officers who are not afraid to bravely stand up to danger and adversity. Officers serve with a noble purpose and make decisions based on trust and honesty. All employees of the APD are committed to providing exceptional customer service to the citizens we serve.

As a Police Officer at APD, you will perform

meaningful, challenging work

that directly impacts community safety and quality of life. Team APD supports its officers with

competitive compensation and benefits, wellness resources, specialty assignments, and clear pathways for career advancement . The department is comprised of 150 staff to include: Chief of Police, Assistant Chief, Five (5) Commanders, 13 Sergeants, 108 Officers/Detectives, 16 Non-Commissioned staff, a Crime Analyst, Public Information Officer, Wellness Program Designer, and three (3) Administrative Assistants.

This is a

full‑time position represented by the Police Officers Guild

with a current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) effective 1/1/25 - 12/31/27. The salary listed on the announcement is the base salary, and the

salary upon hire will be $9,032.20 per month . Officers also have

opportunities to receive additional compensation

and pay incentives based multiple factors, as outlined in the CBA. These include

longevity pay

starting after five (5) years of service,

bilingual pay

after completing field training and proving proficiency through a bilingual exam, and

education pay

for police-related Associate or Bachelor (or higher) degrees. Many

specialty assignments

also come with

premium pay, starting at 2% of the straight‑time hourly base rate . Officers may have multiple specialty assignments, but at no time will an officer receive more than 10% premium pay from these assignments.

As a member of APD, you will perform general police work involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, maintenance of order, and prevention and investigation of crimes. This work involves a substantial element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent discretion in emergencies. All officers are responsible for recognizing the social importance of police functions, for tactful and courteous treatment of the public, and for conscientious and efficient performance of duties under little direct supervision.

Responsibilities

Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service

Patrolling assigned areas to deter crime and provide a visible public safety presence

Investigate crimes, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and make arrests when warranted

Prepare thorough, accurate reports, logs, and documentation

Handle domestic disputes, juvenile matters, and incidents involving individuals in crisis

Pursue suspects on foot and in vehicles, safely performing physically demanding tasks

Use appropriate levels of force to protect life and property

Provide first aid and life-saving assistance

Communicate effectively orally and in writing in all settings

Maintain professionalism while managing stressful, hostile, or emotionally charged situations

This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list.

Please view the class specification for a full list of job responsibilities.

Selection Requirements

Possess a High School Diploma, or equivalent (GED)

Be a United States citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or be a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient

Be at least 20-1/2 years of age at the time of application

Be able to fluently read and write the English language using proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Be able to meet all Civil Service Rules and Regulations, including the physical requirements listed in Rule 21.01

Possess a valid driver's license, without impending loss at the time of appointment

If coming from out of state, you will be required to obtain a WA State driver's license within 30 days

If Selected to Move Forward

Be 21 years of age by your appointment date/date of hire

Successfully complete and pass a thorough background investigation which will include, but is not limited to, a suitability assessment, reference checks and employment verifications, polygraph examination, credit check, driving abstract review, drug screening, psychological interview, fingerprinting, Chief's interview, and pre-employment physical examination

If Hired

Successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission's Basic Law Enforcement Academy

#J-18808-Ljbffr