Certified Entry Level Police Officer
City of Tukwila, Tukwila, WA, United States
The City of Tukwila is seeking experienced law enforcement officers who meet the criteria for certified entry. Applicants must be currently certified as a law enforcement officer or have the required experience. If you do not meet these requirements, please apply for the entry‑level police officer exam instead.
About Our Community The City of Tukwila, just under 10 square miles, has a population of 22,000 residents and attracts 150,000 visitors and workers daily. The community is culturally diverse, with more than 80 languages spoken by students in the Tukwila School District.
Tukwila is home to the largest mall in the Pacific Northwest, corporate headquarters, The Museum of Flight, and a thriving hub of retail, restaurants, and businesses.
About the Tukwila Police Department The department has 77 commissioned officers and 24 non‑commissioned support staff. We provide a supportive environment with consistent scheduling, 490 hours of leave per year, on‑duty fitness facilities, and a supportive culture that values officer well‑being and career growth.
Our department is highly equipped with modern technology: patrol vehicles with barcode scanners, ALPR dash cameras, body‑worn cameras, headrest printers, mobile fingerprint scanners, iPhones, and tablets.
Mission Our mission is to provide public safety services that are professional, compassionate and transparent, earning the public’s trust through skills, professionalism and collaboration.
Vision All Tukwila neighborhoods and communities feel protected and respected.
Values
Serving the community so all members are safe and thriving.
Building strong teams within the department and community.
Being accountable to the community and each other through determination, thoroughness, openness and honesty.
Growing in competency and empathy by continually developing skills and relationships.
Benefits
Competitive salary with scheduled step increases.
Excellent medical, dental, and vision plans.
State Retirement System pension plan contributions.
Deferred compensation plan options.
Paid holidays as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Tax‑free health savings account (VEBA).
Employee wellness program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Take‑home car program.
Additional Compensation and Pay Incentives
Education bonuses (2% for associate’s degree; 4% for bachelor’s or higher).
Tuition reimbursement.
Longevity pay after 5 years of service.
Overtime opportunities.
Specialty assignment pay (5%–7%).
Night shift differential (2%).
Optional Kelly Days and Holiday Bank paid out.
Selection and Civil Service Testing Guidelines Certified and lateral entry candidates must complete an online application, background investigation, polygraph, oral psychological exam, medical exam, and a telephone interview. Application materials must include transcripts, resume, and memorandum to the Chief of Police explaining why the applicant wants to work for the department.
Veteran's Preference Points Attach a copy of your DD214 or NGB Form 22 to claim veteran's preference points.
Equal Opportunity Employment The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified applicants with multicultural experience.
Exceptional Entry Candidates Current officers who do not meet the certified entry time‑in‑service requirement may qualify to test as Exceptional Entry candidates and should apply as Entry Level.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Perform investigative tasks, evaluate cases for leads and investigation direction, collect and preserve evidence, interrogate suspects, and question witnesses.
Enforce traffic and parking regulations, direct traffic, and make detailed investigations and reports of traffic accidents.
Determine lawful searches, seizures, and arrests; conduct foot chases or vehicle pursuits when necessary.
Perform judicial assistance activities, including testifying in court and related enforcement activities.
Assist in departmental administrative and supervisory activities, including public relations assignments.
Operate firearms in compliance with department rules.
Maintain firearms and vehicles.
Patrol assigned city areas in police vehicle and on foot.
Complete special details assigned by the Sergeant and prepare reports and documents.
Write reports, maintain daily logs, and produce related documentation.
Serve warrants, make arrests, and transport prisoners to jail.
Respond to and investigate citizen complaints and provide service.
Represent the department by speaking at public meetings on special topics or general law enforcement matters.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge
Methods, principles, and practices of law enforcement and crime prevention.
Laws governing arrest, custody, search and seizure, and rules of evidence.
Skills
Exercise independent judgment in emergency situations according to departmental rules.
Operate police vehicles safely.
Follow verbal and written instructions.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Establish effective working relationships with court officials, business persons, public organization representatives, attorneys, other law enforcement personnel, and the general public.
Meet special requirements listed below.
Education, Experience, and Other Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of a recognized police training academy or equivalent courses necessary for Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission certification.
Special Requirements
Minimum age 21 at time of employment.
Full‑time commissioned law enforcement officer with successful completion of training and certification through WSCJTC.
Valid Washington State driver’s license without suspension or revocation.
Proficient in reading and writing English.
No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories.
Ability to pass a medical exam.
Selection Guidelines
Formal application; review of education and experience.
Physical agility test and written examination.
Oral interview by a civil service selection panel.
Background investigation and polygraph examination.
Official offer, medical examination, and psychological examination.
Automatic Disqualification Criteria
Current felony convictions.
Recent juvenile felony convictions.
Criminal violence convictions, including domestic violence.
Sexual offenses within the past 10 years.
Felony convictions while employed in any capacity with a law enforcement agency.
Theft of property or money within the last five years.
Sex‑related crimes.
Sex offender registration.
Solicitation of prostitution convictions.
Other misdemeanor convictions reviewed case‑by‑case.
Drug Use
Felony drug convictions or recent use of hallucinogens, cocaine, methamphetamine, or opiates.
Illicit drug use within the last 10 years.
Prescription drug abuse or misuse.
Injecting illegal drugs or selling/distributing drugs.
Any more than two drug convictions for narcotics.
Traffic Record
Criminal traffic convictions within the past 5 years, including DUI, reckless or negligent driving.
Suspension or revocation of driver’s license within five years.
More than two criminal traffic convictions.
Financial Record
Willful failure to pay taxes or court‑ordered child support.
Credit check of financial history.
Military Record
Discharged from the military under honorable conditions; other discharges evaluated case‑by‑case.
Potential Disqualification
Ongoing relationships with individuals involved in current criminal activity.
Comprehensive criminal record evaluation.
Breach of conduct or non‑conviction offenses.
Background Investigation Process Selected candidates will complete 27 supplemental questions covering personal history and drug use. Honest and accurate responses are mandatory; any untruthful answers will disqualify the applicant. Upon completion of the background investigation, candidates must provide a letter of interest and resume.
Application Completion Checklist
Attach letter of interest and resume.
Attach DD214 or NGB Form 22 if applicable.
Confirm understanding of automatic disqualifiers.
Accept background investigation, polygraph, credit check, and drug screen requirements.
Acknowledge receipt of city information and request.
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About Our Community The City of Tukwila, just under 10 square miles, has a population of 22,000 residents and attracts 150,000 visitors and workers daily. The community is culturally diverse, with more than 80 languages spoken by students in the Tukwila School District.
Tukwila is home to the largest mall in the Pacific Northwest, corporate headquarters, The Museum of Flight, and a thriving hub of retail, restaurants, and businesses.
About the Tukwila Police Department The department has 77 commissioned officers and 24 non‑commissioned support staff. We provide a supportive environment with consistent scheduling, 490 hours of leave per year, on‑duty fitness facilities, and a supportive culture that values officer well‑being and career growth.
Our department is highly equipped with modern technology: patrol vehicles with barcode scanners, ALPR dash cameras, body‑worn cameras, headrest printers, mobile fingerprint scanners, iPhones, and tablets.
Mission Our mission is to provide public safety services that are professional, compassionate and transparent, earning the public’s trust through skills, professionalism and collaboration.
Vision All Tukwila neighborhoods and communities feel protected and respected.
Values
Serving the community so all members are safe and thriving.
Building strong teams within the department and community.
Being accountable to the community and each other through determination, thoroughness, openness and honesty.
Growing in competency and empathy by continually developing skills and relationships.
Benefits
Competitive salary with scheduled step increases.
Excellent medical, dental, and vision plans.
State Retirement System pension plan contributions.
Deferred compensation plan options.
Paid holidays as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Tax‑free health savings account (VEBA).
Employee wellness program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Take‑home car program.
Additional Compensation and Pay Incentives
Education bonuses (2% for associate’s degree; 4% for bachelor’s or higher).
Tuition reimbursement.
Longevity pay after 5 years of service.
Overtime opportunities.
Specialty assignment pay (5%–7%).
Night shift differential (2%).
Optional Kelly Days and Holiday Bank paid out.
Selection and Civil Service Testing Guidelines Certified and lateral entry candidates must complete an online application, background investigation, polygraph, oral psychological exam, medical exam, and a telephone interview. Application materials must include transcripts, resume, and memorandum to the Chief of Police explaining why the applicant wants to work for the department.
Veteran's Preference Points Attach a copy of your DD214 or NGB Form 22 to claim veteran's preference points.
Equal Opportunity Employment The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified applicants with multicultural experience.
Exceptional Entry Candidates Current officers who do not meet the certified entry time‑in‑service requirement may qualify to test as Exceptional Entry candidates and should apply as Entry Level.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Perform investigative tasks, evaluate cases for leads and investigation direction, collect and preserve evidence, interrogate suspects, and question witnesses.
Enforce traffic and parking regulations, direct traffic, and make detailed investigations and reports of traffic accidents.
Determine lawful searches, seizures, and arrests; conduct foot chases or vehicle pursuits when necessary.
Perform judicial assistance activities, including testifying in court and related enforcement activities.
Assist in departmental administrative and supervisory activities, including public relations assignments.
Operate firearms in compliance with department rules.
Maintain firearms and vehicles.
Patrol assigned city areas in police vehicle and on foot.
Complete special details assigned by the Sergeant and prepare reports and documents.
Write reports, maintain daily logs, and produce related documentation.
Serve warrants, make arrests, and transport prisoners to jail.
Respond to and investigate citizen complaints and provide service.
Represent the department by speaking at public meetings on special topics or general law enforcement matters.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge
Methods, principles, and practices of law enforcement and crime prevention.
Laws governing arrest, custody, search and seizure, and rules of evidence.
Skills
Exercise independent judgment in emergency situations according to departmental rules.
Operate police vehicles safely.
Follow verbal and written instructions.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Establish effective working relationships with court officials, business persons, public organization representatives, attorneys, other law enforcement personnel, and the general public.
Meet special requirements listed below.
Education, Experience, and Other Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of a recognized police training academy or equivalent courses necessary for Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission certification.
Special Requirements
Minimum age 21 at time of employment.
Full‑time commissioned law enforcement officer with successful completion of training and certification through WSCJTC.
Valid Washington State driver’s license without suspension or revocation.
Proficient in reading and writing English.
No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories.
Ability to pass a medical exam.
Selection Guidelines
Formal application; review of education and experience.
Physical agility test and written examination.
Oral interview by a civil service selection panel.
Background investigation and polygraph examination.
Official offer, medical examination, and psychological examination.
Automatic Disqualification Criteria
Current felony convictions.
Recent juvenile felony convictions.
Criminal violence convictions, including domestic violence.
Sexual offenses within the past 10 years.
Felony convictions while employed in any capacity with a law enforcement agency.
Theft of property or money within the last five years.
Sex‑related crimes.
Sex offender registration.
Solicitation of prostitution convictions.
Other misdemeanor convictions reviewed case‑by‑case.
Drug Use
Felony drug convictions or recent use of hallucinogens, cocaine, methamphetamine, or opiates.
Illicit drug use within the last 10 years.
Prescription drug abuse or misuse.
Injecting illegal drugs or selling/distributing drugs.
Any more than two drug convictions for narcotics.
Traffic Record
Criminal traffic convictions within the past 5 years, including DUI, reckless or negligent driving.
Suspension or revocation of driver’s license within five years.
More than two criminal traffic convictions.
Financial Record
Willful failure to pay taxes or court‑ordered child support.
Credit check of financial history.
Military Record
Discharged from the military under honorable conditions; other discharges evaluated case‑by‑case.
Potential Disqualification
Ongoing relationships with individuals involved in current criminal activity.
Comprehensive criminal record evaluation.
Breach of conduct or non‑conviction offenses.
Background Investigation Process Selected candidates will complete 27 supplemental questions covering personal history and drug use. Honest and accurate responses are mandatory; any untruthful answers will disqualify the applicant. Upon completion of the background investigation, candidates must provide a letter of interest and resume.
Application Completion Checklist
Attach letter of interest and resume.
Attach DD214 or NGB Form 22 if applicable.
Confirm understanding of automatic disqualifiers.
Accept background investigation, polygraph, credit check, and drug screen requirements.
Acknowledge receipt of city information and request.
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