Police Officer (Entry Level and Lateral)

Police Officer Recruits perform general duty police work involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, maintenance of order, and prevention and investigation of crimes. Work is performed according to departmental regulations and procedures prescribed by superior officers and normally consists of routine patrol, traffic regulations, and crime prevention and investigation on motorcycles, or on foot.

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 assignments in this class involve responsibility 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.

Employees may be assigned to work on special assignments that call upon specialized ability and knowledge usually attained through experience as a uniformed Police Officer.

The City of Tacoma and the Tacoma Police Department are proud to provide its officers with competitive compensation packages, incentive pay, reimbursements, and a variety of insurance plans*. If you work as an officer elsewhere, you'll likely find it hard for the pay and benefits to compete with what we offer.

Bonus Pay

LEOFF II Dis./Ret................................+1%

TPD Accreditation..............................+2%

Bi-Lingual............................................+2%

Educational or Military......................+2%

Swing Shift Differential......................+3%

CJTC Training Officer..........................+3%

Night Shift Differential.......................+5%

SWAT Team.........................................+5%

Lab Team.............................................+5%

Search & Rescue Team......................+5%

Motorcycle Officer.............................+5%

Bomb Technician...............................+5%

K-9 Officer...........................................+5%

Police Patrol Specialist......................+5%

Police Training Officer......................+5%

• Age: 20.5 to apply. 21 at appointment
• Education: high school diploma or GED
• Experience: No prior law enforcement experience necessary for entry level applicants.