Lateral Police Officer

Ridgefield, WA
City of Ridgefield

Department Information

The Ridgefield Police Department is a community-centered law enforcement agency with a budgeted staff of 19 department members. Sworn positions include Chief of Police, one Lieutenant, four Sergeants and 11 patrol officers. There is also two administrative records positions. Calls for emergency service are dispatched to officers in the field by the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) over an 800 MHZ radio system.

Officers work four 11-hour shifts with four days off, including six additional training days annually. They rotate shifts between day and graveyard every 6 months.

The department is fortunate to experience a good working relationship with residents and the local business community, and continues to further strengthen those relationships through the implementation of neighborhood programs and community partnerships.

Hiring Status

Ridgefield Police Department – Lateral Police Officer has 2 vacancies.
The eligibility list is a continuous listing and maintained by PST with oral board interviews conducted on an as-needed basis. Vacancies are filled by Civil Service “rule of five” with the top five candidates forwarded to the appointing authority for background investigation & selection as vacancies occur.

Salary Information

Salary Range $82,430 – $95,409 (2023 Annual Base Salary)

  • 5% Instructor Pay
  • Specialty, Shift Differential and Longevity Pay
  • Annual Step increases of 5%
  • College Incentive Pay: 2% Associate, 4% Bachelors
  • Retention Bonus

**$20,000 lateral hiring bonus for eligible candidates**

Requirements at time of Test

  • Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certification
  • Prior Experience Requirement – must have a minimum of 1 year experience as a commissioned, full time, general authority law enforcement officer with a municipal, county or state law enforcement agency. However, if there has been a break in full-time law enforcment employment of twenty-four (24) months but less than 60 months, the applicant shall be ineligible for lateral entry. WAC 139-05-210

Requirements at time of Hire

  • Minimum Age: 21
  • US Citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident
  • High School Grad/ GED
  • Driver’s License Required
  • Ability to Read & Write the English Language
  • Vision Requirements – Correctable to 20/20
  • College Requirement – AA degree preferred but not required.