Police Officer – Entry Level

Oak Harbor, WA
Oak Harbor Police Department

Salary: $5,596.00 – $8,745.00 Monthly

Closing Date: 8/31/2025

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, Police Officers perform police services in accordance with the mission, goals, and objectives of the Oak Harbor Police Department, and in compliance with governing federal, state, and local laws. It is the responsibility of police officers to safeguard the public peace, protect life and property, prevent crime, enforce the law, protect the rights of all persons and generally uphold the community-articulated standards.

Essential Functions:

1. Respond to calls for service involving both criminal activity and community caretaking activities. Interview persons with complaints and make proper disposition or direct them to the proper authorities/community resources.
2. Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations, process crime scenes using all available techniques, gather evidence, obtain witness/victim/ suspect statements, apprehend suspects, make arrests and transport offenders.
3. Give advice and general information to inquiries from the public.
4. Practice efficient case management including the initial documentation of appropriate information, timely follow-up and case documentation, appropriate interaction with victims, cooperation with other agencies and departments and testifying as a witness in court in connection with arrests and investigations.
5. Use available time to patrol the City by radio equipped car, bicycle or on foot to prevent, discover and deter the commission of crime, to enforce criminal law, to direct traffic and to enforce motor vehicle operation.
6. Take proper safety precautions, which include the appropriate application of force, proper officer safety tactical movement and positioning and de-escalation and crisis management skills.
7. Establish and maintain effective and cooperative relations with City officials, department heads, supervisors, other departments, co-workers, representatives of business and community as well as the general public. Respond to inquiries using good judgment, tact and courtesy, sometimes in stressful situations.
8. Interact and communicate effectively with other social, governmental and private agencies on civil and criminal matters, sometimes in emergency situations.
9. Present a professional demeanor with the general public.
10. Operate safely police vehicles in normal and emergency circumstances in all weather. Properly maintain and use other department equipment.
11. Read and apply department policies, rules, regulations, instructions, laws, ordinances and general literature pertaining to policing.
12. Enter or retrieve computer data.

Requirements:

  • At least 21 years of age at time of application.
  • A United States citizen and have the ability to read, write and speak the English language.
  • A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • To work with in the Use of Force continuum.
  • Meet LEOFF Retirement system minimum medical and health standards.
  • Able to successfully complete all required training.
  • Willing and able to perform shift work, with evening and weekend work.
  • Must have or obtain a Washington State Driver’s License at time of appointment.
  • Pass background investigation, including screening of criminal history, sexual offenses, recent drug use and driving record.
  • Pass polygraph examination for law enforcement personnel.
  • Conditional employment offer will include medical exam with drug screen, and psychological evaluation for aptitude to work in law enforcement.
  • Able to meet response time per the Labor Contract.