Police Officer Recruit

Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Police Department

Salary: $6,477.00 Monthly.

Closing Date: 12/31/2024.

Position Summary:

Participates in formal and on-the-job training in law enforcement principles, techniques and procedures, departmental organization, rules, policies, and related laws. Also receives training in the use, care and maintenance of assigned equipment.

Essential Functions:

  1. Attends a 720 hour Basic Law Enforcement Academy, which will provide classroom and field instruction in basic police procedures, techniques and laws.
  2. Participates in on-the-job training under the direct supervision of an experienced training officer. Observes and assists experienced officers responding to calls and requests for police assistance.
  3. May assist in conducting investigations and participate in legal search and surveillance activities.
    Participates in range training as assigned.
  4. Attends meetings and prepares reports as assigned.

Requirements:

  • Associate’s Degree or two years (90 quarter hours/60 semester hours) of general education course work toward a degree at an accredited college or university OR
  • High School Diploma or equivalent, AND
  • Four years of active military service with honorable discharge (four years of military service may be substituted for two years of general education course work toward a degree at an accredited college or university)
  • Bilingual proficiency highly desirable.
  • Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check, background investigation, polygraph examination and fingerprinting. Subject to re-check every five years.
  • Employment contingent upon passing a psychological and general medical evaluation.
  • Employment contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug test. (This position is considered a safety sensitive position; therefore, the pre-employment drug test includes testing for marijuana. Positive test results will exclude an applicant from being hired).
  • Must pass physical fitness trainability standards of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, Red Cross certification for Infant/Child and Adult CPR and Standard First Aid.
  • Valid Washington State driver’s license by time of hire and good driving record. A three-year driving abstract must be submitted prior to hire, with periodic submission of driving abstract per City policy.
  • Attainment of the age of 21 years.
  • U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident. Washington State residency by time of hire.
  • No record of felony convictions.
  • Misdemeanor convictions will also be reviewed. A misdemeanor conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant but offenses, by their nature and recentness, may reveal a lack of specific qualifications for this position.
  • Police Officer Recruits must successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy.