Police Officer - Recruit/Entry Level

A position in this classification will be represented by the Police Guild. TO APPLY : Public Safety Testing (PST) administers our written and physical ability examinations. Applications through our website will only be accepted after you have passed PST's testing process and you have been notified of your eligibility by the Civil Service Secretary. Please visit PST's website at www.PublicSafetyTesting.com to complete the application online and select the testing date and/or location most convenient for you. If you have any questions, please call toll free at 1-866-447-3911 or contact the City’s Civil Service Commission Secretary/Chief Examiner at 253-835-2533. VETERAN’S PREFERENCE: In accordance with RCW 41.04, veterans who meet criteria for Veteran’s Preference and achieve passing scores on competitive employment examinations have 5 to 10% added to their final weighted score where a ranked eligibility list is established. For Veterans’ Scoring Criteria, please submit copy 4 of your DD214. RE-APPLICATION: Pursuant to Civil Service Rule 8.12.1 no one may be reexamined for the same class within six (6) months of the effective date of a successful examination. OUR MISSION: The mission of the Federal Way Police Department is for every member to consistently earn the public’s trust while enhancing the quality of life for residents, visitors, and businesses within our City. We accomplish our mission by providing the highest quality law enforcement, community education, and support services possible while making the best use of the resources entrusted to us. We are recognized as professional, innovative, diverse, ethical, and as a valued partner in building economic viability in our area. BASIC FUNTION: Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, and performing individually or as a member of a team, participate in the following activities: enforce state statutes and local ordinances, regulations and laws; apprehend suspects; respond to and investigate disturbances, services and accident calls; patrol and conduct surveillance; receive training and maintain skills proficiency; operate a vehicle during routine and emergency situations; communicate with the public in normal and adverse situations; complete verbal and written reports and documentation; work independently following written or verbal instructions that are general in nature; and perform a variety of specialized duties as assigned. Successful candidates will have a strong service orientation and demonstrated record of responsiveness to community priorities and concerns. The incumbent in this position will create and nurture a community-oriented public safety department as envisioned by the City Council and set forth in the department vision and values statement: a department which inspires a sense of confidence and security in the citizens of Federal Way through professionalism, citizen involvement, and creative approaches to public safety; a department which is distinguished as a caring, competent, firm, fair, accessible and innovative organization that actively seeks opportunities to help citizens; a department which is a part of, rather than apart from, the community, fostering an efficient citizen-police partnership to insure a safe and secure city. Developing Relationships/Representing/Handling Inquiries : Establish rapid rapport with new contacts; deal effectively with complaints by being polite to customers; maintain good public relations; establish good relationships with antagonistic individuals; work closely with team; verbally answer inquiries about public safety as a service; and establish a network of contacts. Communicate with other City personnel, law enforcement agencies and health care and social service providers to coordinate efforts, resolve problems, and exchange information. Deciding : Decide, on own initiative or in conjunction with others, to pursue a course of action; make decisions under time pressure in a quick manner and after evaluation of the situation; choose appropriate materials to complete a job, and decide whether to refer problems to a supervisor. Motivating : Gain willing cooperation by understanding the personal needs or motives of others; provide reassurance for those suffering anxiety; create and foster team spirit; get individuals to carry out unappealing tasks; warn people to increase their motivation; sustain interest of others in tasks. Controlling/Directing/Reviewing: Direct action in emergencies; manage unexpected situations; ensure that safety precautions are observed; review to assess compliance with laws, rules, etc.; follow up with people to expedite work completion. Cooperating/Acting as a Liaison : Encourage cooperation from peers and colleagues, and between team members; act as liaison with supervisors, clerical and/or non-sworn personnel, with managers/professionals, and between organizations or departments. Disciplining/Handling Disputes and Grievances : Avoid emotional involvement in disputes; reduce tension between people; handle grievances effectively by listening to all sides involved and being sympathetic; handle disciplinary problems firmly and effectively; warn people by threat of punishment and issue formal warnings; physically restrain people where necessary; order rule breaking public to leave a public premises, and resolve disputes. Supervising/Directing : Maintain a physical presence to ensure all is well; issue directions in emergent situations; direct the public to obey laws and supervise to ensure that this is done; give verbal instructions to colleagues. Security/Cleaning/Handling: Patrol a defined area; apply manipulation to body and/or limbs as necessary and appropriate; handle dangerous items (i.e. poisons, explosives, etc. where appropriate) gently to avoid pain/damage to a person or object; physically handle animals. Informing/Reporting : Prepare accurate and detailed investigative reports; complete a variety of forms and issue citations as appropriate; provi