Position Description

The Seattle Police Department is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in its workforce.

1. Register and Complete 2 Exam Components: The law enforcement exam components must be self-scheduled through the National Testing Network (NTN). Examinations are offered virtually or at physical locations across the United States. Applications must be received by April 3, 2023 and all exam components must be completed by April 5, 2023. These components include:

• Frontline National (Law Enforcement) Exam
• Public Safety Self-Assessment (Parts 1 & 2)

(Financial hardship vouchers are available for the NTN Testing fee. See additional information below.)
2. Submit Application: Upon scheduling your NTN exam, all candidates must submit a formal application to the City of Seattle as soon as possible. To submit an application, click “Apply” at the top of this job bulletin.
3. Lateral Entry Oral Board: Candidates who successfully pass all components of the NTN test listed above will be scheduled for a lateral entry oral board interview to be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams on April 22, 2023.

4. Backgrounding: Candidates who pass the exam and oral board will receive a link via email from the Seattle Police Background unit to fill out their personal history information. SPD will then conduct a thorough investigation into the candidate’s history. Ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications for this position listed below.
5. Medical Evaluation, Psychological Exam, and Polygraph Exam: Candidate will need to complete a medical evaluation that includes drug screening, medical history, vision & hearing test, and a stress EKG test. A psychological exam will be completed via ZOOM. The medical tests can only be completed in-person at specific Seattle locations currently.
6. Final Offer of Employment: If the candidate completes and passes all the above steps, they will be given an official offer of employment with the Seattle Police Department.

Preference Points: If applicable, candidates may have preference points added to their passing exam scores for military experience, multilingual abilities, prior work experience with the City of Seattle, and prior service as a Police Reserve in the Seattle Police Department. Applicants who are proficient in more than one language may request to be tested for multilingual proficiency (after passing initial exams). All requests for preference points will be evaluated in accordance with Rules 9.17-9.20 (Download PDF reader) of the City of Seattle’s Public Safety Civil Service Commission.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations. Explains laws and police procedures to residents.
• Operates a patrol car. Patrols city streets, areas and businesses to deter criminal activity and promote public safety.
• Investigates conditions hazardous to life or property; conducts initial investigations of crime and crime scenes; may assist detectives in criminal investigation work. Conducts search and seizure activities as appropriate. Collects and preserves crime scene and evidence.
• Arrests and/or detains suspected violators of the law. Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
• Records facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
• Render aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
• Transports individuals in custody.
• Presents evidence and testimony in judicial settings.

Qualifications

• Be at least twenty and half (20.5) years of age.
• Hold United States citizenship, OR have legal permanent residency in the United States.
• Attained a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency (GED).
• Two (2) years of post-academy experience as a certified law enforcement officer (municipal, county, state) with FULL law enforcement power and duties during the last 36 months.
• For individuals who have been discharged from military service, discharge from military service under honorable conditions.

Additional Information

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FINANCIAL HARDSHIP VOUCHERS: If payment of the NTN Testing Fee presents a financial hardship for you, please complete this electronic form. Upon completion of this form, the City of Seattle will notify NTN that a voucher can be issued. Candidates must also complete a Seattle Police Officer job application in order for the fee waiver to be processed. To submit an application, click “Apply” at the top of this job bulletin.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants are highly encouraged to review the Seattle Police Department's "Careers and Opportunities" web pages for further information about the hiring process.

The role of the Fire and Police Exams Unit in the Seattle Department of Human Resources is to oversee the initial exam process, establish an eligible list, and upon request by the Seattle Police Department, certify candidates from the eligible list.

The Police Department will directly contact and schedule eligible candidates for all of the remaining steps in the pre-employment screening process. The Seattle Police Department makes all hiring decisions after a pre-employment selection process, which includes a background investigation, additional interviews, physical agility exam, polygraph, and psychological and medical exams.

TESTING ACCOMMODATION:
Disability accommodations are available to those who qualify. For more information on how to request an accommodation, please visit the NTN Testing FAQ Page (Question 16).

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

For more detailed overview of our benefit package for Police Officers http://www.seattle.gov/police/police-jobs/salary-and-benefits