Law Enforcement Officer Position

Bellevue Police Department - Entry Police Officer

 

PROFILE DISCLAIMER

The information herein is provided by the respective agency and is only as accurate and as up-to-date as the agency representative(s) update this information. PST is not responsible for the veracity of this data as it is provided directly from the agency. It is ultimately the applicant's responsibility to verify any information about the agency with the agency.

Bellevue Police Department - Entry Police Officer

Last updated on September 23, 2024
PST Partner Agency since November 16, 2022

Vacancies: 28

Important Information

Interested in a career in law enforcement? Want to learn more about the Bellevue Police Department and our hiring process? 

The Bellevue Police Department Hiring & Recruiting Team is hosting an informational session every 1st and 3rd  Saturday of the month, at Bellevue City Hall, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. If you are interested, please RSVP by 2:00pm on the prior Friday. Please RSVP to:  Det. Robert Welty at  Rwelty@bellevuewa.gov.

The Bellevue Police Department is continuously accepting scores from PST. The Department invites candidates that pass the PST written test to submit a background packet AFTER passing the PAT and having a thoroughly completed Personal History Statement.

Candidates wishing to claim veterans' preference must upload a copy of their DD-214 or other official military separation documentation that CLEARLY indicates an honorable discharge from military service.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any questions or concerns regarding the disqualifiers, please contact the Bellevue Police Department Office hiring unit at 425.452.4273.

Community Information

One of the largest and fastest-growing cities in Washington, Bellevue is one of the best places to work as a police officer. The department has a tradition of success, as Bellevue enjoys an exceptionally low crime rate and is one of the safest cities in the Northwest. The Bellevue Police Department serves a population of approximately 150,000 in a roughly 33-square mile area. The city is bordered by Kirkland and Redmond to the north, Renton and Newcastle to the south, Issaquah to the east, and Clyde Hill, Medina and Mercer Island to the west. Bellevue is budgeted for approximately 199 police officers and 50 civilian staff. Bellevue is minutes away from the headquarters and offices of Microsoft, Google and Amazon. Bellevue has excellent schools, with three of the 4 high schools consistently in the top 100 schools in the nation according to US News and World report. Bellevue is surrounded by mountains, lakes and easy access to the outdoors, and enjoys a mild climate year round.

Department Information

For a department its size, Bellevue's force offers the opportunity to serve in many specialized positions. Commissioned ranks are, in ascending order: officer, corporal, sergeant, captain, major, assistant chief and chief. The police chief is appointed by the city manager.

After two to three years of service, officers may be eligible to apply for specialties, depending on the position. Service time at other departments may be considered after the probationary period is passed.

Full-time specialty sections for commissioned personnel within the department include:

  • Collision investigations
  • Motorcycle traffic enforcement
  • Hiring, Training and Recruiting officers
  • Community Crisis Assistant Team (CCAT)
  • K9 Officers
  • Community station officers
  • Detective - violent crimes, property crimes, fraud

Collateral Duties/Specialties (part-time)

  • Field training officer
  • Crowd control / Bicycle Crowd Control
  • Hostage negotiator
  • Honor guard
  • Bomb technician
  • SWAT
  • Defensive tactics instructor
  • EVOC instructor
  • Firearms instructor
  • Evidence technician
  • Emergency vehicle drivers instructor

Job Description


  • Patrols a designated area of the city in a radio-equipped vehicle, on a motorcycle, or on foot to preserve law and order, prevent or discover the commission of crime, and enforce motor vehicle regulations.
  • Answers calls and complaints involving emergencies, automobile accidents, criminal complaints, and other misdemeanors and felonies.
  • Conducts investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witnesses, makes arrests, and transports suspects.
  • Interviews persons with complaints and inquiries and attempts to make the proper disposition or direct them to proper authorities.
  • Acts as jailer or bailiff; serves warrants when assigned.
  • Gives information to the public regarding laws and ordinances.
  • Appears in court, gives testimony, and presents evidence as necessary.
  • Administers first aid in emergency situations.
  • Prepares detailed written reports of investigations.
  • Performs related work as required.
  • Supervision Received and Exercised:
  • Employees must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise discretion in meeting emergencies.
  • Assignments and instructions are received from superior officers who review work methods and results, monitor activities, and evaluate accomplishments through personal interviews, inspections, and review of written reports covering assigned activities.

Area Information

County: King
Population: 150,000
# of Staff: 227

Hiring Status

Bellevue Police Department - Entry Police Officer has 28 vacancies.

The City of Bellevue Police Department hires approximately 10-12 officers each year, however, these numbers fluctuate regularly based on the personnel needs of the department.   

Salary Information

Salary ranges from $95,850.44 progressing to $122,755.89 per year. In addition, salary is enhanced with educational incentive pay (4% for and AA, 5% for a BA), $1,000 bonus pay at successful completion of Field Training, $1,000 bonus pay at the completion of your third year of employment, shift differential pay, annual uniformed Patrol Officer $100 safe driving award and 4% premium pay for specialty job assignments. Ample overtime opportunities are available for those who are interested!

We just settled on a new contract which includes body worn cameras (roll out date to be determined), and take home vehicles. It will take a while for all qualified employees to get their take home vehicle, so the city is giving each employee a $350 monthly stipend until they receive their take home vehicle. Pay increases to account for cost of living are in place for 2025.

Breakdown of pay for 2024

Hourly: $46.08 - $59.02

Monthly: $7,987.54 - $10,229.66

Annually: $95,850.44 - $122,755.89

Benefit Information

10 hour 40 minute patrol shift schedule which grants officers two weekends (Saturday/Sunday) a month off and every third weekend is five days long! 

  • Generous health benefits including full medical, dental and vision for employee, spouse/domestic partner and children.
  • Tax-deferred and 90% City matched 401(k) defined contribution plan with vesting of city contributions at 10% per year of active contribution participation (Municipal Employee Benefit Trust – MEBT)*
  • 457 deferred compensation plan – will accept rollovers from your existing 401(k) or (a); 403(b); 457(b) or Traditional IRA
  • Washington State LEOFF 2 retirement plan
  • Workout while on duty (three hours per week)
  • Comprehensive Quartermaster program that supplies 100% of issued equipment, uniforms, and weapons
  • Generous professional development and training opportunities (Over 140 hours / year)
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • Tuition reimbursement program for bachelor degree
  • 8 additional hours of vacation accrued per year for each year of service beyond 21
  • City provided $50,000 life insurance (no cost to employee)
  • Plentiful off-duty employment opportunities
  • Free annual pass (ORCA card) for regional bus/light rail transit
  • The City of Bellevue does not participate in Social Security, which means employees do not contribute to or earn Social Security credit while employed with the City

Bellevue Police Department - Entry Police Officer Requirements

Category Requirement Required at time of...
    Test Hire
Written Examination Yes, required
LEO/CO Physical Ability Test (PAT) Yes, required as described below

Your physical ability test must be completed 60 days (~2 months) before or after your passing written exam.

PST Personal History Statement Thoroughly Completed before invitation to hiring process.  
Minimum Age 21 years of age
Citizenship

U.S. Citizen / Lawful Permanent Resident / or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient with employment authorization from USCIS

High School Grad/ GED Yes
Driver's License Required Valid Washington State Driver's License
Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult None.
Felony Conviction(s) as a Juvenile None.
Ability to Read & Write the English Language Must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently
Veterans Preference Points Yes
Body Decorations Tattoos on the neck, face or hands are prohibited, except for a wedding band or equivalent on the ring finger.
Multiple Scores from Same Applicant We only consider the most recent score

Bellevue Police Department - Entry Police Officer Disqualifiers

The following are automatic and potential disqualifiers. Applicants should not apply to our agency if they indicate any of the automatic disqualifiers. Potential disqualifiers will be considered on a case by case basis.

Category Disqualifier
Driving
Automatic Any DUI conviction within the past 5 years. Any other criminal traffic violation within the past 2 years. Examples include: Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, or Hit & Run Driving.
Automatic Suspension or revocation of your driver's license (for any traffic violation) within 1 year of the date of employment application.
Potential Applicant’s driving record shows a continuing and/or recent pattern of poor decision making.
Drug Usage
Automatic

Illegal opiate use:

· Any use of heroin,

· Any possession or use of GHB or any other “date rape” drug, including giving it to others,

· Any use of any illegal drug within three years of application* (Excludes marijuana)

· Misuse of Prescription drugs will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

· Any use of illegal drugs or marijuana since applying* to, or while employed by, any law enforcement agency. Please note that while some states have decriminalized marijuana, it is still federally illegal and police officers are expected to adhere to all laws and regulations, on and off duty.

* For the purpose of this process, the date of application is considered the date of the initial testing with Public Safety Testing, i.e. the written, and reading test date.

Automatic

Forged/Abused Prescriptions:

· Any prescription forgery, prosecuted, undetected or otherwise, within five years of application*

* For the purpose of this process, the date of application is considered the date of the initial testing with Public Safety Testing, i.e. the written, reading and video test date.

Automatic

Illegal Opiate Distribution/Manufacturing/Sales:

· Any participation in, or allowing of, the manufacture, selling, offering to sell, cultivation, warehousing, distribution, holding or transporting for another, transporting for sale, or financing of any illegal drugs/narcotics within five years of application*, including extraction and concentration of THC oils from marijuana for the production of “honey”, “wax”, “dabs” or any other THC concentrate,

Any distribution of illegal drugs or illegal distribution of marijuana since applying* to, or while employed by, any law enforcement agency (including military police agencies).

* For the purpose of this process, the date of application is considered the date of the initial testing with Public Safety Testing, i.e. the written, reading and video test date.

Criminal Activity
Automatic Any adult felony conviction.
Potential Juvenile felony conviction will be carefully reviewed. Candidates with juvenile felony convictions occurring within the last five years will be disqualified. 
Automatic Any felony conviction while employed in a criminal justice capacity (including employee, volunteer, intern, and reserve positions).  
Potential An applicant's criminal record, including all arrests, prosecutions, deferred prosecutions, "Alford" pleas, and non-conviction information will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification.
Potential Applicant maintains an on-going relationship with individuals who have been convicted of felony crimes and/or who are reputed to be involved in recent or current felonious activity.
Potential · Commission of a felony crime (non-conviction · Applicant has criminal proceedings pending or is under investigation for a crime. · Applicant has been involved in significant misdemeanor activity. · Applicant’s history shows a pattern of thefts.

· Commission of any crime of violence, including domestic violence.

Commission of any sexual offense within the past five years.

Employment
Automatic

Must have an honorable discharge, a medical discharge with an honorable record or be in receipt of United States department of defense discharge documents DD-214, NGB – 22 or their equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that characterizes your service as honorable.

Potential An applicant's employment history, including a pattern of unexcused absences, discipline, any terminations, or leaving an employer in lieu of termination, will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification.
Financial
Automatic Willful failure to pay income tax or child support.
Potential An applicant's financial history, including excessive credit card debt or unresolved accounts in collection will be thoroughly assessed and maybe grounds for disqualification.