Western Washington University, with over 14,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 100,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Western is the highest-ranking public, master's-granting university in the Pacific Northwest, according to the 2019 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

The Western Washington University Police Department (WWUPD) provides professional law enforcement services that promote safety, security, and accessibility across the university campus. The department delivers 24-hour public safety services, 365 days a year, while emphasizing visibility, approachability, and collaboration within the campus community. Newly hired officers attend the Basic Law Enforcement Academy in Arlington, Washington. Upon graduation, officers return to the department and are assigned to the Patrol Division, where they complete a comprehensive Field Training Program focused on campus-based policing, operational and tactical readiness, and effective communication. The Patrol Division operates on a 10.7-hour workday schedule within a five-day workweek, offering rotating weekends with four to five consecutive days off.

WWUPD is a team of 14 commissioned officers serving Western Washington University (WWU) and supporting the broader Bellingham community through mutual aid and interagency collaboration when needed, including routine patrol and law enforcement on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods and downtown areas. Officers are expected to balance enforcement responsibilities with education, prevention, and relationship-building.

Aligned with Western Washington University’s mission, WWUPD values diversity, equity, and inclusion and recognizes that varied backgrounds and perspectives strengthen effective policing. We encourage applications from individuals who are committed to professional excellence, ethical service, and building lasting trust within a dynamic and diverse university community.

• 10hr 40 minute / 5-day work week. Work weeks rotate either Mon-Fri, Wed-Sun or Fri-Tues. 4-day weekend every week with a 5-day weekend every three weeks.
• One 10hr 40minute training day per month (inter-agency training and training with neighboring agencies)
• WWUPD encourages officers to become instructors in various fields and offers a 5% pay increase for certified instructors while instructing, including Firearms Instructor, Emergency Vehicle Operator Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Patrol Tactics Instructor, First Aid/TCCC, Less Lethal      Munitions/Pepper ball/Taser Instructor, Field Training Officer
• Two Bellingham Police Department SWAT positions are reserved for WWUPD personnel
• Higher education incentive
• Initial gear provided upon hire
• Annual boot allowance
• LEOFF 2 Retirement
• Deferred Compensation Program

Western Washington University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU's Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation. Inquiries may be directed to the Vice Provost for Equal Opportunity and Employment Diversity, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Equal Opportunity Office, Western Washington University, Old Main 345 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); eoo@wwu.edu

Western Washington University Police Officers;

• Serve as a visible, approachable law enforcement presence dedicated to the safety, well-being, and success of students, faculty, staff, and visitors in a dynamic university environment.
• Patrol university buildings, grounds, and surrounding areas by foot and vehicle to provide security, prevent crime, and build positive relationships across the campus community.
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, including medical incidents, personal injuries, fires, traffic collisions, and criminal activity.
• Conduct criminal and traffic investigations, including interviews, evidence collection, crime scene documentation, photography, and preparation of clear, detailed reports.
• Take appropriate enforcement action when necessary, including making arrests, issuing citations, processing individuals, and testifying in court and university hearings.
• Collaborate with campus partners and neighboring law enforcement agencies to support coordinated responses, mutual aid, and community safety efforts.
• Enforce traffic regulations; direct vehicle and pedestrian movement; operate radar equipment; and investigate traffic-related incidents.
• Operate, inspect, and maintain patrol vehicles and law enforcement equipment, including firearms, less-lethal devices, radios, computers, and other assigned tools.
• Assist in the training, mentoring, and field training of new or probationary officers.
• Participate in public safety outreach, campus events, and educational or training sessions for students, faculty, and staff.
• Work collaboratively as part of a professional team, demonstrating sound judgment, ethical decision-making, and respect for diverse perspectives.
• Be available to work special details.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the department’s mission.

Western Washington University Police Department - Police Officer has 2 vacancies.

Position is open continuously

• Annual salary based on years of service. Current salary range for a patrol officer is $81,277/year - $109,340/year
• *Scheduled 5.5% pay increase on July 1^st 2026

This position is part of bargaining unit F and is represented by the Fraternal Order of Police (https://hr.wwu.edu/classified-unions)

• Observance of 12 holidays (Time and one-half compensation for worked holiday hours) 8 hours of holiday compensation time earned for each holiday.
• Paid Vacation ranging from 96 - 200 hours accrual per year, holiday, and sick leave
• 1 Personal Holiday, 1 Personal Leave Day, 1 Winter Break Day per year
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Optional Health Savings Account
• LEOFF 2 Retirement
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Higher Education Incentive ($1200 each July for MS Degree, $1000 each July for BS/BA Degree, $500 each July for AA/AS Degree)
• All gear provided upon hire
• $200 annual boot allowance
• $1.00/hour shift premium for hours worked between 5pm and 7am
• Wellness Incentive – reimbursement up to $600 per year for gym membership