Law Enforcement Officer Position

Buckley Police Department - 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.

Buckley Police Department - Police Officer

Last updated on February 21, 2024
PST Partner Agency since June 12, 2019

Vacancy: 1

Important Information

PLEASE NOTE:  If you have any questions or concerns regarding the disqualifiers, please contact the Buckley Police Department at 360-829-3157 and ask to speak to Assistant Chief Mike Northam.

Community Information

Why choose the Buckley Police Department?

The City of Buckley is home to a growing population of approximately 5,500 residents within 4 square miles of city property. Buckley is best known for its captivating mountain views, small-town charm, and abundance of community events – particularly the annual Log Show. Buckley Police Department offers a one-of-a-kind community policing experience. Our city, known for its stunning views and wildlife, friendly atmosphere, and strong sense of community, provides the perfect backdrop for officers who are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of residents and visitors alike. With unwavering backing from both city administration and our engaged residents, you'll have the resources and encouragement you need to excel in your role.

We encourage you to come out and do a ride-along with the Buckley Police Department to check out our department and community.

Department Information

The Buckley Police Department is excited to announce that we are adding to our team. Our department is comprised of 11 commissioned officers including the Chief of Police (1), Assistant Chief (1), Patrol Sergeants (2), Patrol Officers (6), Detective (1), and a Community Services/ Animal Control Officer (1).

We are seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to serve the community, maintain safety, and build trust. Come join an exceptional team that takes pride in delivering the Best Possible Service to our community.

Job Description

Work includes patrolling the community by vehicle and on foot. Bicycle and patrol duties are assigned upon qualification. The employee responds to calls for service, which include reports of criminal activity, traffic safety, crime prevention, and general public safety problems. The Buckley Police Department also serves the towns of Wilkeson and Carbonado.

The employee conducts preliminary and continued investigations for reported crimes and traffic accidents. This responsibility includes crime scene processing, interviewing witnesses and victims, and enforcing specific violations of the law.

The employee performs several assignments to prevent crime and traffic accidents. These assignments are educational and inspectional: presentations on prevention techniques; conducting security surveys; security checks on homes and businesses; inspection of business practices and policies; and inspection of building construction for compliance with the security ordinance.

Performance is monitored daily by the Police Sergeant, Assistant Chief, or Chief of Police, for compliance with policies and laws. However, the employee usually performs with minimum supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Ensures Department services are provided with exceptional customer service and the highest level of ethical standards.
  • Patrols the community in a vehicle, on foot, or bicycle when assigned, to deter and detect criminal activity.
  • Emphasis on customer service approach to work collaboratively with community partners to improve safety and reduce crime.
  • Responds to calls for service, administers first aid to injured persons, documents allegations of a crime; protects persons and property; and advises on preventative practices.
  • Performs preliminary and continued investigations (traffic and criminal): searches for and collects physical evidence; and interviews witnesses and victims.
  • Enforces traffic laws by monitoring traffic movement visually and with radar, contacting violators, and issuing traffic citations.
  • Recovers and returns stolen property.
  • Testifies in court.
  • Writes reports on alleged crimes, traffic accidents, and arrests.
  • Performs crisis intervention in sensitive and dynamic situations; explains content of law to persons involved in a dispute, describing the process of filing a formal complaint, the extent of law enforcement powers, and the responsibility of citizens to follow prescribed legal procedures, provides referrals to appropriate community resources.
  • Attends meetings, seminars, and other training classes to maintain current up-to-date knowledge of criminal and civil laws, as well as technical skills to remain proficient in the performance of duty; maintains awareness of newly-enacted laws and recent court decisions and their effects on police duties and responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Thorough knowledge of the accepted practices of delivering police service.
  • Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal laws.
  • Thorough knowledge of department policies, procedures, regulations, and directives.
  • Considerable knowledge of court decisions relating to police powers.
  • Basic first aid and CPR procedures.

Ability to:

  • Write comprehensive and detailed crime reports, accident reports, and administrative reports.
  • Effectively communicate orally.
  • Relate to the community, superiors, city officials, and other city employees.
  • Effectively and safely use a firearm and operate a motor vehicle.
  • Physically apprehend suspects/persons.
  • Maintain fitness for duty.
  • Perform the essential duties of the job.
  • Maintain reliable and dependable attendance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

o The employee primarily drives a vehicle, walks, or rides a bicycle when assigned.

o There is considerable walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and at times, running.

o Since the employee takes physical custody of persons, there is a certain amount of physical contact and confrontation. Employees may be vulnerable to personal injury in some cases.

o The work sometimes requires above-average physical agility and conditioning.

o The employee is exposed to all weather conditions and other outside environmental conditions.

o May be exposed to hazards such as chemicals, temperature extremes, occasional driving at high speeds, bloodborne and communicable diseases.

o May encounter hostile, disoriented, or violent individuals and may be subject to verbal and/or physical attack or assault from such individuals or may have gunfire directed at them.

o The employee rotates in a 10-hour shift schedule and may be required to work overtime and on holidays.

o Subpoenaed appearances in court to testify in the prosecution of individuals charged with misdemeanor or felony charges is a regular and ongoing occurrence and may occur on a day off or before/after a regularly scheduled shift.

LICENSES AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

o At least 21 years of age at the time of application

o High school diploma or GED equivalent

o United States Citizen

o Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently

o Valid Washington State driver's license (or ability to obtain one) with a history of safe driving and maintenance throughout the duration of employment

o Must be able to meet all Civil Service Rules and Regulations

o Score a minimum of 70% on the Oral Board interview

o Successfully pass a background investigation, emotional intelligence screening, polygraph, psychological, and medical examination

o Must qualify quarterly for firearms; CPR certification annually; BAC verifier certification

o Must be able to qualify for Access Certification

o Must be able to complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission's Basic Law Enforcement Academy

ADDITIONAL EXCEPTIONAL ENTRY-LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

  • Persons who have not attained commissioned peace officer status but have completed a basic law enforcement academy recognized as a full equivalent to the Washington State basic law enforcement academy by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission within the preceding twelve months and will be given a Conditional Offer of Employment within those twelve months; OR
  • Persons whose peace officer certification, commission, and/or licensing has lapsed because of a break in service as a full-time, fully commissioned peace officer in this or any other state or territory for more than twenty-four months but less than sixty months and who are required to attend the equivalency.
  • All requirements of WAC 139-05-210 shall also apply. If separated from a law enforcement agency, the separation must be without cause or resigning in lieu of discipline.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • This position is considered essential for public safety.
  • This position is represented by the Buckey Police Officer’s Guild.
  • As a part of the hiring process, the City of Buckley will be conducting an extensive criminal background check by law enforcement agencies, which includes fingerprinting.

Area Information

County: Pierce
Population: 5500
# of Staff: 14

Hiring Status

Buckley Police Department - Police Officer has 1 vacancy.

The eligibility list is a continuous listing and maintained as scores are received from PST with oral board interviews conducted on an as-needed basis. Vacancies are filled by the Civil Service "rule of three" with the top three candidates forwarded to the appointing authority for background investigation & selection as vacancies occur.


Number of Current Vacancies: 1

Salary Information

$6,666 - $8,320 base pay per month  

Benefit Information

The city of Buckley offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, LEOFF retirement, education incentive pay, and an assigned take-home vehicle.

ASSIGNED TAKE-HOME VEHICLE

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT – purchased by the Police Department.

SPECIALTY TEAM/ DUTY PAY

4% of the current step of patrol base pay for an assigned Field Training Officer

2.5% of the current step of patrol base pay for the first specialty assignment

1.5% of the current step of the patrol’s base pay for any secondary assignment

SCHEDULE

Each employee works 10-hour shifts, 16 total shifts within 28 days. Overtime is considered any hours worked over 10 hours in a day or any non-regular scheduled workday.

LONGEVITY PREMIUM PAY
$70 per month after 10 – 14 years of continuous employment

$97 per month after 15 – 19 years of continuous employment

$125 per month after 20 – 24 years of continuous employment

$170 per month after 25 years and above of continuous employment

COLLEGE PREMIUM PAY
$85 per month for an Associate’s degree

$145 per month for a Bachelor's Degree

$180 per month for a Master’s Degree

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE
The effective date of health insurance is the first day of the month following hire.

  • Medical/ Vision Plan A LEOFF Trust - City pays 90% of the premium
  • Dental Plan E Washington Dental Serviced - City pays 90% of the premium


ANNUAL LEAVE
Vacation – 120 hours per year for the first year*
Sick Leave – 96 hours per year
Holiday – 110 hours per year
Floating Holiday – 10 hours per year
Bereavement – 50 hours per calendar year (up to an additional 20 hours for extended travel)

*Vacation - Year 2: 130 hours, Year 3-4: 140 hours, Year 5-6: 150 hours, Year 7-8: 160 hours, and so on, up to Year 20: 250 hours


LEOFF II RETIREMENT AND HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT

This position is represented by the Buckley Police Officer’s Guild and the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is effective 01/01/2023-12/31/2025.

Buckley Police Department - Police Officer Requirements

Category Requirement Required at time of...
    Test Hire
Written Examination Yes, required

The city of Buckley offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, LEOFF retirement, education incentive pay, and an assigned take-home vehicle.

ASSIGNED TAKE-HOME VEHICLE

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT – purchased by the Police Department.

SPECIALTY TEAM/ DUTY PAY

4% of the current step of patrol base pay for an assigned Field Training Officer

2.5% of the current step of patrol base pay for the first specialty assignment

1.5% of the current step of the patrol’s base pay for any secondary assignment

SCHEDULE

Each employee works 10-hour shifts, 16 total shifts within 28 days. Overtime is considered any hours worked over 10 hours in a day or any non-regular scheduled workday.

LONGEVITY PREMIUM PAY
$70 per month after 10 – 14 years of continuous employment

$97 per month after 15 – 19 years of continuous employment

$125 per month after 20 – 24 years of continuous employment

$170 per month after 25 years and above of continuous employment

COLLEGE PREMIUM PAY
$85 per month for an Associate’s degree

$145 per month for a Bachelor's Degree

$180 per month for a Master’s Degree

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE
The effective date of health insurance is the first day of the month following hire.

  • Medical/ Vision Plan A LEOFF Trust - City pays 90% of the premium
  • Dental Plan E Washington Dental Serviced - City pays 90% of the premium


ANNUAL LEAVE
Vacation – 120 hours per year for the first year*
Sick Leave – 96 hours per year
Holiday – 110 hours per year
Floating Holiday – 10 hours per year
Bereavement – 50 hours per calendar year (up to an additional 20 hours for extended travel)

*Vacation - Year 2: 130 hours, Year 3-4: 140 hours, Year 5-6: 150 hours, Year 7-8: 160 hours, and so on, up to Year 20: 250 hours


LEOFF II RETIREMENT AND HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT

This position is represented by the Buckley Police Officer’s Guild and the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is effective 01/01/2023-12/31/2025.

LEO/CO Physical Ability Test (PAT) Yes, required

Your physical ability test must be completed 180 days (~6 months) before or after your passing written exam.

Minimum Age 21
US Citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident US Citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident
High School Grad/ GED Yes
Driver's License Required Yes
Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult None.
Felony Conviction(s) as a Juvenile None.
Ability to Read & Write the English Language Yes
Vision Requirements Correctable to 20/20
Multiple Scores from Same Applicant We consider the highest score received within the past one year
Request/Access Scores On an as-needed basis as vacancies occur

Buckley Police Department - 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 1 or more traffic crime convictions in last 10 years (DWI, Suspended, Reckless, etc.).
Automatic 2 or more at-fault accidents in past 5 years.
Automatic Pattern of Speeding tickets and other driving infractions.
Drug Usage
Automatic Illegal drug substance usage or exposure within past 10 year(s).
Automatic Illegal use of ANY controlled substance while employed in a criminal justice capacity.
Automatic Illegal opiate use.
Potential Other drug use outside these standards will be considered on case by case basis.
Automatic Illegal sale of ANY drug, including marijuana.
Automatic Pattern of illegal use of prescription medication.
Criminal Activity
Automatic Any adult felony conviction.
Automatic Any misdemeanor, or felony conviction while employed in a criminal justice capacity.
Potential Adult misdemeanor convictions will be carefully reviewed.
Potential Juvenile felony conviction will be carefully reviewed.
Automatic Been convicted of any crime under a domestic violence statue.
Automatic Unlawful sexual misconduct.
Employment
Automatic Been dishonorably discharged from the United States armed forces.
Automatic Lied during any stage of the hiring process.
Automatic Falsified his or her application, personal history questionnaire, or any other forms during hiring process.
Automatic Previous revocation or denial of (CJTC/POST) certified status, or suspension of current (CJTC/POST) certified status.
Financial
Automatic Failure to pay income tax or child support.
Automatic Current credit accounts, or unresolved accounts in collection will be carefully reviewed.
Automatic Pattern of Bankruptcy, repossessions, late payments and/or bills in collection or excessive debt.

Contact Information

Buckley Police Department - Police Officer

146 S Cedar St
Buckley, WA 98321 Pierce County
360-829-3157

Website
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Agency Test Requirements
Written Examination: Yes, required
PAT: Yes, required