Founded in 1946, Gig Harbor is one of the most picturesque small cities in America, located on Gig Harbor Bay in Puget Sound across the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma. The community is rich in maritime history, scenery, quaint shops and unparalleled recreation. With a city population of 12,181 and growing, Gig Harbor boasts a vibrant economy with inviting accommodations, interesting shopping, excellent dining, colorful cultural arts, playful recreation, and diverse professional and personal services. Gig Harbor is easy to get to. We're just a quick 45-minute drive to Sea-Tac International Airport and an hour from downtown Seattle. The City of Tacoma is just a few minutes drive across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

The Gig Harbor Police Department serves the citizens of Gig Harbor, and other community members, within the jurisdiction's 6.12 square miles. This includes Police Chief, Lieutenant, four Patrol Sergeants, one Detective Sergeant, two Detectives, and 16 Patrol Officers. Additional staff includes two Police Services Specialists and one Property/Evidence Technician.

The City utilizes three contract jails. Dispatch service is provided by South Sound 911. Additional opportunities include participation in our Bicycle Unit, Marine Services Unit, and a variety of multi-jurisdictional teams.

Our patrol officers and sergeants work three consecutive 12.5 hour shifts with four days off each week. There is one additional 10-hour shift added to the monthly schedule. Each officer is provided an assigned take-home vehicle. Uniforms and equipment are purchased by the city. A deferred compensation plan and a retiree medical plan are included as parts of the compensation package.

The Gig Harbor Police Department enjoys an incredible relationship with a very supportive community. Our City Administration is highly supportive of ensuring that the Police Department has the tools and ability to maintain a safe community. We pride ourselves on providing the Best Possible Service to our community.

Why choose the Gig Harbor Police Department?

View a video about our city.

Are you passionate about serving your community and ensuring the safety of its residents? Do you possess a strong sense of integrity, dedication, and a desire to make a positive impact? If so, we invite you to embark on an exciting and rewarding career with the Gig Harbor Police Department! Become an integral part of our committed law enforcement team, working collaboratively to maintain peace, enforce laws, and build meaningful connections with the community we proudly serve. Come join an exceptional team that takes pride in delivering the Best Possible Service to our community.

Why choose the Gig Harbor Police Department?

Nestled in the heart of natural beauty, Gig Harbor offers a truly unique policing experience. Our city, known for its stunning waterfront, 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. At the City of Gig Harbor, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for our officers. 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 visit the Benefits tab above for additional compensation and benefits package information, including retirement medical plan and longevity pay after 2 years!

Application and Testing Process

Under the direct supervision of a Police Lieutenant and Sergeant, with general supervision by the Chief of Police, the employee's behavior is governed by policies and procedures of the Police Department; local, state, and federal laws; and court decisions.

This is a responsible human relations and skilled position in public safety. The employee in this position is responsible for the protection of the public's safety, the prevention of crime, and the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws.

The employee exercises considerable discretion in regulating daily activity and use of enforcement powers.

Work includes patrolling the community by vehicle and on foot. Bicycle and marine 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 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 home 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, Lieutenant, 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 and/or boat 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, contracts violators, and issues traffic citations.
• Conducts Security Surveys for businesses.
• Inspects new construction for compliance with Security Ordinance.
• 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 in order 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.
• Good knowledge of human relation techniques.
• 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:

• The employee primarily drives a vehicle, walks, or rides a bicycle when assigned.
• There is considerable walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and at times, running.
• Since the employee takes physical custody of persons, there is a certain amount of physical contact and confrontation. Employee may be vulnerable to personal injury in some cases.
• The work sometimes requires above average physical agility and conditioning.
• The employee is exposed to all weather conditions, and other outside environmental conditions.
• May be exposed to hazards such as chemicals, temperature extremes, occasional driving at high speeds, bloodborne and communicable diseases.
• 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.
• The employee rotates in a 24-hour shift schedule and may be required to work overtime and on holidays as department need arises.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 21 years of age at time of application
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• US citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently
• Valid Washington State driver license (or ability to obtain prior to hire) with a history of safe driving and maintenance throughout the duration of appointment
• Score a minimum of 70% on Oral Board interview
• Successfully pass background investigation, emotional intelligence screening, polygraph, psychological, and medical examination.

Additional Entry Level Requirements:

• Score a minimum of 70% on Written Exam.
• Must be able to successfully complete the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) presented by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
• Must be able to successfully complete Field Training program post-academy.
• Obtain Washington State Peace Officer Certification and maintain for duration of appointment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This position is considered essential for public safety.
• This position is represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 117.

As a part of the hiring process, the City of Gig Harbor will be conducting an extensive criminal background check by law enforcement agencies, which includes fingerprinting. Please review this list of disqualifying crimes and negative actions to determine if you meet the hiring standard for this position.

Gig Harbor Police Department - Entry Level Police Officer has 4 vacancies.

Work in one of the BEST small cities in America. Assigned vehicles, specialty units, retiree medical plan, and unmatched community support!!

Actively recruiting to fill four (4) vacant positions.

$42.61 - $51.80 Hourly
$88,635.00 - $107,736.00 Annually

Longevity Premium Pay

• 2.5% of base salary after 2 years of continuous employment
• 5% of base salary after 5 years of continuous employment
• 6.5% of base salary after 10 years of continuous employment

College Premium Pay

• 2% of base salary for an Associate Degree
• 3% of base salary for a Bachelor Degree

Shift Differential

• 5% of base salary for shifts beginning at 12pm or later

Schedule: Each employee works three consecutive 12.5-hour shifts, followed by four days off each week. Plus, one additional 10-hour shift per month.

Assigned Take-Home Vehicle

Uniforms and Equipment – purchased by the city

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE
Teamsters Welfare Trust(c/o Northwest Administrators, Inc.)
The effective date of health insurance is the first day of the month following hire.

• Medical Plan A* - Summary of Benefits and Coverage, Summary Plan Description
  City pays 95% of the premium. 2023 Employee premium is $78.38/month.
• Dental Plan A* - Summary Plan Description
  City pays 100% of the premium
• Vision Plan EXT* - Summary Plan Description
  City pays 100% of the premium

RETIREMENT MEDICAL PLAN (RWT-Plus) – eligible after 3 years of service
Low premiums. Only $175/month in 2023!

DISABILITY INSURANCE

• Long-term Disability: Standard Insurance - Trusteed Plan Services Corporation
• LEOFF2 Disability Benefits

ANNUAL LEAVE

Vacation – 80 hours per year for first year*
Sick Leave – 96 hours per year
Holiday – 110 hours per year
Floating Holiday – 2 shifts per year
Bereavement – 40 hours per year

*Vacation: After each succeeding year of service 0.67 additional hours of vacation per month (8 additional hours per year), not to succeed 20 hours per month.


RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

Employee Contribution Employer Contribution
Retirement LEOFF II 8.53% 5.30%
401(a) in place of Social Security* 6.20% 6.20%
HRA VEBA $50 per pay period $25 per month
457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan Optional Match up to $200, deposited into HRA VEBA account

*(Windfall Elimination, Government Pension Offset)

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM -ComPsych Website / EAP Brochure

EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT