The City of Kittitas is located in Kittitas County in central Washington State.  Kittitas has a population of approximately 1,438 residents and a current city size of just under 0.8 square miles.  Kittitas is a small agricultural-based community where neighbors help neighbors and community members become family.  The City of Kittitas has its own independent K-12 school district.  Located just off Interstate 90 at exit 115, Kittitas has freeway access to Yakima, Seattle, Spokane, and Wenatchee.  The City of Kittitas hosts many popular yearly events when it closes Main Street, including the only of it's kind Kittitas County Chamber Kruisin' Kittitas Car Show and Burnouts.

Approximately 7 miles to the west of Kittitas is the city of Ellensburg.  Ellensburg is the county seat of Kittitas County, and hosts Central Washington University, Kittitas Valley Hospital and Healthcare, and many amenities of a larger city such as restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and shopping to name a few.  Ellensburg is also the home of the world famous Ellensburg Rodeo.

The City of Kittitas Police Department is comprised of four sworn officers and one police clerk.

Under direction of the Chief of Police; or designee, maintains public law and order, protects life and property in the City of Kittitas through enforcement of Federal standards, State laws, and local City Codes and Ordinances. Performs routine regular patrols throughout the community, criminal deterrence, and crisis intervention. As a police officer in the city of Kittitas, the candidate will be expected to work alone at times, with minimum supervision, and must be available to work rotating shifts as needed. Candidate will also be expected to be on call at times, and be available for responding to after-hours emergencies.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: The following are not inclusive of all tasks required for this position.

• All officers must be able to perform their functions and duties in accordance with established policies, mission, goals, vision, values, and practices.
• Performs arrests, detains, interviews, searches, and transports person’s, relative to law enforcement activities in accord with applicable laws governing such activities.
• Protects the public’s Constitutional rights under the law.
• Patrols the City on foot, or in a patrol vehicle, taking corrective action as necessary, or appropriate.
• Investigates incidents in a timely manner and prepares necessary paperwork to required standards. This includes preparing detailed police reports on police activity, taking measurements, collecting and processing evidence, making diagrams.
• Assists the public when needed by giving directions, answering questions and seeking solutions to problems brought to the officers’ attention.
• Operates a patrol vehicle equipped with a police radio, radar unit, emergency lights, and siren.
• Enforces DUI, and traffic related laws, processes intoxicated drivers in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
• Provides assistance and law enforcement services to the local schools.
• Coordinates various work activities with other law enforcement agencies.
• Provides courtroom testimony as required.
• Performs public relations, community policing, and participates in community events as assigned.
• Functions as primary officer related to City Code violations.
• Ability to respond to, and secure the scene of violent, or criminal activity.
• Willingness and ability to provide first aid, or use of force; as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief of Police, or supervisor.

LATERAL OFFICER REQUIREMENTS: If certified in Washington State, an applicant must have, by date of hire, a minimum of two years of continuous full time commission law enforcement employment within the last eight years, OR the candidate must have at least one continuous year of commissioned full-time employment within the last 24 months.

If certified in a state other than Washington, an applicant must have a minimum of two continuous years of full-time commissioned law enforcement employment within the last five years or have at least one continuous year of commissioned full-time employment within the last 24 months. Applicants must also have a high school diploma or GED.

By date of hire all lateral entry applicants must be in good standing with their previous or current agency and have successfully completed the Washington State Equivalency Academy (WSEA) or an equivalent state certified law enforcement basic academy. They must be able to pass the WSEA within their probationary period. Applicants must pass a background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination, and physical examination. Other examinations may be required as part of the hiring process.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

• Must have the ability to remain calm under stress or tension, and must be able to make sound decisions that are in the best interest of Kittitas citizens and the community. Must have an acceptable level of emotional intelligence, and must be able to interact positively, and consistently with the public.
• Knowledge of computer applications, communication and information retrieval;
• Knowledge of State and local criminal, civil, and traffic laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
• Ability to learn new information, accept responsibility, acknowledge mistakes, and share successes and experiences related to law enforcement.
• Ability to work effectively as an individual and as a team member with minimal supervision;
• Ability to interact and work with others appropriately and effectively in a community of diverse cultures, ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds;
• Ability to maintain composure and perform effectively in stressful situations and exercise good judgment and common sense at all times;
• Ability to recognize unusual, dangerous, or threatening conditions and promptly take appropriate actions;
• Ability to work effectively in physically demanding and hazardous working conditions associated with law enforcement, such as physical altercations, use of force, pursuits, foot chases,
• Ability to perform department defensive tactics and control techniques as taught by certified instructors;
• Ability to operate Police Department equipment, including but not limited to handcuffs and other restraining devices; breathalyzer and other blood-alcohol level measuring devices; body camera, expandable baton, OC Spray, Taser, Firearms which may include handgun, less lethal options, and patrol rifle.
• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time;
• Individual must be able to make immediate, or decisive action.

Other Miscellaneous Requirements:

• Must be willing/available to be on call, or on standby.
• All sworn officers must be fit for duty, and be physically able of performing tasks in all types of weather conditions, terrain, walking, sitting, standing, pushing, pulling, using equipment, and being subject to hazards related to law enforcement.

City of Kittitas Police Department - Police Officer Lateral Entry has 2 vacancies.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is December 08, 2025.

$4488.33 - $6439.78 (Currently under new contact negotiations.)

Medical / dental / vision. City pays 94% of premiums. Medical coverage after retirement through Teamsters RWT.

Take home vehicle (based on availability).  All uniforms and equipment provided.

The culture of our community, and the police department results in a family oriented, small-town atmosphere, where the officer is able to perform tasks, patrol, and investigate at a reasonable pace, with independence, autonomy, and freedom.