Law Enforcement Officer Position

Lake Stevens 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.

Lake Stevens Police Department - Police Officer

Last updated on April 25, 2024
PST Partner Agency since October 19, 2011

Vacancies: 2

Important Information

Visit the City's website for more information.

Lateral Police Officers don't need to test with PST, they can apply directly to the Lake Stevens Police Department at Police Officer - Lateral | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com). Lateral hiring bonus up to $25,000 and moving expenses up to $5,000.

Entry Level-Advanced Police Officers don't need to test with PST, they can apply directly to the Lake Stevens Police Department at Police Officer - Entry Level - Advanced | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com). (Entry Level-Advanced candidates are attending the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA), or have completed BLEA but haven't completed a field training program with a city, county, or state law enforcement agency).

Community Information

Lake Stevens is a vibrant and growing community located 35 miles northeast of Seattle and 6 miles northeast of Everett, between the cities of Marysville and Snohomish. We are the second fastest growing city in Snohomish County with a population over 38,000, making us the 5th largest city in the county.

Lake Stevens is generally a residential community with access to numerous commercial, retail and recreational opportunities. Of course, the crown jewel of the community is the lake itself, which boast some of the greatest water recreational opportunities in the county. Lake Stevens is also uniquely situated close to the lake, ocean, and Cascade mountains, to take advantage of many outdoor activities. The Lake Stevens Schools are excellent and, coupled with a city priority of parks and increased walkability, makes Lake Stevens an ideal place to raise a family.

Department Information

Mission Statement: "We serve the Lake Stevens community by enhancing public safety and quality of life through professional police services, organizational excellence, and community interaction."


The Lake Stevens Police Department is a progressive organization which is committed to working with the community to improve both safety and quality of life. We are an accredited agency of 37 commissioned Officers, one limited-Commissioned Officer and nine non-Commissioned personnel. We are guided by our strategic plan which focuses on Professional Police Services, Organizational Excellence, and Community Interaction.

Our patrol division is made up of 4 sergeants, 4 corporals, and 16 Patrol Officers who provide both call response and as our link to the community. Our Support Services Division includes Investigations Unit comprises of a Detective Sergeant, Detective Corporal and three detectives. Our Support Services Unit includes a Support Services Sergeant, a Traffic Officer, K-9 (Narcotics) and 2 School Resource Officers. Other opportunities include our Marine Law Enforcement Unit that patrols Lake Stevens during the summer months, as well as participation in a regional SWAT team.

The department believes in making real investments in its employees. With a competitive salary and benefits package, we're committed to making the Lake Stevens Police Department a positive place to work. We're committed to a solid equipment program, a tremendous training program, and professional development program. We pride ourselves as a family-oriented department that cares about our team, proven by our extremely low turnover rate.

It is our goal to partner with the citizens of Lake Stevens to create a team approach to the challenges we face. When we work together, we make Lake Stevens the best place to live in Snohomish County and Western Washington. Please explore our agency further by visiting our website and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provide a wide range of police services to the public including but not limited to enforcing laws, protecting life and property, maintaining peace and order, providing public service, crime prevention, and investigating civil and criminal matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Provide service to the public relating directly to public safety including providing assistance, answering questions, making referrals to other services, and solving community problems.
  • Respond to calls for service and take appropriate action with the needs of the caller in mind, following established policy, procedures, and current professional practices.
  • Respond to emergency calls for service, such as accidents, medical emergencies, and crimes in progress. Takes appropriate initial action, following established law, policy, procedures, and current professional practices.
  • Manage ongoing cases through thorough and appropriate documentation and follow up investigations, timely and complete case reporting, and appropriate networking with other officers, supervisors, and divisions.
  • Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects and document their statements regarding criminal and civil matters.
  • Enforce City ordinances, State RCWs, Federal laws and court decisions.
  • Apprehend offenders including making physical arrests and overcoming their resistance.
  • Develop a detailed knowledge of the community including people, businesses, geographical features, and current problem areas.

· Exercise authority while enforcing city ordinances, state RCWs, federal laws and court decisions, in a way consistent with the obligations imposed by the oath of office.

· Patrol the city using preventive and directed patrol, to detect and prevent crime, stop unlawful behavior, enforce traffic laws, and find conditions that are hazardous to the community.

· Physically engage and restrain combative individuals.

  • Present programs relating to crime prevention, traffic and boating safety, and drug awareness or police operations that include public speaking, organizing meetings, and creating written material.
  • Use computers to create accurate, thorough, and complete cases, reports, logs, and other documentation that will be referred to the prosecutor or appropriate authorities.
  • Provide assistance to other city departments, public safety agencies and government agencies.
  • Carry and utilize various firearms and less-lethal launchers.
  • Shoot assigned weapon(s) with accuracy complying with state standards.
  • Operate assigned vehicle in a safe manner (i.e., car, motorcycle, bicycle, boat, etc.).
  • The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.


Organizational Specific Duties and Expectations:

  • Endorses, supports, and defends organizational objectives, bycomplyingwithorganizationalrules, procedures, and values, suggestingimprovements, and conveying apositive and professional image of the agency.
  • Creates a positive team environment through courtesy, respect, support, and cooperation.

· Assists other Police Department work units, city departments, and outside agencies as necessary, in a professional and respectful way.

  • Demonstrates initiative consistent withjob expectations, to improve both personal and organizational performance.
  • Avoids destructive organizational behavior toward the agency, and its employees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

See the attached questionnaire for position specific physical requirements and typical working conditions which are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.

Exposure to possible fights and confrontations; use of defensive and control tactics; contact with dissatisfied, angry, abusive, or assaultive individuals; fumes from vehicles and equipment operation; explosives and combustible; and contact with blood and body fluids.

Workdays and hours are generally scheduled in advance, but variable hours, shift work, shift extensions, and callouts occur.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR “ENTRY LEVEL”:


Education: 

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (e.g., G.E.D.)
  • Prefer a minimum of 45 quarter or 30 semester college credits towards a relevant college degree.

Experience:

· No previous law enforcement experience required

Or:

· Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job may be substituted for these qualifications.



QUALIFICATIONS FOR “ENTRY LEVEL-ADVANCED”:


Education: 

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (e.g., G.E.D.)
  • Prefer a minimum of 45 quarter or 30 semester college credits towards a relevant college degree.

Experience:

· Currently attending the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission’s (WSCJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA); or

· Graduate of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission’s (WSCJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) but has not completed the Field Training program (FTO) of a city, county, state, or federal law enforcement agency.



QUALIFICATIONS FOR EXPERIENCED “LATERAL CANDIDATES”:


Education:

· High School Diploma or equivalent (e.g., G.E.D.)

· Prefer a minimum of 45 quarter or 30 semester college credits towards a relevant college degree

Experience:

· Currently employed, or has been employed within the last 24 months as a full-time, civilian law enforcement officer with a city, county, state, or federal agency

· Successfully completed the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy;

· Successfully completed Field Training (FTO)

Or:

· Prior training and experience qualifies candidate to attend the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission’s Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Knowledge of or ability to learn, pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures related to law enforcement, and departmental procedures and policies.

· Knowledge of structure, organization and interrelationships of city departments, agencies and related governmental agencies and offices affecting assigned functions.

· Skilled in the operation and understanding of personal computers and typical office equipment.

· Ability to operate a personal computer; learn to operate specialized computer systems and

  • applications that support the law enforcement function.
  • Ability to maintain regular, predictable and reliable attendance during scheduled hours.
  • Ability to participate as a contributing member of a service-oriented team.

· Ability to type 35 words per minute is preferred.

· Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including the ability to manage circumstances involving conflict and hostile people.

  • Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of people who may be under stress, have emotional or mental disorders, or are impaired by drugs or medication.

· Ability to demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse social and economic backgrounds.

  • Ability to use sound judgment under stress.
  • Ability to evaluate a number of factors and solve problems using deductive reasoning.
  • Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.

· Ability to use interpersonal skills with tact, patience, and courtesy.

· Ability to interpret, apply, and explain laws, regulations, and procedures

· Ability to qualify for possession and use of firearms; demonstrate and maintain proficiency in use and care of firearms in accordance with departmental rules.

· Ability to safely operate vehicles and equipment in routine and emergency situations

· Ability to manage uncooperative or violent people without the use of force, if possible.

· Ability to apply necessary and approved physical control of violent people for self-defense, to ensure the safety of other people, and to make forcible arrests.

· Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, recognize threats and potential dangers and determine the proper course of action.

· Ability to communicate effectively with people who may be hostile, emotional, unstable, physically or mentally distraught, defuse potentially violent situations, and use discretionary judgment when emergency situations arise.

· Ability to read, write and speak the English language with sufficient proficiency to communicate effectively in person, over police radios, and through written reports.

· Ability to provide excellent customer service, often in stressful situations, to internal and external customers.

· Ability to obtain and maintain all requirements as established by the City for peace officers.

· Ability to perform routine clerical tasks.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality of business records and other information.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

· Be a United States Citizen.

· At least 20½ years old at time of application.

· Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license and a driving record which is acceptable to the City.

· Must be able to successfully pass extensive background check, polygraph examination, psychological examination, medical examination, and drug screening.

· Must be able to successfully complete the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement academy (or Equivalency Academy, if applicable) and subsequent field training programs and probation.

Area Information

County: Snohomish
Population: 41260
# of Staff: 46

Hiring Status

Lake Stevens Police Department - Police Officer has 2 vacancies.

We're recruiting to fill current vacancies!  We have an expedited hiring process; oral boards are no longer required. Once we receive your PST scores (at least 70% on written test and Pass on PAT), PST Personal History Statement, and Lake Stevens application, you'll be placed on the Eligibility List and scheduled for a meeting with the Chief.

The Chief may select any of the top five candidates (plus the number of vacancies) to begin the background check process.

Salary Information

Lateral hiring bonus up to $25,000 and $5,000 moving expenses.

Salary and vacation accrual based on years of experience.

Lateral Police Officers don't need to test with PST, they can apply directly to the Lake Stevens Police Department atPolice Officer - Lateral | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com).

Wages:

  • $6,590.34 - $8,128.59 per month (Police Officer)
  • $8,941.46 - $9,717.63 per month (Sergeant)

Education pay:

  • 3.00% Associate degree 
  • 5.00% Bachelor degree 
  • 6.00% Master's degree 

Longevity:

  • 2.00% 5 Years of service
  • 4.00% 10 Years of service
  • 5.00% 15 Years of service
  • 7.00% 20 years of service
  • 9.00% 30 years of service

Specialty Pay:

  • 3.50% SWAT
  • 3.50% Defensive Tactics Training Lead
  • 3.50% Firearms Training Lead
  • 3.50% Detective
  • 3.50% Traffic
  • 3.50% Field Training Officer
  • 3.50% School Resource Officer 
  • 3.50% K9 Handler 
  • 4.00% Corporal
  • 5.00% Out of Class pay

Other Pay/Compensation:

  • Callback pay
  • Court appearances
  • K9 care and maintenance
  • Holiday hours cash-out
  • Paid meal break

Lateral bonus of up to $25,000; depending on experience

  • $15,000 for 1-2 years of experience
  • $20,000 for 2-5 years of experience
  • $25,000 for 5 or more years of experience


Benefit Information

Paid Time Off:

  • 96 - 200 hours of paid vacation per year
  • 96 - 144 hours of paid leave per year in lieu of holidays (based on scheduled work hours (e.g., "a day for a day") and assignment (non-patrol/patrol))
  • 96 hours of paid sick leave per year
  • Front-load sick leave bank of 80 hours
  • Unused sick leave cash-out
  • Paid bereavement leave
  • Option of compensatory time off in lieu of overtime pay

Health Insurance:

  • The City pays 100% of medical, dental and vision insurance premiums for employees
  • The City pays 90% of medical and dental insurance and 100% of vision insurance premiums for dependents
  • HDHP with Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • HRA/VEBA employer contribution available
  • City-paid life insurance and long-term disability

Retirement Plans:

  • Deferred Compensation (457 Plan)Plans available
  • Washington State LEOFF II retirement system

Uniforms and Clothing:

  • Initial uniforms and equipment are provided by the City
  • Annual uniform/clothing allowance of $900.00 
  • City pays for uniform/clothing cleaning

Scheduling:

  • Popular 12-hour rotating patrol schedule with a 3-days on and 3-days off

Lake Stevens Police Department - Police Officer Requirements

Category Requirement Required at time of...
    Test Hire
Written Examination Yes, required
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 At least 20 1/2 years old at time of application.
US Citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
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 Will be carefully reviewed on a case by case basis
Ability to Read & Write the English Language Yes
Vision Requirements Vision not correctable to at least 20/30 in the weakest eye, no worse than 20/100 uncorrected.
College Requirement Not required, but prefer a minimum of 45 quarter or 30 semester college credits towards a college degree relevant to law enforcement.
Veterans Preference Points Yes
Body Decorations

Body Piercing or Alteration:

Body piercing or alteration to any area of the body visible in any authorized uniform or attire that is a deviation from normal anatomical features and which is not medically required is prohibited except with prior authorization of the Chief of Police. Such body alteration includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Tongue splitting or piercing.

  2. The complete or transdermal implantation of any material other than hair replacement.

  3. Abnormal shaping of the ears, eyes, nose or teeth.

  4. Branding or scarification.

Tattoos:

While on-duty or representing the Department in any official capacity, no member shall have any offensive tattoo or body art be visible. Examples of offensive tattoos would include, but not be limited to, those that exhibit gang, supremacist, or extremist group affiliation; and those that depict or promote drug use, sexually explicit acts, or other obscene material.

Visible tattoos on the head, face, neck, scalp, hands (wedding band on one finger excluded) or knuckles are prohibited. Additionally, cosmetic tattoos, such as eye liner, eyebrows and lips are an exception to this policy if they are natural in appearance.

Tattoos must be concealed when appearing in court or wearing a Class A uniform, unless requested to do otherwise by the prosecutor.

Officers in undercover assignments may display body decorations: tattoos, brands or body art, when deemed necessary as part of an investigation with approval of their supervisor.

Multiple Scores from Same Applicant We consider the highest score received within the past one year

Lake Stevens 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 Inability to obtain a Washington driver license.
Automatic One (1) or more traffic convictions in last five (5) years (DUI/DWI, suspended, reckless, etc.).
Potential One (1) or more traffic convictions in last (ten) 10 years (DUI/DWI, suspended, reckless, etc.).
Drug Usage
Automatic

Use of non-prescribed Adderall within the last year.

Automatic

Any injection of any non-prescribed drugs regardless of timeframe (except Anabolic steroids, see Schedule III drug standards).

Automatic

Any possession or recreational use of any non-prescribed Schedule I-V drug (except for Marijuana or Adderall) within the past three (3) years. This standard applies to synthetic versions of Schedule I and II drugs.

Schedule I (RCW 69.50.204) – Examples could include: Heroin, Morphine, Ecstasy, LSD, Peyote, GHB, Methaqualone, mushrooms (Psilocybin). 

Schedule II (RCW 69.50.206) – Examples could include: Opium, Cocaine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Depressants, Hallucinogenic substances, etc. 

Schedule III (RCW 69.50.208) – Examples could include: Stimulants, Depressants, Ketamine, Anabolic steroids, Hallucinogenic substances, etc. 

Schedule IV (RCW 69.50.210) – Examples could include: Barbital, Diazepam, Fludiazepam, Halazepam, Lorazepam, Phenobarbital, etc. 

Schedule V (RCW 69.50.212)

Automatic

Any illegal use of drugs after submitting an application with any law enforcement agency.

Automatic

Any illegal use of drugs while employed by a law enforcement agency.

Automatic

Any pattern of prescription drug abuse within the past five (5) years.

Automatic

Any intentional inhalation (huffing) of any aerosol or substance (nitrous oxide, whippets, paint, glue, DXM, etc.) in the past three (3) years.

Potential

Any other history or pattern of drug use outside these standards will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Criminal Activity
Automatic Any adult felony conviction.
Automatic

Any misdemeanor while employed in a criminal justice capacity.

Automatic

History of assaultive behavior within the past 5 years.

Potential

Conviction of any crime under an enhancement statute to include (i.e., domestic violence, hate crime, firearm, etc.)

Potential

Conviction of any crime under an enhancement statute to include (i.e., domestic violence, hate crime, firearm, etc.)

Potential

Conviction of any crime under an enhancement statute to include (i.e., domestic violence, hate crime, firearm, etc.)

Employment
Automatic Dishonorably discharged from the United States armed forces.
Automatic

Falsified application, personal history questionnaire, or any other forms during the hiring process.

Automatic

Any deception during any stage of the application and/or hiring process (includes falsifying information on application, untruthfulness during interviews)

Automatic

Revocation or denial of (CJTC/POST) certification status, or suspension of current (CJTC/POST) certification status.

Potential

Work history that reflects incompetence, dishonesty, instability, dereliction of duty, or inability to get along with supervisors, co-workers, etc.

Financial
Automatic Failure to pay income tax or child support
Potential Current credit accounts, or unresolved accounts in collection will be carefully reviewed
Other
Potential

Any pattern of activity or behavior which could bring discredit upon the applicant or the department (i.e., social media, personal conduct, etc.)

Contact Information

Lake Stevens Police Department - Police Officer

1825 S. Lake Stevens Road
Lake Stevens, WA 98258 Snohomish County
425-622-9401

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