Tulalip is a sovereign tribal community located in Snohomish County, Washington, just north of Everett and approximately 40 miles from Seattle. It is home to the Tulalip Tribes, a federally recognized tribe composed of the descendants of the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish, and other Coast Salish peoples who were signatories to the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott.

The Tulalip Indian Reservation, established in 1855, spans approximately 22,000 acres and includes residential areas, natural forests, wetlands, and coastline along Possession Sound and Port Susan. The reservation is both culturally rich and economically dynamic, offering a blend of tradition and modern development. The Tulalip Tribes operate a variety of enterprises that support tribal sovereignty and community services, including the Tulalip Resort Casino, Quil Ceda Village retail center, and tribal government operations.

Cultural preservation, education, and environmental stewardship are central to the Tulalip identity. The community is home to institutions such as the Hibulb Cultural Center, which showcases tribal history and cultural practices. Tribal members maintain strong ties to traditional fishing, hunting, and gathering practices while actively engaging in contemporary governance, law enforcement, and business development.

Tulalip places a high value on community well-being, youth programs, public safety, and economic self-sufficiency. It is a vibrant and resilient community rooted in Indigenous heritage and committed to securing a strong, sustainable future for its people.

We Protect with Courage and Serve with Compassion

The Tulalip Police Department has 88 full-time employees, of which 59 are commissioned police officers. Tulalip police officers provide service to over 10,000 residents who live on the Reservation and serve a daily population of over 50,000.

Tulalip police officers are general authority police officers, which means they have the authority to enforce criminal law on tribal and non-tribal citizens. The officers are state-certified and follow all requirements of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center. The officers enforce State Law, Federal Law, and Tribal Code. The Tulalip police officers work closely with the FBI, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington State Patrol to keep the Tulalip community safe.

The Tulalip Tribes is a Federally recognized Tribe and the Tulalip Reservation was established in 1855 with the signing of the Point Elliot Treaty. As part of the treaty, the Tribes ceded millions of acres of land in exchange for sovereign tribal rights and self-governance. The treaty specified the Tribes would retain their fishing, hunting, and gathering rights. The Tulalip Police Department has a Fish & Wildlife Division; the Fish & Wildlife officers enforce treaty rights on the Puget Sound from Seattle to Canada.

The Tulalip Police Department focuses on crime prevention, traffic safety, school safety, narcotics enforcement, and quality of life concerns. The police department works collaboratively with other Tribal departments and is strongly supported by the Board of Directors and the Tulalip Community. The Tulalip Police Department consists of patrol officers; sergeants; lieutenants; boat operators, support staff; and a command team.

Specialty sections for commissioned personnel within the department include:

- Detectives - Criminal Investigations Unit

- Detectives - Narcotics Unit

- Community Response Team

- K-9 Handlers

- Drone Operators

- School Resource Officer

- Emergency Response Team

- Field Training Officers

- Instructors - Firearms, Defensive Tactics - EVOC

- Bike Patrol

- Fish and Wildlife Officers

Job Summary

The Entry Level Police Officers serve and protect the Tulalip community, provide community-oriented policing and problem-solving strategies while serving the residents and visitors of the Tulalip Reservation. Officers patrol within the exterior boundaries of the reservation, prevent crime, and enforce Tribal, State, and Federal Laws. Duties include conducting thorough and objective criminal investigations, solving crimes, determining probable cause for arrests, and writing complete, well-documented incident reports using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Officers also write and serve search warrants, collect evidence, serve criminal summons, issue traffic citations, and conduct interviews with victims, witnesses, and suspects. Additional responsibilities include participating in community service and youth programs, supporting other Tribal and non-Tribal agencies, and demonstrating cultural competency and commitment to Tulalip Tribal Sovereignty, Treaty Rights, Tribal Constitution, and Tribal laws.

Essential Job Duties

• Patrol tribal residential areas, business locations, marinas, docks, roadways, and tribal administration buildings.

• Take part in crime prevention programs including drug/alcohol awareness, school and educational programs, Boys and Girls Club activities, Teen Center, and youth sports.

• Enforce traffic codes, write citations, arrest intoxicated drivers, and conduct traffic education programs.

• Investigate drug activities, arrest violators, and serve search warrants with probable cause approved by the Tulalip Tribal Court.

• Assist with drug education programs for youth and adults.

• Operate patrol video and surveillance cameras, maintain chain of custody for video evidence.

• Provide first aid/EMS response, CPR, and disaster response in emergencies.

• Arrest criminal violators, prepare investigative reports, warrants, probable cause statements, and patrol logs using the RMS system.

• Provide mutual aid to City, County, State, Federal, and other Tribal enforcement agencies as permitted by Tribal codes.

• Testify in Tribal, State, and Federal courts and serve as bailiff during Tribal hearings.

• Transport prisoners for court appearances, bookings, and other directed appointments.

• Maintain assigned patrol vehicle (daily maintenance, cleanliness, professional appearance).

• Qualify with defensive equipment including firearms, taser, chemical agent, baton, handcuffs, and restraints.

• Collect and preserve criminal evidence according to Washington State Crime Lab standards.

• Follow all Tulalip Tribal Police Department policies and procedures.

• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Education

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

• College coursework preferred.

Minimum Related Experience

• Experience in Tribal government, public assistance, youth services, customer service, security, or problem solving preferred.

Required Licenses/Certifications/Prerequisites

• Must be at least 20.5 years of age at the time of application.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or an enrolled member of a Federally Recognized Tribe.

• Possess a valid WA State Driver’s License.

• Must adhere to Tribal Insurance Policy (driving abstract required).

• Current First Aid and CPR certifications (must obtain within six months if not already certified).

• Must complete an agility exam to demonstrate physical capability.

• No arrests or convictions for violent crimes.

• No felony or domestic violence convictions.

• No restrictions on firearm use (e.g., protective orders, restraining orders).

• Must disclose all traffic infractions, collisions, and any illegal drug use/possession/sale.

• Must pass full TPD background investigation, polygraph, psychological exam, medical exam, credit check, and personal history review.

• Employment contingent on successful completion of pre-employment background check.

• Suitability assessed by the Chief of Police.

• Employment history reviewed by TPD.

Knowledge Of

• Office practices and procedures.

• Principles and practices of Tribal government management.

• Internal and operational control concepts and techniques.

• IT systems policies, security, and protocols.

• Applicable Tribal, Federal, State, and local laws.

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet).

Able To

• Work effectively in a culturally diverse environment.

• Maintain confidentiality and communicate with tact and discretion.

• Organize, plan, and carry out tasks accurately and with attention to detail.

• Provide excellent customer service and problem-solving skills.

• Learn and apply codes, policies, and procedures.

• Use a variety of information systems and software.

• Handle difficult or emotional community interactions.

• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.

• Proofread and edit for grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

• Follow Tulalip Police Department policies and procedures.

• Maintain a professional appearance (tattoos/branding/disfigurement reviewed case-by-case).

• Successfully complete a basic law enforcement academy within the first year.

• Pass all in-service training.

• Reside within 30 minutes of TPD within 12 months of hire.

• Successfully complete a 12-month probationary period after Field Training.

• Work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Dexterity for operating computers, office machines, paperwork, and issued equipment.

• Ability to access various terrain and weather conditions.

• Adequate vision and hearing (with or without accommodation).

• Frequent sitting, talking, hearing, handling objects, and reaching.

• Stamina and mobility for prolonged sitting/standing, bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and stooping.

• Strength to lift 100 lbs. occasionally and 40 lbs. frequently.

Tulalip Police Department - Entry Level Police Officer has 7 vacancies.

The Tulalip Police Department is actively searching for high quality entry-level candidates.

The Tulalip Police Department is proud to provide employees with excellent comprehensive benefits, including:

• Base Salary
• Medical
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Dental
• Vision
• Dependent Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Optional Flexible/Spending Accounts
• Training Opportunities
• Paid Education Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Jury Duty
• Volunteer Leave
• 401K Savings Plans
• Employee Discount Program
• 24 Hours Wellness Leave
• Take Home Car
• 24 Hours Additional Holiday Pay 
• Off-Duty Overtime Opportunities
• Education Incentive