Law Enforcement Officer Position

University of Washington Police Department - Lateral 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.

University of Washington Police Department - Lateral Police Officer

Last updated on August 17, 2026
PST Partner Agency since January 21, 2022

Vacancies: 4

Important Information

The University of Washington Police Department is now offering a $5,000 hiring sign-on bonus to eligible Lateral-level Police Officers.

Community Information

The University of Washington campus is a beautiful campus. It takes the commitment of our police force, security personnel and the involvement of the community to create a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The University of Washington Police Department (“UWPD”) is committed to involving the community in solving crime problems through community policing practices and keeping the community educated as to safe practices to protect yourself and your property. This also requires a commitment from the community in helping us by taking responsibility in reporting crimes, suspicious activities, and practicing good and practical crime prevention techniques.

As an agency of the university community, UWPD provides law enforcement to the largest college and stadium in Washington State. We also provide security to visiting dignitaries and during demonstrations. The Police Department serves a vital role in the safety, security, and success of the University of Washington. Our purpose is to serve and protect the students, staff, faculty and all people and property within the jurisdiction of that community.

Police services are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The University Police department has the exclusive responsibility to act upon law-enforcement matters and perform police functions for the main campus of the University of Washington, Seattle.

Department Information

The University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) has the exclusive responsibility to act upon law-enforcement matters and perform police functions for the main campus of the University of Washington, Seattle, 24 hours a day. Police Officers at the UWPD respond to public calls for service within a very diverse community, providing community-oriented law enforcement services to the campus and nearby areas, enforcing state laws, city ordinances, and University regulations. Police Officers conduct criminal and traffic investigations, make arrests, prepare necessary documentation and testify in court. Officers also provide for the safety and security of persons and property at University events and attend community meetings. The University of Washington Police Department is housed in a state-of- the-art police facility with our own Communication Center.

We are seeking individuals interested in serving a diverse and dynamic university community as an experienced police officer. Our Police Officers can expect to interact with student, faculty, staff and visitors. Officers have opportunities for specialty positions, supporting PAC-12 sporting events, various overtime assignments and an opportunity to practice community policing. UWPD is the only triple accredited university police department in the state of Washington. The UWPD is involved in crime prevention, uniformed patrol response, crowd control, dignitary protection, facilities security, traffic control and enforcement, criminal investigations, and emergency management. We are committed to officer training and innovative policing strategies. Come join our team!

Job Description


Campus Police Officer (NE S Teamsters 117 UWPO)

The Division of Campus Community Safety (DCCS) has an outstanding opportunity for a Lateral-Level Campus Police Officer to join their team.

This recruitment offers a $5,000 sign-on bonus to eligible Lateral-Level Police Officers joining UWPD!

Please note: To ensure consideration and to move forward in the selection process, applicants must also complete an application via the Public Safety Testing (PST) website and complete a Personal History Statement with PST. The complete application process can be viewed below.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief of Police, the Lateral-Level Campus Police Officer at the University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) is responsible for responding to public calls for service within a very diverse community, providing community-oriented law enforcement services to the campus and nearby areas, enforcing state laws, city ordinances, and University regulations. Police Officers conduct criminal and traffic investigations, make arrests, prepare necessary documentation and testify in court. Officers also provide for the safety and security of persons and property at University events and attend community meetings. Watch our UW Police Video to meet us and see what it is like to work on the Seattle Campus.

Specialized Units/Opportunities

UW Police Officers have unique opportunities to work in specialized units and assignments. These units and assignments include:

  • Detective Unit
  • Bicycle Officers
  • Field Training Officers
  • Plain clothes detail
  • Explosives Detection K-9 Unit
  • Dignitary Protection assignments
  • Incident Prevention Team

Shifts:

Police Officers work a variety of shifts depending on their assignment. These shifts may include traditional 5x8s or 4x10s, with some weekend work required.

Key Responsibilities

  • Patrol a designated area on foot or in a patrol car to enforce institution rules and regulations, local, state, and federal statutes, and ordinances – 20%
  • Inspect buildings and grounds for trespassers, fire, property damage, or other irregularities – 10%
  • Direct and regulate traffic; investigate accidents or crimes; administer first aid; issue citations for violations; gather evidence; locate witnesses; appear in court, present evidence, and testify against persons accused of criminal activity – 20%
  • Operate department communication equipment; answer telephone inquiries; receive reports of criminal activity; dispatch foot and mobile units; operate paging system; monitor alarm systems; prepare and distribute reports – 10%
  • Deter or, when necessary, disperse illegal gatherings – 5%
  • Appropriately respond to campus demonstrations to safeguard free speech and protect people and property – 5%
  • Maintain surveillance of areas for criminal activity – 5%
  • Issue misdemeanor citations; investigate, arrest and/or book suspects into applicable detention facilities for misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felony offenses – 20%
  • Assist city or county police and state patrol in cases of emergency – 5%

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

  • High school graduation or equivalent;
  • At least twenty-one years of age upon completion of the Police Academy;
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license;
  • No previous felony convictions.

*Lateral Candidates: Must have a minimum of two years’ experience as a full-time, paid commissioned officer, and no more than a 24-month break in service (more than a 24-month break in service will require successful completion of the Washington State Equivalency course).

Federal law enforcement officers/agents, corrections officers, jailers, game wardens, military police officers, special or reserve officers/deputies, or any other such positions which fall outside the above guidelines may not qualify for Lateral positions.

All out-of-state lateral applicants must meet the requirements outlined in Washington Administrative code 139-05-210 "Basic Law Enforcement Certificate of Equivalency" and be qualified to attend the Washington State Equivalency Academy.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
  • Fluency in other languages (such as Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Russian, etc.)

Working Conditions

  • Police officers are on duty 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and their services and facilities are available at all times. Must be flexible for scheduling. Day shift, swing shift and night shift are shifts that you must be willing to work. Overtime is regularly available and, at times, may be required.
  • The UW Police Department Facility is located at 3939 15th Avenue NE, just south of Gould Hall. The location is in the growing west campus area and is also near the NE 40th Avenue west entrance to main campus. The facility is 29,000 sf and includes police offices, training/meeting rooms, dispatch and communications center, records, locker rooms, physical fitness room, booking and holding rooms, evidence storage, and on-site fleet parking.

Additional Application Requirements

1. Apply to the University of Washington Police Department - Lateral Police Officer position through Public Safety Testing.

2. Complete your personal history statement within 14 days through Public Safety Testing (PST). PST conducts our Background Investigation Process. A completed Personal History Statement will be required for those who progress to the Background Investigation Process. Detailed information requested includes:

  • Addresses of all residences
  • References
  • Names and addresses of family members
  • Arrests and criminal history
  • Traffic driving record
  • Military service
  • Employment history
  • Drug use
  • Education history
  • Memberships in professional organizations
  • Financial information

Copies of the following documents:

  • High school diploma/GED certificate
  • Social Security card
  • Driver’s License
  • Birth Certificate (Certified copy)
  • Transcripts of college grades (Certified copy from Institution Registrar)
  • Any other documents, certificates, resumes, performance evaluation reports, etc., which show your abilities and training for the position

3. Complete your UW application through Workday at CAMPUS POLICE OFFICER, LATERAL (MULTIPLE OPENINGS) - University of Washington. A complete application includes:

  • Add your resume to your candidate profile
  • Complete the Criminal History Disclosure assessment
  • Completing the U.S. Work Authorization Assessment.

4. Oral Boards (panel interview)

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to participate in Oral Boards.

5. Additional Selection Steps Include:

  • Ride Along with a Field Training Officer
  • Background Investigation
  • Polygraph Test
  • Psychological Evaluation
  • Medical Exam
  • Drug Screen
  • Fingerprints
  • Official Offer of Employment

Application process can also be found at Apply to UWPD: Lateral officers – UW Police


Reapplication is permitted at any time, except for candidates disqualified for reasons of prior felony convictions or non-correctable selection.

Please note: It may take 2 to 4 months to successfully complete all phases of the selection process from Oral Boards to Official Offer of Employment.

Be sure to check back periodically for updated recruitment information.

About the Team

The Division of Campus Community Safety (DCCS) unifies front-line public safety units across the University for a holistic approach to campus community safety, innovation in approaches, and clarity in leadership responsibility and accountability. Key units include UW Emergency Management, SafeCampus and the UW Police Department Seattle campus. Division staff work daily in partnership with units across and outside the UW system to both create safer, welcoming campus environments; prepare for potential natural or human-made disasters; and respond appropriately to incidents.

Safeguarding the academic community with P.R.I.D.E.

The University of Washington Police Department is housed in a state-of-the-art police facility. We are looking for dedicated professionals with police experience to join our ranks. We have so much to offer including a pleasant atmosphere, policing a student population, specialty positions, working Big 10 sporting events, lucrative overtime assignments and an opportunity to practice the community policing and service expected from our internationally and state accredited police department. The UWPD is involved in crime prevention, uniformed patrol response, crowd control, dignitary protection, facilities security, traffic control and enforcement, criminal investigations, and emergency management. We are committed to officer training, a high officer-to-area ratio and innovative policing strategies.

In 2017, UWPD was the first police department in the State of Washington to achieve joint accreditation under the new accreditation program by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC), in addition to its CALEA accreditation. UWPD is proud to be internationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Initially accredited in 2005, the agency has maintained compliance with 462 national standards/best practices, achieved reaccredited status in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2021 and working on reaccreditation for 2025.

Area Information

County: King
Population: 70,000+ daytime population; 30,000 night population
# of Staff: 55-60

Hiring Status

University of Washington Police Department - Lateral Police Officer has 4 vacancies.

We have immediate opening for 6 Lateral Police Officers with the potential for more. 

After you have completed the testing, apply at the UW Hires Portal

UWPD will require a Personal History Statement and will use PST for the background investigation.


Salary Information

$8,620-$9,997/month


depending on experience

Benefit Information

The UW provides generous insurance benefits, including a choice of medical and dental plans for you and your family. Enrollment in your chosen plan must occur during your first 31 days of eligibility to ensure you have the widest range of available options. Unless you elect insurance coverage during your first 31 days, you will be enrolled by default into the Uniform Medical and Uniform Dental plans and the default retirement plan, and required to pay the tobacco surcharge. You can make future changes at our annual fall open enrollment. You are also eligible to participate in the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters” (LEOFF) 2 retirement plans. Learn more about your employee benefits at http://hr.uw.edu/benefits/.

Other benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • 11 paid holiday's, plus a personal holiday
  • Vacation and sick leave accrued based on contract-classified program.
  • Annual educational incentives for Bachelor's and Advanced Degree holders
  • Annual longevity pay based on length of service
  • Lucrative overtime opportunities, including Big Ten sporting events and other special events on campus
  • Professional and organizational development opportunities including training courses, workshops, and online learning.
  • Tuition Exemption Program that provides access to college courses where space is available
  • Fully subsidized U-PASS which provides access to buses, commuter train service, light rail, and more.
  • Access to wellness and community engagement programs
  • Childcare, adult care, and eldercare benefits
  • Work/life resources such as counseling, financial guidance, consultation for managers and supervisors, critical and traumatic incident response services, and more.

University of Washington Police Department - Lateral Police Officer Requirements

Category Requirement Required at time of...
    Test Hire
Written Examination No, not required
LEO/CO Physical Ability Test (PAT) No, not required (may be required later)
PST Personal History Statement Yes, required within 14 days of passing required exam(s)  
Minimum Age Be at least twenty-one years of age at the time of hire
Citizenship US Citizen
High School Grad/ GED Yes
Driver's License Required Valid Washington State Driver's License
Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult No adult felony convictions at any time.
Ability to Read, Speak & Write the English Language Yes
Vision Requirements Must meet LEOFF II standards.
College Requirement

Two years of full-time college (90 credit hours if quarter system or 60 credit hours if semester system) in police science or allied field 

OR one year of Police experience

OR one year of campus security experience (.e., college or university

Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certification Yes
Prior Experience Requirement

At least two years of experience as a full-time, paid commissioned police officer, and no more than a 24-month break in service.

NOTE: Federal law enforcement officers/agents, corrections officers, jailers, game wardens, military police officers, special or reserve officers/deputies, or any other such positions which fall outside the above guidelines do NOT qualify for Lateral positions.

Veterans Preference Points Yes
Other Preference Points No, other preference points are not available.

University of Washington Police Department - Lateral 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
Drug Usage
Automatic No illegal sale of ANY drug, including marijuana.
Potential Other drug use outside these standards will be considered on case by case basis.
Criminal Activity
Automatic Any adult felony conviction.
Automatic Any misdemeanor, or felony conviction while employed in a criminal justice capacity.
Automatic Been convicted of any crime under a domestic violence statue.
Automatic Unlawful sexual misconduct.
Potential Juvenile felony conviction will be carefully reviewed.
Employment
Potential One or more terminations, or leaving employer in lieu of termination.
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.
Potential Been dishonorably discharged from the United States armed forces.
Financial
Potential Failure to pay income tax or child support.
Potential Current credit accounts, or unresolved accounts in collection will be carefully reviewed.

Contact Information

University of Washington Police Department - Lateral Police Officer

3939 15th AVE NE
Seattle, WA 98105 King County
206-685-6546

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Agency Test Requirements
Written Examination: No, not required
PAT: No, not required (may be required later)

PST Personal History Statement: Yes, required within 14 days of passing required exam(s)


Other University of Washington Police Department positions

Police Officer