Police Officer ; Entry Level

Position Description

The City of Tacoma is seeking Police Officer Recruits to join the Tacoma Police Department.

Are you ready to serve and protect your community with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to public safety? The City of Tacoma is seeking motivated, critical‑thinking individuals to join our team as Police Officer Recruits.

As a Police Officer Recruit, you will play a vital role in maintaining the safety and well‑being of Tacoma’s residents.

• Understanding of police principles, practices, and procedures and how they apply to law‑enforcement operations.
• Familiarity with rules of evidence and laws of arrest to ensure lawful and ethical enforcement actions.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making skills to assess situations accurately and take effective action under pressure.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with the public, colleagues, and preparing detailed reports.
• Ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse cultures, languages, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to build and maintain cooperative, professional relationships.
• Knowledge of crime‑scene preservation and investigation techniques to support accurate and thorough investigations.
• Proficiency in safe vehicle operation and proper use of firearms in accordance with department standards.

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures used in police work, including relevant laws and ordinances.
• Understanding of rules of evidence, laws of arrest, and recent legislation affecting police duties.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and take effective action while maintaining sound judgment under pressure.
• Skill in communicating clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, including report preparation.
• Ability to build and maintain cooperative working relationships and interact respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of crime‑scene preservation, investigation techniques, and basic first aid procedures.
• Proficiency in the safe operation of police vehicles, firearms, and related equipment in accordance with department standards.
• Competence in using computers and related technology for law‑enforcement tasks and documentation.

• You must be a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident.
• You must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• You must be at least 20.5 years of age at the time of application – and be 21 years of age by the date of appointment.
• Once you apply, you must complete and pass the testing process with Public Safety Testing noted above. You must be able to meet the physical requirements and medical standards prescribed by the City of Tacoma and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

• You must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at time of application. A valid Washington State driver's license is required for employment (with maintenance thereafter) and driving history will be thoroughly assessed during the hiring process.

• Above‑average physical endurance in running, climbing and lifting as well as good balance, hearing and vision.
• Work includes indoor and outdoor environments.
• Officers may work varying shifts depending on assignment to include nights and weekends. The general Police Patrol Officer schedule is a 4/10 schedule with rotating days off.
• Incumbents in this classification may be exposed to gunfire, toxic chemicals, traffic hazards, and occasional driving at high speeds.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECRUITING & TESTING PROCESS

A felony conviction is a violation of standards and considered an automatic disqualifier. A domestic violence conviction is a violation of standards and considered an automatic disqualifier.

The Tacoma Police Department has partnered with Public Safety Testing to administer both the Written Exam and the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).

Once you submit your application, please visit  to schedule a Written Exam and PAT that works best with…