Police Officer

ABOUT THE ROLE This entry-level position is for applicants who are not currently a police officer for a different department and have not completed the Washington State Criminal Justice Basic Law Enforcement Academy. The role involves preserving law and order, preventing and discovering crime, directing traffic, and enforcing regulations within the City of Spokane Police Department. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Patrol a designated area on foot or in a radio and computer-equipped vehicle. - Answer calls and investigate complaints involving accidents, fires, misdemeanors, and felonies. - Administer first aid, interview witnesses, gather information and evidence, make arrests, prepare reports, and testify in court. - Exercise powers of arrest and control, defend self, use force when necessary, and operate vehicles under emergency conditions. - Perform specialized technical or administrative duties such as working the police desk, maintaining criminal records, license inspection, traffic safety training, field training, or radio operation. - Advise the public on laws and ordinances, provide general information, and assist the public. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Completion of high school or equivalent. - Must be 20 years of age at application and 21 years of age at the time of appointment. - Within normal weight range for height. - Meet physical requirements for the position, including eyesight, hearing, and other physical abilities consistent with state law and guidelines. - Possess a valid driver's license. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must pass a post-offer physical and psychological examination prior to appointment. - Must pass the Public Safety Testing, Inc. (PST) examination and Physical Ability Test (PAT). - PST scores must be less than 15 months old. - Completion of a Personal History Statement is a mandatory minimum requirement for the background investigation. - A police record may be grounds for rejection. - Entry-level and certified employees will have an 18-month probationary period upon hire. SELECTION PROCESS - Recruitment is open until further notice. - Applicants must first pass the PST written examination and PAT to be eligible for hire. - After completing the PST, applicants will be invited to apply for the position. - A background investigation will be conducted using the completed Personal History Statement. - Alternative accessible tests are available upon request for individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills. HOW TO APPLY - Review disqualifiers and the Spokane Police Department Hiring Guidelines before applying. - Sign up and complete the Public Safety Testing, Inc. (PST) examination and PAT through their website. - Complete the mandatory Personal History Statement through the Public Safety Testing website. - Apply for the position after successfully completing the PST requirements. - Note: The standard PST written test cost is $65, which allows applicants to choose up to two agencies to receive their results. Additional fees apply for more agencies or non-designated test dates and locations. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: City of Spokane, WA - Job Type: Full-Time - Department: Police - Opening Date: 04/06/2026 - Closing Date: 12/28/2026 4:00 PM Pacific - Employer: City of Spokane