There are several types of employment opportunities with the Tukwila Police Department. We hire entry level police officers, experienced police officers, and civilian support staff. We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability in employment or the provision of services.
♦ View or print the Recruitment Brochure in PDF format.
♦ View or print the Application/Testing Process.
For Entry Level Police Officer Candidates:
Minimum Qualifications
Entry Level applicants must meet the following criteria:
- US Citizenship
- Ability to read and write the English language
- At least 21 years of age at the time of application
- High school graduate or GED equivalency
- Have or be able to obtain a WA State driver's license
- Driving record free of suspensions or revocations
- No felony convictions
Salary And Benefits (2010 rates)
| Probationary Officer (entry) | $5,067 per month |
| Patrol Officer IV | $5,334 per month |
| Patrol Officer III | $5,606 per month |
| Patrol Officer II | $5,882 per month |
| Patrol Officer I | $6,176 per month |
The Tukwila Police Department also offers a generous benefit package, including:
- Medical/Dental insurance
- Optical Plan
- Life insurance
- Eleven paid holidays
- Vacation and sick leave
- Uniform and Education Allowances
- LEOFF Retirement Plan
- Deferred Compensation Program
- Credit Union
For The Experienced Officer:
The City of Tukwila Police Department encourages qualified experienced officers to apply for positions within the department. We welcome outside experience and have found that it adds new levels of depth and balance to our existing ranks. The two options for experienced officer applicants are as follows:
Certified Entry Police Officer (Entry Police Officer with Certification)
In order to qualify as a Certified Entry Police Officer, you must have been employed as a full-time commissioned law enforcement officer and successfully completed a recognized police training academy or equivalent training and experience necessary to become certified through WSCJTC as a law enforcement officer.
Salary And Benefits (2010 rates)
| Probationary Officer (entry) | $5,067 per month |
| Patrol Officer IV | $5,334 per month |
| Patrol Officer III | $5,606 per month |
| Patrol Officer II | $5,882 per month |
| Patrol Officer I | $6,176 per month |
Certified entry police officers will be placed into the current pay schedule at the Probationary Officer level. The officers will then move through the salary schedule as governed by labor contract.
Lateral Police Officer
In order to qualify as a Lateral Police Officer applicant, you must have been employed as a paid commissioned officer with a bona fide law enforcement agency on a full-time basis for at least 18 months of the last 36 months at the time of application and appointment. Out-of-state applicants must have the necessary training and experience to become certified with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
Salary And Benefits (2010 rates)
| Probationary Officer (entry) | $5,067 per month |
| Patrol Officer IV | $5,334 per month |
| Patrol Officer III | $5,606 per month |
| Patrol Officer II | $5,882 per month |
| Patrol Officer I | $6,176 per month |
Lateral police officers will be placed into the current pay schedule at Police Officer III, based on experience and training. The officers will then move through the salary schedule as governed by labor contract.
All experienced (both Lateral and Certified Entry) police officers must meet the following criteria:
- US Citizenship
- Ability to read and write the English language
- At least 21 years of age at the time of application
- High school graduate or GED equivalency
- Have or be able to obtain a WA State driver's license
- Driving record free of suspensions or revocations
- No felony convictions
The Tukwila Police Department also offers a generous benefit package, including:
- Medical/Dental insurance
- Optical Plan
- Life insurance
- Eleven paid holidays
- Vacation and sick leave
- Uniform and Education Allowances
- LEOFF Retirement Plan
- Deferred Compensation Program
- Credit Union
Continuous Testing Process
We offer open and continuous testing for both levels of experienced officer candidates. The testing consists of a written examination (reading comprehension /report writing/spelling) and a one-hour oral board with the police chief and his administrative staff. A fitness assessment is a component of our experienced officer testing, but is not administered until a tentative offer has been given to the selected candidate.
Candidates will be placed on either the Certified Entry Police Officer Eligibility List or the Lateral Police Officer Eligibility Register based on their cumulative testing scores, which will consist of 40 percent of the written score and 60 percent of the oral board score. A cumulative score of 70 percent or better is required for placement on the List. Candidates will remain on the list until such time as one of the following conditions applies: Window of eligibility (or certification) has lapsed if not currently employed in law enforcement; candidate's one-year testing date window has lapsed; candidate has declined an offer; or a background investigation provides cause for removal.
♦ Open continuous testing available for Certified Entry Police Officer
♦ Open continuous testing available for Lateral Police Officer
For more information please contact Bev Willison, Civil Service Examiner, 6200 Southcenter Blvd., Tukwila, WA 98188, (206) 433-1844, civilservice@ci.tukwila.wa.us
