How To Become A Police Officer In Washington

Us Border Patrol Agents

Uniformed border patrol agents work to keep the United States borders safe by curbing illegal immigration, preventing illegal border crossings, and striving to keep dangerous drugs and weapons from entering the country.

Border patrol agents do not need a college degree but instead attend one of the most rigorous training academies in the United States. Like other police officer careers, an extensive background investigation is required, including a polygraph exam.

Border patrol agents must also be able to speak functional Spanish before they are released for patrol. Agents start around $55,000 and can earn up to $101,000.

Do Most Of Your Officers Come From Similar Backgrounds

No, the backgrounds of our officers are varied and diverse. Some of our officers have decided to proudly continue a family tradition of service. Others knew they wanted to be police officers ever since they can remember and come to the department with college degrees in Criminal Justice, although this is not required. Others have a prior military background, or have transferred to the department as a lateral hire from another agency. Still others are attracted to this career through their interactions with police officers in social work or law careers. But many of our officers have backgrounds and interests not at all related to law enforcement and have decided to go into policing as a second or third career.

Police Officer Job Growth

Police officers are a vital component to maintaining a peaceful society. While still subject to cost cutting like any other private sector industry, the demand for police officers remains relatively steady for the foreseeable future. For more detailed job growth information, please see the below chart.

Recommended Reading: How Long Is The Police Academy In Arizona

Becoming A Detective With The Seattle Police Department

Applicants who have no prior police experience will be hired as a recruit first, attend one month with an advanced training unit, and then be assigned to a patrol division. The probationary period for new officers is one year following graduation from the police academy, at which time the recruit becomes a permanent Seattle Police Department member.

Eligibility to test for promotion to detective, or other positions, is available after spending five years on regular patrol.

Applicants must meet the minimum hiring standards:

• 20 ½ years of age at the time of taking the written test
• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to pass the physical fitness test
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• If discharged from the military, it must be an honorable discharge
• Must have a valid WA State drivers license

In addition, applicants undergo a background check that includes, but is not limited to:

• A criminal history check

Washington Dc Police Officer Requirements

The DC Metropolitan Police Department has rigorous requirements for potential recruits. To be considered for a position with the MPD, candidates must:

• Be a US citizen
• Be at least 21 years old
• Have at least 20/100 vision that is correctable to 20/30
• Have proportionate height and weight, as determined by body fat percentage
• Have either completed 60 college credits, OR three years of active duty in the military , OR five years working for a full-service law enforcement agency*
• Exhibit good moral character
• Have a valid drivers license
• Agree to commit to at least two years on the force recruits who voluntarily separate before two years of service may be responsible for their cost of training

While residency in DC is not required, residents do receive preference points in the hiring process. Preference is also given to military veterans.

Also Check: Can Police Detect No Insurance

Washington Sheriffs Deputy Requirements

Each county in the state of Washington has a sheriffs department with an elected sheriff and hired deputies. The deputies perform law enforcement duties within the county and may coordinate with other agencies like the Washington State Police. To become a deputy sheriff, recruits must meet the standards set by the WSCJTC. Each county may pose additional requirements for deputies, such as prior experience working as a commissioned police officer.

How To Become A Police Officer In Washington

Those hoping to work in law enforcement in Washington can look forward to a career with plenty of opportunities for growth. Over 9,600 patrol officers and sheriffs deputies are employed in Washington state, earning an annual average salary of $78,600.1 Known for its varied and beautiful geography including mountains, rainforest, and rugged coastline, as well as the cosmopolitan city of Seattle, Washington is a great place to live. The minimum standards for police officers in Washington are set by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission . Hiring agencies may also set requirements that exceed the state minimums. Continue reading to learn more about becoming a police officer in Washington.

Recommended Reading: Am I On A Police Watch List

Law Enforcement Degrees & Training

What Do Related Occupations Make

If youre interested in how to become a police officer, you might also be interested in related professions. Working as a correctional officer, EMT or paramedic, firefighter, probation officer, security guard, gaming surveillance officer, game warden or firefighter might be on your radar. If thats the case, you can peruse the list of related occupations below, which includes average salaries:

What you earn depends on where you live, including the region, state or city. To help determine what you can expect to make in your particular area, our handy salary comparison tool can help.

Don’t Miss: Does Crisis Text Line Call The Police

Washington Trooper Or Highway Patrol Requirements

The Washington State Patrol employs around 600 certified troopers to patrol the states highways.2 In 2018, the agency made over 2,400 DUI arrests and responded to 8,884 collision scenes.2 The WSP has achieved accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies for the last three decades and strives to be a model for other agencies. Potential Washington state troopers must:

• Be at least 19.5 years of age at the written testing date, 21 at hire
• Meet the minimum hiring requirements set by the WSCJTC
• Have no tattoos or other body art visible while in uniform
• Not have been in possession of illicit drugs in the last five years
• Be able to work weekends, nights, and holidays
• Be prepared to accept an assignment anywhere in the state
• Not have any felony or DUI convictions
• Be financially responsible
• Demonstrate good moral character

Testing dates for the written and physical ability exams required of prospective trooper cadets are regularly held in cities across the state. The WSP suggests that interested candidates contact a recruiter prior to applying or testing. The starting pay for cadets in training is $56,184 per year, which rises to $63,360 per year for certified troopers.2

Physical Fitness And Abilities:

Vision must be correctable to 20/20. Candidates must pass Physical Fitness and Abilities test to move forward in hiring process.

If you have a concern that something in your background would be a potential disqualification and is not listed below, please contact Kent PD Recruiting Officer Wayne Graff at.

Don’t Miss: Do You Get Paid For Police Training

Are There Any Age Or Physical Limitations On Who Can Apply For The Job

You must be at least 20.5 years of age to be hired there is no maximum age limit. Candidates often worry about their height, weight, vision, hearing or health history. As long as you are fit enough to take and pass the physical ability test and pre-employment medical exam, get through the Academy and are able to perform all the functions of day-to-day police work – there are no physical limitations on who can apply.

Police Officer Degree Levels

There are many degree options for prospective and current police who are interested in furthering their education. As previously mentioned, a successful policing career does not necessarily require a college degree, but pursuing a degree can benefit your career as a police officer not only by helping you get hired but also by putting you in a better position to be promoted and/or move into a supervisory position. Before we look at the degree majors available for those interested in police education, lets look at the police officer education levels available.

Also Check: How Do I Know If A Police Report Was Filed

What Does A Police Officer Do

In the simplest sense, police officers enforce laws and protect life and property. But of course, there is much more to it than that. Heres how it breaks down:

Policeofficers are sworn to protect and serve the communities in which they live andwork. They enforce laws, obtain warrants, arrest and interview suspects, securecrime and accident scenes, write detailed reports and testify in court, amongother duties. Officers often respond to emergency calls, working shifts thatoperate around the clock.

The specific duties of a police officer will be numerous and diverse. Based on appointment, length of service and training, they may work with a K-9 unit responding to suspicions of drugs or dangerous weapons in vehicles and other property. Or, they might take a role on the SWAT team where they need to know tactics and procedures for working under dangerous conditions. Much of their daily routine will involve patrolling a certain area, such as a portion of a town or city. As they move up the ranks, they may investigate crimes ranging from petty theft to murder.

New York Trooper Or Highway Patrol Requirements

The New York State Police operates with over 4,500 state troopers and more than 900 non-sworn employees.2 The state is divided into 10 troops, with each geographic area headed by a Troop Commander. The NYSP requires prospective recruits to complete a written entrance exam, which is only offered periodically. Candidates also must:

• Be between the ages of 20 and 30
• Meet New York state requirements for prospective officers
• Have completed at least 60 college credit hours
• Be a resident of New York state
• Have a valid New York drivers license
• Have vision no worse than 20/100 in each eye correctable to 20/20
• Not have any visible tattoos or body modifications while in uniform or business attire, including in short sleeves

Candidates must pass an intensive Physical Ability Test , which includes a required number of sit-ups, push-ups, and a one-and-a-half mile run. The starting salary for New York state troopers is $53,993 while in the police academy, which is increased to $71,712 after graduation and to $76,712 after one year of service.2

Read Also: Do I Need A Degree To Be A Police Officer

You May Like: Can The Police Tell If You Have Insurance

Employment Opportunities For A Police Officer

Appointment to the AFP is based on merit, and recruits have the opportunity to seek employment in all states and territories of Australia. Overseas postings are also available. Recruits may be employed for duties as plain-clothed Federal Agents, or as uniformed officers in community policing in the ACT.In addition to performing a variety of duties, recruits have the opportunity to gain experience in specialised policing roles , as well as the chance to collaborate with national and international law enforcement agencies.Entry is highly competitive. Job opportunities depend on the level of government funding and technological change in areas such as communication, computer technology, surveillance equipment, data collection and forensic services. The AFP is an equal opportunity employer and has an Indigenous recruitment and career development strategy.

Is There Any Way To Skip Patrol And Go Directly Into A Specialty Unit

No. Both entry-level and lateral candidates must have 3-5 years as a patrol officer before transfers or promotions. Having experience with the unpredictable and diverse nature of events that come with patrol work is absolutely vital background knowledge before making a transition to any other type of police work. Modern policing is very complex and every city is very different so it is also important that you learn the specifics of this department and this city before any transfers.

People choose to go into policing because they love the job. In fact, many patrol officers find that they love the work so much that they choose to stay in patrol for their entire career. If you are not interested in patrol work at all and only want to be part of an advanced specialty unit, you are probably not ready to realistically consider a career in policing.

Don’t Miss: How To Find A Police Report In California

Becoming A Police Officer In Washington State

In 2013, there were approximately 8,160 police officers in the state of Washington, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . There are a number of police departments in all major cities of the state. If you wish to become a police officer in WA, you must meet the minimum educational and training requirements set by your local police recruitment agency/department. Before you apply for the position, it is essential you understand the career and find out how to become a police officer in WA. You should also know whether you have the desire or passion to serve your community. Here are some questions you can ask yourself:

• Why do you want to become a police officer?
• Are you ready to protect others?
• Are you ready to use force to protect others and yourself?
• Can you handle the emotional and physical stress that comes with job?
• Are you ready to tackle dangerous situations that may possibly be life threatening?

According to another set of data published by O*NET OnLine in 2015, police officers in Washington earned a median annual income of $74,950. The job growth in this field in Washington is expected to take place at the rate of 11% from 2014 to 2024.

Other Disqualifying Factors To Become A Peace Officer In Washington State

In addition to the drug consumption history, the character of the potential police officer is tested based on any conviction history, which is only normal considering the officer should represent a beacon of law and morality.

Convictions that are not acceptable for cadets in Washington include:

• Felonies
• Misdemeanor criminal actions including DUI, domestic violence, larcenies, hit and runs, etc
• Possession of alcohol under the legal age within a 3-year time frame
• Reckless or negligent driving convictions within a 7-year timeframe prior to the application

However, the conviction implies court dispositions adverse to the applicant. In other words, in the eventuality that the candidate was acquitted, if the case was dismissed and the prosecution decision was canceled, then the candidate is eligible for entry into the police academy.

Recommended Reading: Do Police Know If You Have Insurance

Pass The Licensing Exam

The next step to becoming a police officer is to earn a passing score on your states police licensing board exam. Your education and training will prepare you to take the Peace Officer Standards and Training exam.

Each state has its own licensing board, so the tests will also vary. But generally speaking, most POST exams cover topics like: practical application and techniques, civil and criminal law, community policing, victims rights and management and communication. By passing this capstone exam, you are licensed to become a police officer and enforce the law in your jurisdiction. You are now free to seek employment with a police department.

You May Like: How To Lookup Police Report Number

About The Vancouver Police Department

The Vancouver Police Department is a professional, progressive and innovative law enforcement agency. The department practices Community Oriented Policing. We partner with the community to preserve life, protect property and enhance livability through equitable law enforcement and effective use of resources. The department is currently authorized for 234 sworn staff and 63.5 civilian staff.

Specialty units include

The Patrol schedule allows generous days off.

• Officers work 10 ½ hour shifts on a 5/4, 5/4, 5/5 schedule .
• Most specialty assignments enjoy a 4-10 schedule with weekends off.
• Overtime is available but rarely required.
• The position of Police Officer is covered by an agreement between the City and the Vancouver Police Officers’ Guild. Regular employees in this position are required to pay union dues.

Don’t Miss: Do You Have To Call Police After Car Accident

Washington Dc Police Officer Job Description

District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department police officers work hand-in-hand with community members and leaders to fight against crime in the nations capitol. The Districts police officers must be able to solve problems, enjoy being around people, and have a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. Newly-sworn DC police officers are typically assigned to regular patrols, including traffic patrol, and spend considerable time answering calls and completing follow-up paperwork.