We are pleased you are interested in the position of Lateral Police Officer with the City of Fife Police Department. We are establishing a certified eligibility register. A typing certification from a career employment agency must be attached, for a 5 minute typing test and a minimum typing speed of 25 wpm.  Only City of Fife Civil Service applications will be accepted for consideration.

The applicant will receive, by mail, the dates and times of their appointment for the Oral Board to complete the testing process.  At the completion of the process, an eligibility register will be established.

Only completed and fully signed application packets and the supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed.  All applications received will be screened for eligibility to participate in the examination process. Applications will be scored according to pre-determined rating criteria. Only those candidates receiving the highest scores on the applications will be invited to compete in the examination process. The City of Fife reserves the right to close acceptance of applications at any time.

As examination sessions are successfully completed, all applicants will be placed on an eligibility register in rank of test score order. The register will be eligible for one year from the date of certification by the Civil Service Commission.

In order to be placed on an eligibility register, applicants must successfully complete both the written essay examination and Oral Board interview.

Upon the applicant being interviewed by the Police Department an extensive background investigation is conducted on each applicant considered for hiring.  This includes criminal background, WA state motor vehicle, psychological, polygraph, and medical examination.
  
The information contained in this packet is to reflect and describe the principal functions and qualifications for this position, the level of knowledge and skill required along with the scope of responsibility.  Individuals may be required to perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance the workload.  

Once hired, this will be a Regular Full Time position, with the applicant working shift work and rotational shifts, including day, swing and graveyard.   

The employee must successfully complete a 12-month probation period before being permanently employed. They must maintain a level of physical fitness necessary to perform the duties of a police officer.

The City of Fife is a drug-free and smoke free workplace. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, disability status, or any other basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.

The Employer of Commissioned Officers shall provide uniforms.

Questions should be addressed to:

BASIC FUNCTION: 

Under the direction of an assigned Police Sergeant, perform pro-active police protection and other services to safeguard the lives, property and constitutional rights of the citizens of Fife; respond to crime and accident scenes, emergency situations and other requests for assistance; detect, apprehend and arrest criminals; enforce the laws and ordinances of the City; perform a variety of specialized duties as assigned.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Provide a variety of pro-active police protection and other services to enforce the laws and ordinances of Fife and safeguard the lives, property and constitutional rights of citizens.

Drive patrol vehicle in an assigned area, observing for conditions and activities in which there appears to be potential or actual harm to persons or property, disruption of public order, or any other violation of law.

Respond to observed or reported suspected or actual harmful or illegal conditions or activities through investigating activities or taking appropriate action required for preventing, subduing or alleviating such conditions or activities.

Prepare formal descriptive reports of, and provide testimony about potentially, suspected, or actually harmful or illegal conditions or activities, and of actions taken in response to such conditions or activities, for use by the department, attorneys and other public agencies; complete a variety of forms and issue citations as appropriate.

Provide direction or information to individuals or groups for the purpose of preventing, subduing or alleviating harmful, dangerous or illegal situations.

Apprehend traffic violators, issuing citations, warnings and drug and alcohol testing activities; transport, process and book offenders according to established procedures.

Respond to a wide variety of calls from citizens in need of first aid, information and general assistance; provide first aid, CPR and rescue services at crime scenes, accidents and other emergency situations.

Communicate with other City personnel, law enforcement agencies and health care providers to coordinate efforts, resolve problems and exchange information.

Utilize and maintain a variety of specialized equipment such as firearms, police vehicles, radios, baton, handcuffs, flares, breath testing equipment, and others according to established procedures; maintain proficiency in driving and the use of firearms; operate a computer as assigned.

Testify in court concerning investigations conducted and arrests made in the course of assigned duties.

Participate in various in-service training programs and conduct law enforcement classes in schools and other community groups as directed; instruct students in Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) at local schools as assigned by the position.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Principles, practices and procedures used in police work.
State, County and City laws and ordinances.
Geography of the City and specific areas of assignment.
Rules of evidence and laws of arrest.
Operation of a variety of specialized police vehicles and equipment.
Oral and written communication skills.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy,
First aid and CPR procedures.

ABILITY TO:

Exercise independent discretion when responding to emergencies.
Protect the lives, property and constitutional rights of the citizens of Fife.
Prepare clear and concise reports.
Present evidence and testimony in court.
Maintain current knowledge of the law and modern law enforcement techniques.
Respond to crime and emergency scenes and take immediate and appropriate action.
Maintain proficiency in driving and in the use of firearms in accordance with departmental guidelines.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Participate in specialized programs and assignments to support police-related activities and community relations.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Read, interpret, apply and explain laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Understand and work within scope of authority.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
Comply with safety standards and regulations.
Perform duties requiring physical endurance in running, climbing and lifting.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to:  graduation from high school and sufficient training to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Successful completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
Valid Washington State driver's license.
Successful completion of physical examination at time of hire.
Valid First Aid and CPR certifications.
Successful completion of psychological, polygraph exam.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Outdoor work environment.
Subject to seasonal heat and cold, temperature changes or extreme weather conditions.
Regular exposure to fumes, dust and odors.
Evening or variable hours and emergency call-out.
Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
Noise from sirens.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and various police equipment.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
Walking and running over rough or uneven surfaces.
Climbing stairs, fences, hills and other slopes.
Bending at the waist, stooping, kneeling or crouching.
Turning/twisting.
Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects or individuals.
Physical agility and stamina.
Sitting for extended periods of time in the patrol vehicle.

HAZARDS:

Exposure to possible fights and confrontations.
Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.
Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions.
Explosives and guns.
Contact with blood and body fluids.
Hazardous materials.
Fumes and hazards associated with methamphetamine labs.