Police Officers are required to maintain necessary physical fitness, health and conditioning at all times to allow them to perform all essential functions of a Police Officer. Constant demands include sitting in and operating police vehicles while on duty; ability to read and write reports; ability to see clearly in both daytime and nighttime conditions; ability to hear accurately and speak clearly. Frequent demands include standing, walking, handling/grasping, fine finger manipulation, ability to operate a computer, and lifting an average of 20 pounds (equipment, evidence, and property). Occasional demands include the ability to walk or run for prolonged periods of time or distances; ability to aim and accurately discharge all firearms approved for departmental use; ability to pursue and forcibly arrest, when necessary, criminal suspects; ability to resist and defend oneself against physical assaults; ability to swim and ability to come to the aid or rescue of members of the public involved in accidents or who require physical assistance to remove them from harm. Environmental factors include generally moderate noise levels with a risk of exposure to occasional high noise levels; up to 90 percent of the employee's time is spent outdoors or in a patrol car; above/below normal temperatures are part of the job; and there is a risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
 
EXAMINATION PROCEDURES
Lateral-Entry applications are accepted on a continuous basis so that a pool of applications is on file for testing as openings occur or to establish an eligibility list in anticipation of potential openings. Applications are kept on file until examinations are scheduled (once all completed applications on file are screened for eligibility to participate in the examination process). Applications are scored according to pre-determined rating criteria. Those candidates receiving the highest scores on their application packets are invited to compete in the examination process. In order to be placed on the eligibility register, candidates must successfully complete competitive oral interview and written essay examinations. The minimum passing score for the examination process is 70. The City of Puyallup reserves the right to schedule examinations as necessary. Candidates are notified in advance of examination dates.
 
As examination sessions are completed, all candidates will be placed on a single eligibility register in rank order. Candidates will remain on the eligibility register for one year from the date the register is certified by the Civil Service Commission, or until such time it is determined a new register should be established. Eligibility registers will be certified following each examination session.
 
When there is a position opening for Lateral-Entry Police Officer, those candidates with the top five final examination scores may be referred for a second interview (Chief's interview) and are subject to a thorough background investigation including: drug history, driving record, credit history, conviction/arrest record, work history, reference check, and polygraph. Screening may be conducted both before and after the establishment of the eligibility list. An applicant may be removed from the eligibility list at any time for failure to pass the pre-employment interview or background investigation. Any employment offer made will be conditional upon successfully passing a background investigation, psychological examination and a physical examination which includes drug and alcohol testing.
Veteran's scoring criteria will be applied after the applicant successfully completes the entire examination process. Veteran's scoring criteria will be added only for candidates who meet the criteria in accordance with state law, RCW 41.04.005 and RCW 41.04.010. Candidates must properly complete the Veteran's Scoring Criteria section of the employment application form and at time of application attach their DD form 214, NGB form 22, or their equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that characterize his/her service as honorable.
 
GENERAL INFORMATION 
Hours of Work –Officers assigned to the Patrol Division work four 12 hours shifts followed by four days off. The shifts are 0600-1800hrs, 1200-0000hrs, and 1800-0600hrs. Officers assigned to other positions within the department work either a 4-10 schedule or a 5-8 schedule.
Union Affiliation – This is a Puyallup Police Association bargaining unit position.
Trial Service Period – Regular-status employment as a Lateral-Entry Police Officer is currently subject to successful completion of a trial service period of 12 months.
Essential Functions – The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may 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.
Drug-Free Workplace – The City of Puyallup is a drug-free, tobacco-free workplace.
Identification – In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, employment by the City of Puyallup is contingent upon presentation of acceptable documents verifying proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States. Applicants who are offered employment must provide acceptable documents verifying identity and work authorization within three business days of the hire date. The City uses the E-Verify program.
Equal Employment Opportunity – The City of Puyallup is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate in any employer/employee relations based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran's status or any other basis protected by applicable discrimination laws.
Disability – In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, disability will be considered only in the context of an applicant's ability to perform essential functions of the job and to determine reasonable accommodation. Accommodation to participate in the job application and/or selection process for employment will be made upon request with reasonable notice. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information. The physical demands described in this job announcement are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
NOTE: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.