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Police Lieutenant

City of Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/10/2025 CLOSED ON 1/3/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Lieutenant position at City of Gig Harbor?

Salary: $141,187.73 - $176,613.96 annually

Benefits: https://www.gigharborwa.gov/654/Employee-Benefits


POSITION OVERVIEW

The police lieutenant is responsible for supervision of the patrol, investigations, and administrative sections of the police department and ensures smooth day-to-day operations of the department. The police lieutenant reports to the chief of police and is governed by the demands of applicable federal, state, and local laws, and policies established by the police department and judicial rulings.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description do not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to undertake other projects consistent with the role as requested by a supervisor.


  • Manages and supervises staff assigned to them, including but not limited to interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints, grievances, and disputes; resolving problems; appraising performance; recommending promotions and disciplinary actions; implementing organizational changes; approving and schedule leave time; and recommending terminations as appropriate.
  • Acts as a management assistant to the chief of police in planning and evaluating organizational objectives, personnel performance, and the effectiveness of public safety programs.
  • Serves as acting police chief in the chief’s absence.
  • Creates and manages the personnel work schedules for all sections.
  • Fills in as the dayshift supervisor and responds to calls as needed.
  • Analyzes performance and policy and makes recommendations to the chief of police for continuous improvements.
  • Procures equipment and supplies.
  • Prepares all accounts payable documentation for processing, reviews and submits expenditure and reimbursement requests from the department.
  • Makes crime prevention presentations to civic and business groups.
  • Writes reports on alleged crimes, traffic incidents, crime prevention programs, and administrative issues.
  • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current criminal and civil laws, recent court decisions, and technical skills in order to remain proficient in the performance of duty. 
  • Performs all functions of a police officer in addition to management responsibilities.
  • Operates police patrol vehicles, jail van, patrol boat, police bicycle.
  • Supports and promotes the city's strategic and operational goals.
  • Maintains punctual and reliable attendance.


Administration

  • Supervision and oversight of the records section, investigations section, and property room/forensics.
  • Oversees and documents all department training.
  • Provides backup to the operations lieutenant in creation and management of the personnel work schedules for all sections.
  • Documents all department professional standards, such as use of force, vehicle accidents, and citizen complaints.
  • Makes budget recommendations to chief of police.
  • Grant management.
  • Prepares payment vouchers for goods and services.
  • Conducts preliminary reviews of use of force incidents or potential policy violations.
  • Conducts mid-level internal investigations.
  • Maintains standards for accreditation.
  • Serves on outside law enforcement committees, including the South Sound 911 Law Enforcement Operations Committee.


Operations

  • Supervision and oversight of the patrol section, including specialty units (e.g. marine services, bicycle) and Derelict Vessel Enforcement Program.
  • Acts as the school liaison for operational, security, and public relations tasks.
  • Coordinates department participation in Metro Teams
  • Prepares payment vouchers for goods and services.
  • Serves on outside law enforcement committees, including the Pierce County DUI Task Force and South Sound 911 Operations Committee.
  • Oversees vehicle maintenance.
  • Leads planning for police support at large community events.


KEY COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of:

  • Federal, state, and local laws, and court rulings.
  • Behavioral theory and human relations techniques.
  • The theory, principles, and practices of delivering police services.
  • Basic first aid and CPR procedures.


Ability to:

  • Communicate effectively with other employees and the public, individually and in groups, verbally in-person and by phone, and in writing.
  • Read and interpret laws and court rulings.
  • Manage people and complex muti-department organizations.
  • Lead people by influencing their behavior to perform to high standards of accepted police performance.
  • Use a firearm and less lethal devices safely and proficiently. 
  • Make decisions affecting the quality and quantity of police services.
  • Establish and maintain an effective relationship with the community, department personnel, other criminal justice agencies, and city employees.
  • Observe and evaluate trends, analyze data, draw logical conclusions, and prepare comprehensive reports. 
  • Recognize and diplomatically respond to high-emotion or confusing situations that may trigger negative or angry responses from the public.
  • Employ de-escalation techniques and empathy to victims or persons in crisis, and to coworkers.
  • Work early mornings, evenings, and weekends


Skilled in:

  • Operating police patrol vehicles, jail van, patrol boat, police bicycle with training as assigned.
  • Planning and project management.
  • Counseling and coaching staff through challenging or dynamic situations. 


WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.


Work is performed in a climate-controlled office setting and vehicle, and sometimes outdoors is exposed to inclement weather.


Schedule: Typical business hours are Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm. This position is considered essential and will require an on-site presence. Subpoenaed appearances in court to testify is a regular and ongoing occurrence and may occur on a day off or before/after a regularly scheduled shift. This position may be called out on evenings, early mornings, and weekends. Attendance at night meetings is mandatory. This position will need to respond with little or no notice to City emergencies and disasters and will likely work long and/or irregular hours during these times.


Driving and Travel: There is significant local and inter-jurisdictional travel by vehicle to business meetings, court, and public speaking engagements. Travel is required to visit other work sites in the area and to attend meetings, training, and/or conferences as needed.


QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE


Any combination of education, training, and experience that indicates the individual can successfully perform the job may be considered.

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Six (6) years’ experience in a police service.
  • One (1) year as a first line supervisor.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred, with a focus in communications, business administration, psychology, sociology preferred.


CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

The following certifications and licenses are required for the position (or must be obtained within the timeframe stated) and must be maintained for the duration of employment.


  • CJTC Peace Officer Certification.
  • First Level Supervisor Certification.
  • First Aid/CPR card or have the ability to obtain and maintain within six months of hire .
  • A valid Washington State driver’s license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire).


PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 

The physical attributes described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.


Periodically responds to calls for service and there is exposure to physical contact and confrontations. At times, the employee is vulnerable to personal injury. There is considerable walking, standing, stooping, reaching, and at times, running. Work sometimes requires above-average physical agility and conditioning.


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to read, write and speak English fluently.
  • A history of and ability to maintain safe and responsible driving that meets the city’s motor vehicle record minimum driving requirements.
  • Ability to pass a position-relevant pre-employment criminal background check, employment verification, pre-employment medical exam, pre-employment drug test, credit check, fingerprinting, polygraph and psychological examination. 


The requirements outlined in this job description may be modified to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment.


This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.

Salary : $141,188 - $176,614

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