Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs
Lateral Police Officer - $25,000 Hiring Bonus
Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Olympia, Washington, United States
The city of Westport (WA) is seeking Washington State certified/eligible lateral Police Officer applicants!
Job Overview - Please read all below! LATERAL APPLICANTS
(minimum 2 years of post academy Law Enforcement experience and a Basic Law Enforcement Academy graduate): can download and email their applications via our website. Officers with less than 2 years of experience may be considered as an exceptional entry.
OUT-OF-STATE/TRIBAL OFFICER APPLICANTS:
You must qualify for or possess the Basic Law Enforcement Academy Equivalency Academy training per WAC 139-05-210. Equivalency academy applications are accepted by CJTC on a case-by-case basis. If CJTC denies your request for the equivalency academy you will have to go through the full basic academy.
All applicants: Please be sure your application/resume specifies your qualifications and certifications as a lateral police officer. Applications/resumes without this information will be automatically rejected.
Entry level applicants (no current peace officer certification or experience) must apply through
Public Safety Testing
The city of Westport is a rapidly growing city in Grays Harbor, WA, full of new construction including a planned 600 acre golf course. This opportunity is your calling to serve a great and very supportive local community on the west coast and continue your law enforcement career! The Westport Police Department offers excellent training opportunities, benefits, equipment, and experience in almost all aspects of law enforcement.
The Westport Police Officer plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety and enforcing laws within the community. This position requires a dedicated individual who is committed to protecting life and property, preventing crime, and ensuring the safety of citizens. Officers will be involved in patrolling assigned areas, responding to emergencies, and conducting investigations. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a sense of integrity, and the ability to work collaboratively with community members.
Requirements
High‑school diploma or equivalent
A valid driver license in good standing
Peace Officer Certification through Washington State or another (Washington CJTC determines on a case‑by‑case basis if out‑of‑state certifications qualify for the equivalency program).
At least 2 years of full‑time patrol experience as a commissioned law enforcement officer, and completion of that department's field training program and probation.
Exceptional entry candidates (basic police officer academy graduate, with less than 2 years experience) may apply and are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis.
Duties
Patrol assigned areas to deter and detect criminal activity.
Respond promptly to calls for service, emergencies, and incidents.
Conduct thorough investigations of crimes, including gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Prepare detailed reports on incidents, arrests, and investigations.
Enforce traffic laws and regulations; issue citations as necessary.
Engage with the community to build trust and foster positive relationships.
Utilize surveillance and patrol techniques to monitor suspicious activities.
Develop and maintain knowledge of applicable state and federal laws as well as municipal ordinances. Demonstrate the ability to apply them in the course of your duties.
Skills
Proficient in report writing to document incidents accurately.
Strong understanding of criminal investigation techniques.
Ability to operate a vehicle safely under various conditions; valid driver's license required.
Excellent communication skills for effective interaction with the public and other law enforcement personnel.
Understanding of law enforcement principles and practices.
A detailed background check is required to include a personal history statement. After passing the background phase, candidates must pass psychological screening, polygraph examination and medical screening.
Lateral/exceptional applicants must also pass a field training evaluation and 12 month probationary period. Out of state or non‑BLEA certified officers will have to complete the CJTC's BLEA equivalency training program, which is completed after hire.
Additional Benefits
$25,000 bonus package for qualifying lateral police officers
Pay scale in this listing reflects 2026 contract wages.
LEOFF 2 Retirement System. Eligible for retirement as early as age 53.
Supplemental Teamsters retirement pension, both employee and city contribute per hour.
Competitive raises, benefits, and collective bargaining contract.
Gym/Fitness membership reimbursement up to $70/month
Modern up‑to‑date equipment.
Access to powerful modern investigative resources, tools and databases.
Teamsters Retirement Health and Welfare, (retiree health insurance). Employees are vested after 5 years of service.
Education incentive bonus: AA= 2% and BA = 4%.
Tuition (including books) reimbursement for up to $4,000/yr. Courses must relate to law enforcement and be at an accredited institution.
Longevity pay, tops out after 2.5 years or less.
The Westport Police Department recognizes your prior service, lateral applicants receive 1 credit year per each prior year of applicable service.
Longevity applies to pay step placement and vacation accrual rate.
Shift differential pay.
Flexible scheduling for vacations.
12 paid holidays.
2 "Floater" holidays that employees may use as desired.
Vacation, sick, compensatory (overtime as leave), and bereavement leave.
Take home patrol vehicle.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Overview - Please read all below! LATERAL APPLICANTS
(minimum 2 years of post academy Law Enforcement experience and a Basic Law Enforcement Academy graduate): can download and email their applications via our website. Officers with less than 2 years of experience may be considered as an exceptional entry.
OUT-OF-STATE/TRIBAL OFFICER APPLICANTS:
You must qualify for or possess the Basic Law Enforcement Academy Equivalency Academy training per WAC 139-05-210. Equivalency academy applications are accepted by CJTC on a case-by-case basis. If CJTC denies your request for the equivalency academy you will have to go through the full basic academy.
All applicants: Please be sure your application/resume specifies your qualifications and certifications as a lateral police officer. Applications/resumes without this information will be automatically rejected.
Entry level applicants (no current peace officer certification or experience) must apply through
Public Safety Testing
The city of Westport is a rapidly growing city in Grays Harbor, WA, full of new construction including a planned 600 acre golf course. This opportunity is your calling to serve a great and very supportive local community on the west coast and continue your law enforcement career! The Westport Police Department offers excellent training opportunities, benefits, equipment, and experience in almost all aspects of law enforcement.
The Westport Police Officer plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety and enforcing laws within the community. This position requires a dedicated individual who is committed to protecting life and property, preventing crime, and ensuring the safety of citizens. Officers will be involved in patrolling assigned areas, responding to emergencies, and conducting investigations. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a sense of integrity, and the ability to work collaboratively with community members.
Requirements
High‑school diploma or equivalent
A valid driver license in good standing
Peace Officer Certification through Washington State or another (Washington CJTC determines on a case‑by‑case basis if out‑of‑state certifications qualify for the equivalency program).
At least 2 years of full‑time patrol experience as a commissioned law enforcement officer, and completion of that department's field training program and probation.
Exceptional entry candidates (basic police officer academy graduate, with less than 2 years experience) may apply and are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis.
Duties
Patrol assigned areas to deter and detect criminal activity.
Respond promptly to calls for service, emergencies, and incidents.
Conduct thorough investigations of crimes, including gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Prepare detailed reports on incidents, arrests, and investigations.
Enforce traffic laws and regulations; issue citations as necessary.
Engage with the community to build trust and foster positive relationships.
Utilize surveillance and patrol techniques to monitor suspicious activities.
Develop and maintain knowledge of applicable state and federal laws as well as municipal ordinances. Demonstrate the ability to apply them in the course of your duties.
Skills
Proficient in report writing to document incidents accurately.
Strong understanding of criminal investigation techniques.
Ability to operate a vehicle safely under various conditions; valid driver's license required.
Excellent communication skills for effective interaction with the public and other law enforcement personnel.
Understanding of law enforcement principles and practices.
A detailed background check is required to include a personal history statement. After passing the background phase, candidates must pass psychological screening, polygraph examination and medical screening.
Lateral/exceptional applicants must also pass a field training evaluation and 12 month probationary period. Out of state or non‑BLEA certified officers will have to complete the CJTC's BLEA equivalency training program, which is completed after hire.
Additional Benefits
$25,000 bonus package for qualifying lateral police officers
Pay scale in this listing reflects 2026 contract wages.
LEOFF 2 Retirement System. Eligible for retirement as early as age 53.
Supplemental Teamsters retirement pension, both employee and city contribute per hour.
Competitive raises, benefits, and collective bargaining contract.
Gym/Fitness membership reimbursement up to $70/month
Modern up‑to‑date equipment.
Access to powerful modern investigative resources, tools and databases.
Teamsters Retirement Health and Welfare, (retiree health insurance). Employees are vested after 5 years of service.
Education incentive bonus: AA= 2% and BA = 4%.
Tuition (including books) reimbursement for up to $4,000/yr. Courses must relate to law enforcement and be at an accredited institution.
Longevity pay, tops out after 2.5 years or less.
The Westport Police Department recognizes your prior service, lateral applicants receive 1 credit year per each prior year of applicable service.
Longevity applies to pay step placement and vacation accrual rate.
Shift differential pay.
Flexible scheduling for vacations.
12 paid holidays.
2 "Floater" holidays that employees may use as desired.
Vacation, sick, compensatory (overtime as leave), and bereavement leave.
Take home patrol vehicle.
#J-18808-Ljbffr