Position Description
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.
We are recruiting for multiple vacancies.
2025 Pay Range: $7,623.56 - $9,981.81 per month plus potential for education premiums. Fife Officers have opportunity to receive additional pay such as shift differential, premium pay and longevity pay. Additionally, Fife offers matching contributions up to $200.00 per month for Deferred Compensation. See collective bargaining agreement on our city website for additional information.
The City utilizes a continuous testing process for entry level Police Officer positions. The City contracts with Public Safety Testing (PST) to administer both the written and physical agility portions of the selection process and an applicant must pass both before they can apply with the City. To find out more about testing with PST, please visit their website at www.publicsafetytesting.com as they have information regarding test dates as well as frequently asked questions.
This position is a full‑time, Fair Labor Standards Act position. The incumbent in this position is a Civil Service employee. This position is eligible for representation through the Police Guild.
Police Officer Position Hiring Levels
- Entry Level Police Officer: 0 years' experience as a fully commissioned law officer.
- Enhanced Entry Police Officer: Less than 2 years' experience as a fully commissioned law officer, with no more than a 24 month break in service.
- Lateral Police Officer: 2 or more years' experience as a fully commissioned law officer, with no more than a 24 month break in service.
Community Information
With a population of just over 11,000 and a thriving business environment, Fife offers a small‑town feel with big‑city ideas. Fife has grown into an accessible business hub – linking people, cities, jobs and attractions. Located along Interstate 5 with close proximity to Tacoma, Sea‑Tac International Airport and the Port of Tacoma, Fife is a center of industry and commerce in the Puget Sound. Open space, vibrant parks, outdoor public art, close‑knit neighborhoods and great schools make Fife an ideal place for families. There is no shortage of family‑friendly events in Fife and it is located just minutes from Tacoma’s renowned museum district. And, Mount Rainier really is as close as it looks. Fife covers roughly 5.7 square miles of land between the Puyallup River and Puget Sound.
Department Information
Mission Statement:
The Fife Police Department partners with the community to strengthen mutual respect to ensure public safety for all and identify and solve problems.
Vision Statement
Fife is a safe community of choice for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Value Statement
- We are respectful.
- We value partnerships.
- We are innovative.
Essential Duties
- 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.
Education, Experience & Other Requirements
- Graduation from high school or equivalent
- Minimum age 21 years
- Citizen of the United States with a valid Washington State Drivers License
- Successfully pass a polygraph test, psychological exam, medical exam, drug screening and a financial review.
- Must be without pending or prior convictions of domestic violence, felony convictions, and no disqualifying misdemeanor convictions
- Valid CPR and First Aid certifications
Licenses & Other Requirements
Valid Washington State driver's license. Successful completion of physical examination at time of hire. Must comply with the City of Fife Drug Use Standards.
Additional Information
- 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.
Seniority level
- Entry level
Employment type
- Contract
Job function
- Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries
- Government Administration
Application Process
Please visit Publicsafetytesting.com to begin the application process. You may only apply using the City of Fife online application for this position after successfully completing the written exam and physical agility testing process with Public Safety Testing and selecting the City of Fife to view scores.