The following information is provided to answer some of your questions about a law enforcement career.
Police Officers work with people in a wide variety of circumstances, many of which are stressful. Therefore, maturity, good judgment, self-confidence and a desire to assist the public are necessary.
The Bellingham Police Department employs 109 commissioned officers. An average of four to five vacancies occur per year. New hires begin as entry level police officers and are assigned to the Patrol Division. Status in any other Civil Service System is not transferrable to Bellingham. Experienced law enforcement officers may start at a higher step within the pay range.
The City of Bellingham is a classified Civil Service System using ranked eligibility lists developed from test scores to select final candidates for hire. The exam consists of a scored written test and a pass/fail physical fitness test. Additional procedures include background investigation, polygraph exam, drug screening, medical and psychological exams and department interview.
Upon completion of a eighteen month probationary period which includes the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, an officer may work toward qualification in one of several specialized areas, including Investigations, Traffic, Crime Prevention, K-9 and SWAT Team.
Educational requirements are 90 quarter/60 semester hours of college course work. The minimum qualifications include U.S. citizenship, valid Washington State Driver’s License, at least 21 years of age, and standards of physical condition including, but not limited to, physical fitness and vision 20/100 uncorrected each eye (corrected to 20/20). Applicants must not have smoked or used tobacco products for at least one year prior to the date of application.
Applications are available February 25 - March 21, 2008. Police Officer Job Posting
Beginning salary (effective 1/1/08) for an entry level Police Officer is $4,306 per month; the full salary range is $4,306-$5,871 per month. An extensive benefit package is provided, including medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage for employee, spouse and dependents. Guild membership is required within 30 days of hire. The state- wide Washington Law Enforcement and Firefighters Pension Plan (LEOFF) provides retirement benefits. City of Bellingham Employment Opportunities.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application/examination process should contact Human Resources
