Police Officer

Class Summary

Thank you for your interest in the Spokane Police Department. As of May 2024, we do not anticipate hiring Police Officers for the remainder of the year. We welcome you to still test and send your scores to our department. Candidates who do will be considered during the next hiring cycle.

Before you apply, make sure to take the written and physical Public Safety Tests. Sign up here.

Protect and serve the community of Spokane by becoming an entry-level Police Officer. This position is for applicants who are not currently a Police Officer for a different department and have not completed any school.

For more detailed information about becoming a City of Spokane Police Officer, visit the SPD Recruitment Website .

Examples Of Job Functions

• Patrols a designated area on foot or in a radio and computer equipped vehicle to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crime, to direct traffic and to enforce traffic and parking regulations.
• Answers calls and investigates complaints involving accidents, fires, misdemeanors and felonies; investigates suspicious activities. Administers first aid, interviews witnesses, gathers information and evidence, makes arrests, prepares reports, testifies as witness in court.
• Exercises powers of arrest and control; defends self and uses force and deadly force; enforces motor vehicle laws; operates vehicle under emergency conditions and provides emergency assistance; responds to crime scenes and performs criminal investigations; participates in special operations.
• May be assigned, on a permanent or shift basis, to such specialized technical or administrative duties as: working police desk, maintenance of criminal records, license inspection, photographic and identification work, traffic safety training, field training, radio operation, etc. Advises public on laws and ordinances, provides general information and otherwise assists the public.
• Performs related work as required.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

NOTE: Before applying, please read the City of Spokane Police Department Hiring Standards .

Police Officer - Entry Level Requirements

(Applicants must meet all requirements when they apply.)

• Education : Completion of high school or equivalent.
  
  

General Requirements

• Must be 20 years of age at application and 21 years of age at the time of appointment; within normal weight range for height.
• Physical requirements for this position, including eyesight, hearing, and other physical abilities are consistent with state law and guidelines. All successful candidates who have been offered a position will be required to pass a post-offer physical and psychological examination prior to appointment.
• All applicants must possess a valid driver's license and be a United States citizen.
• A police record may be grounds for rejection.
  
  

Physical Ability Test (PAT)

All candidates must pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT). Click here for details.

The PAT will be typically administered in the following order:

• 300 meter run
• Push-ups
• Sit-ups
• 1.5 mile run/walk
  
  

EXAMINATION DETAILS

Recruitment for this job classification is open until further notice.

Police Officer applicants must pass the Public Safety Testing, Inc. examination and PAT, to be eligible for hire by City of Spokane. After you have completed the PST, you will be invited to apply for the position. PST scores must be less than one year old.

Sign up through the Public Safety Testing, Inc. website, here.

NOTE: The standard PST written test cost is $55, which allows applicants to choose up to two agencies to receive their results. Applicants may select more agencies, for additional fees. Applicants who apply to agencies other than the City of Spokane, or who take the test at a date or location other than the designated free test date in Spokane, are responsible for all costs incurred.

Completion Of a Personal History Statement Is Required.

You will be required to complete a Personal History Statement through the Public Safety Testing website. This documentation will be used to conduct a background investigation. It is a MANDATORY MINIMUM REQUIREMENT to complete the Personal History Statement.

Upon request and at time of application, the City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests, to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status or disability status. As a Fair Chance employer, the City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.