Official website of the
City of Vancouver, Washington

The Vancouver Police Department is a professional, progressive and innovative law enforcement agency. We take pride in our role as an integral part of our community.  We strive to be a full service organization that incorporates diverse values and beliefs to be fair, equitable, and responsible for providing quality law enforcement services to our public.  Our employees are leaders in problem solving and crime prevention in our community, our agency and throughout the law enforcement profession.  

We work in partnership with the community to protect life and property.  We  enhance the quality of life in  our city through proactive problem solving, fair and equitable law enforcement and effective use of resources.  We serve the city of Vancouver with courage, strength, integrity, compassion and pride.

The Vancouver Police Department strives to be a full service organization with challenging opportunities in police work for individuals who are interested in providing quality law enforcement services to the public.  A lateral entry police officer is charged with protecting life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances including the prevention, detection and investigation of crimes and civil infractions, including the exercising of arresting authority. 

The Patrol schedule allows generous days off.  Officers work 10 ½ hour shifts on a 5/4, 5/4, 5/5 schedule (on/off). Most specialty assignments enjoy a 4/10 schedule with weekends off.  Over-time is available but rarely required.

Although most assignments will be patrol, experienced officers have the opportunity for special assignments in areas such as SWAT, Traffic, Detectives, Canine, Narcotics, Gangs, Mounted Patrol, and Child Abuse. 

The position of police officer is covered by an agreement between the City and the Vancouver Police Officer’s Guild.  Regular employees in this position are required to pay union dues.

The police officer position offers a wide variety of challenging emergency and routine duties including:

·         Patrolling a designated area of the City.

·         Responding to a variety of calls for service involving criminal and non-criminal situations and taking necessary police action.

·         Preparing, and maintaining accurate reports.

·         Conducting investigations;  collecting evidence; and interviewing witnesses, victims and suspects.

·         Testifying in Federal, State and local courts, and in administrative hearings.

·         Representing the police department to other city service areas, elected officials, outside agencies, and to various citizens and citizen groups.

·         Performing other duties required to accomplish the objectives of the position.

All City employees are expected to perform their duties in accordance with the City’s Operating Principles; work and act as a team player in interactions with other city employees; and provide a high level of customer service at all times.

The ideal candidate must maintain self-discipline and credibility through honest and ethical behavior and must have strong skills and abilities in a wide variety of areas including communication, creative problem solving, community service, teamwork and leadership.

Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements prior to the examination date:

·         US citizenship

·         High school diploma or equivalent

·         A valid driver’s license

·         Completed a state certified law enforcement academy

·         Maintained any mandated certifications such as firearms qualification and first aid/CPR

·         Received a final offer of employment, or be working as a full-time, commissioned law enforcement officer within the last 24 months.

·         The ability to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, and post offer psychological and medical examination, including pre-employment drug screen.

The Selection Process

Candidates must successfully complete each step of the selection process to obtain an offer of employment.  Candidates may be removed from the process at any time for failing to meet the established standards.

1. Application.  All candidates must complete an online City of Vancouver Civil Service Application.   
2. Structured Oral Interview.  This video based interview assesses law enforcement experience as well as the skills necessary to be successful as a police officer such as observation skills, problem solving ability, persuasiveness and flexibility.
3. Background Investigation.  A background investigator conducts a comprehensive investigation based on information provided by the candidate in an interview and on a personal history questionnaire.  The investigation also includes a behavioral traits assessment and a polygraph examination.
4. Final Selection Interview.  This interview panel screens for strengths that will lead to job success.
5. Post Offer Process.  Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must successfully complete a medical examination including a drug screen nd a psychological evaluation prior to receiving a final offer of employment. 

Vancouver boasts a livable mix of small-town charm and urban amenities, economic opportunity, and lush open spaces. Its full-service city government is committed to providing responsive and progressive leadership for all citizens. Vancouver's Historic Reserve and visionary projects such as the Columbia River Renaissance give the city a rare and special quality. Vancouver offers quality schools, a favorable tax climate, affordable housing, livable neighborhoods, and dedicated citizens involved in all aspects of community life.

The City of Vancouver is a growing community. In 1997 the City almost doubled in size through annexation. The approximate population is 154,800 and Vancouver is currently the fourth largest city in Washington State.

This announcement is meant only as a general descriptive recruitment guide. 

It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract and is not a complete description of the job.

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