Join Our Team

Lacey Police badge with a gold mountain, trees, and the Washington state seal, labeled “Police Officer Lacey Police WA.”.

Build a better community through service and professionalism.
Learn with the best trainers and mentors in Puget Sound.
Join a community that supports you.
  • A police officer sits in a patrol car using a radar gun to monitor vehicle speeds, with a laptop open on the center console.
    Traffic Officer
  • A group of armed law enforcement officers in tactical gear stand beside an armored vehicle in a wooded area.
    SWAT Team
  • Two police officers sitting in a patrol car, looking at a laptop screen and discussing information on the computer.
    Field Training Officer
  • A police SUV is parked on a road with orange traffic cones lining both sides, surrounded by trees in the background.
    Emergency Vehicle Operator
  • Police officer stands in the background with a drone remote. Police drone landed.
    Drone Operator
  • A Lacey Police SUV parked by a lake with scuba gear, flippers, air tanks, and packed bags placed on the ground behind it.
    Diver
  • Close-up of bullet casings and shattered glass on pavement with yellow "Do Not Cross" police tape in the background.
    Detective
  • A group of people practice defensive tactics on blue mats in a gym while an instructor with a "Lacey Police Defensive Tactics" shirt observes.
    Defensive Tactics Instructor
  • Three police officers and one civilian stand smiling behind a table with pamphlets and promotional items at an outdoor community event.
    Community Resources Unit

Application Process for New Recruits

1

Register for the written and physical exam.

A graphic of a laptop displaying the letters "PST" and a swoosh logo on a blue screen.

Visit the Public Safety Testing website to register for the written and physical ability tests.

  • Click Schedule a Test.
  • Select Law Enforcement Officer.
  • Select Lacey PD from the available agencies.
  • Follow the prompts to register for testing.
2

Complete the written exam.

Black and white icon of a pencil writing on a piece of lined paper, with two additional sheets partially visible behind the main paper.
Candidates must achieve a score of 70% or higher to pass.

3

Complete the Physical Ability Test.

Black and white line drawing of a stopwatch with both hands pointing straight up at 12 o'clock.

4

Submit an employment application.

Candidates who achieve a passing score will get an automated message from the Human Resources Department via Public Safety Testing with an invitation and link to apply.

Visit our Police Officer job classification webpage to learn more about the basic purpose, primary mission, essential duties and responsibilities of the role, and apply.

Drawing of a laptop displaying an image of a snowy mountain, blue sky with horizontal lines, evergreen trees, and water in the foreground.

5

Complete the Oral Board interview.

Outline of two people with speech bubbles above their heads, indicating a conversation or communication.Candidates who qualify will then participate in a panel interview with members of the Police Department. Following the Oral Board process, the Human Resources Department will notify the candidate of their recruitment status. Candidates who qualify are certified on the eligibility list. Candidates who do not certify are eligible to retest through Public Safety Testing.

6

Submit background packet materials.

A person sits at a desk using a computer with multiple monitors, surrounded by bookshelves and office supplies in a workspace.Certified candidates will go through a
pre-screening process.

 

7

Complete an interview with the Chief of Police.

8

If approved, receive a conditional employment offer.

9

Participate in the full screening process.

Black and white icon of a document with a photo, lines of text, a pen, and a paperclip, suggesting an application or personal profile form.Screening includes a full background check, polygraph examination, psychological exams, and medical exams.

10

If approved, receive an official employment offer.

The official employment offer details the start date, salary, benefits, and other important information.

Application Process for Lateral Transfers

1

Submit an employment application.

Visit our Police Officer job classification webpage to learn more about the basic purpose, primary mission, essential duties and responsibilities of the role, and apply.

Drawing of a laptop displaying an image of a snowy mountain, blue sky with horizontal lines, evergreen trees, and water in the foreground.

2

Complete the Oral Board interview.

Outline of two people with speech bubbles above their heads, indicating a conversation or communication.Candidates who qualify will then participate in a panel interview with members of the Police Department. Following the Oral Board process, the Human Resources Department will notify the candidate of their recruitment status. Candidates who qualify are certified on the eligibility list. Candidates who do not certify are eligible to retest through Public Safety Testing.

3

Submit background packet materials.

Certified candidates will go through a
pre-screening process.

 

4

Complete an interview with the Chief of Police.

5

If approved, receive a conditional employment offer.

6

Participate in the full screening process.

Screening includes a full background check, polygraph examination, psychological exams, and medical exams.

7

If approved, receive an official employment offer.

The official employment offer details the start date, salary, benefits, and other important information.

Salary and Benefits

Salary

Police Officer (As of July 1, 2023)

Additional salary incentives and premiums offered:

  • Educational Pay (AA or equivalent) – 3%
  • Educational Pay (BA) – 5%
  • Bilingual Pay – 3%
  • Longevity Pay – 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 9% or 11% at qualifying years
  • Defensive Tactics Instructor – 1%
  • Field Training Officer – 3%
  • Community Resource Officer – 3%
  • School Resource Officer – 3%
  • Traffic Officer – 3%
  • SWAT Regional Member – 3%
  • Detective – 4%

Additional opportunities include:

Dive Team, Drug Recognition Expert, Hostage/Crisis Negotiations Team, Firearms Instructor, EVOC (Driving) Instructor, WSCJTC TAC Officer, and Drone Pilot.

Benefits

Officers receive a generous employer contribution toward employee and dependent coverages for medical, dental, and vision; generous sick leave, vacation benefits, floating holidays, and comp time; employer-paid life and disability insurance; and are eligible to participate in the City’s deferred compensation plans. Other benefits include 11 paid holidays, 10.7-hour workdays, and a 5-4/5-4/5-5 work schedule. Officers do not pay into social security and are represented by the Lacey Police Guild.

Vacation Accrual Chart

Disqualifiers

One (1) or more criminal traffic convictions in the last five (5) years (DUI, suspended, reckless, etc.).
Two (2) DUI convictions within the lifetime of the applicant.
Suspension of a driver’s license within the past five (5) years. 
Use of any illegal substances while employed in a criminal justice capacity (illicit drugs). 
Use of heroin, methamphetamines, cocaine, LSD, PCP, or illegal opioids within the seven (7) years immediately preceding the date of application. 
Use or addiction to a controlled substance within the past twelve (12) months (including cannabis) immediately preceding the date of application. Note: Medical/Recreational cannabis use is included in this prohibition.
As an adult, being convicted of a felony crime in Washington State or an offense in another state which would be a felony if committed in Washington State. 
Conviction of a domestic violence crime. 
Revocation of any peace officer certification. 
Dishonorable discharge from employment in any branch of law enforcement or any branch of the United States Armed Forces.
Disqualification from the Lacey Police Department’s background process within the past three (3) years. 
Failure to respond and/or cooperate with the Lacey Police Department’s hiring and/or background investigation process, after being ranked, within the past two (2) years. 
Failure to respond and/or cooperate with the Lacey Police Department’s hiring process, prior to being ranked on the eligibility list, within the past twelve (12) months. 
Not being ranked on a Lacey Police Department eligibility list and failure to retest with Public Safety Testing prior to the next Lacey Police Department oral board process.
Evidence the applicant has falsified, provided misleading information, or cheated during the application process. This includes application materials such as the written application, personal history statement, supplemental documentation, and/or any other forms or documentation required. 
Intentional deception or misrepresentation in any stage of the selection process for any law enforcement agency. 
Failure to pass a polygraph, psychological, and/or medical exam (which includes non-DOT drug testing). 
Unlawful sexual misconduct conviction.

Veterans

Twenty minutes from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Lacey is the community of choice for military families in South Puget Sound. Lacey Police Department’s veteran benefits include:

  • Veteran’s preference points for entry-level candidates: Add either 5% or 10% to their written score, prior to it being weighted with the oral board score. To receive veteran’s preference points, candidates must include their DD214 and a veteran’s preference form with the employment application.
  • On-the-Job Training for entry-level candidates: Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) and part of the Field Training Officer training qualify for veteran’s education benefits (for a total of 8 months of on-the-job training). Veterans apply through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to utilize their VA education benefits, such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Why Lacey?

A police officer wearing a uniform smiles and fist-bumps a person at an outdoor event with people and tents in the background.
School Resource Officer Alisha Howard

“I chose Lacey because it has the small department camaraderie with a city that is continuing to grow and expand.”

A police officer in uniform, wearing a badge and radio, smiles outdoors with people and greenery in the background.
Deputy Chief Robert Hollis

“I joined Lacey for the opportunity to work with motivated individuals who love their community and work in a community that really loves their police officers.”

A police officer smiles and talks with a group of people outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and a house in the background.
School Resource Officer Justin Beltran

“I chose Lacey because it offers a secure environment for both work and family, boasts strong community support, and consistently strives for ways to improve.”

A police officer wearing sunglasses and a uniform stands outdoors under a canopy. Two people are seated in the background near a brick column.
Community Resource Officer Joseph Gerkman

“I came to Lacey due to the opportunities the agency affords its officers and the strong community connection.”

A police officer in uniform sits in a patrol car, looking at a computer mounted on the dashboard.
Patrol Officer Josie Evers

“Lacey had a great reputation amongst other agencies in Washington state, and I wanted to build my career here as a member of the team.”

A police officer in uniform kneels and smiles while talking to a young girl in a pink dress.
Patrol Lieutenant Napoleon Parker

“I chose Lacey because it’s a progressive department that prides itself on being a modern agency with a distinct brand of policing.”

A police officer in uniform, wearing a body camera, holds a badge and smiles while standing outdoors near a vehicle.
School Resource Officer Stephanie Newcomb

“Lacey is a supportive expanding community and the department provides significant growth opportunities throughout your career.”

A police officer assists a young boy in a hooded jacket seated in a vehicle, while a young girl stands nearby watching.
Sergeant Jimmy Williams

“I wanted to give back to the community that raised me and formed who I am as a person.”

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