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Application Process for New Recruits

1

Register for the written and physical exam.

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.


Candidates must achieve a score of 70% or higher to pass.

3

Complete the Physical Ability Test.

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.

5

Complete the Oral Board interview.

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.

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.

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.

2

Complete the Oral Board interview.

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?

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.”

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.”

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.”

Patrol Officer Joseph Gerkman

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

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.”

Patrol Sergeant Napolean Parker

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

Detective Stephanie Newcomb

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

Patrol Corporal 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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