Police Officer

Are you interested in a career in law enforcement? The Lacey Police Department is looking for well-qualified candidates to join our team! The Lacey Police Department, an accredited agency, serves the community of Lacey by providing a full-service approach to delivering law enforcement services in a professional and courteous manner.  The Department leads the efforts within the community to preserve the public peace, protect the rights of persons and property, prevent crime, and generally provide assistance to citizens in an urgent situation. 

If you are looking for a long-term career, want to develop skills, and have the desire to make a difference, we want to talk to you!

Overview

The Lacey Police Department (LPD) provides a wide range of services on behalf of the Lacey community including citizen outreach, collaboration with schools, managing crime prevention programs, and investigating major felony crimes.  The public and the police work together to ensure the overall safety of the community.  This partnership is critical in maintaining the City of Lacey’s high quality of life, allowing the Lacey Police Department to respond to emerging issues confronting the community proactively.  


The Department prides itself on excellent customer service, a low crime rate, and a strong connection to the community.  This is due to the professionalism and training of the men and women who wear the uniform and from the willingness of Lacey citizens to get involved and report criminal activity affecting their community.  The Lacey Police Department will continue to strive to meet the needs of the community and enforce laws in a uniform and fair manner to preserve and maintain the safety of our neighborhoods, schools, and businesses.


The Lacey Police Department values the diversity of our community and is known for being one of the most professional and community-minded police departments in the region. The City is an equal opportunity employer in all aspects of employment, and as a result, strives to ensure that our workforce reflects those we serve. Our favorite compliment is: “Lacey Police Officers are just members of the community who happen to be wearing a uniform.”

Entry Level

Entry Level

Candidates must be 21 years old by the time of graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Candidates must be a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident, possess a valid Washington State driver’s license at the time of appointment, and have a High School Diploma/GED.

Process

  • Visit www.publicsafetytesting.com and sign up for the written test and physical ability test. Select Lacey PD.
  • Passing scores will result in an automated message being sent with instructions on submitting an application
  • Invitation to participate in an oral board
  • Pre-Background Packet Submission
  • Chief’s Interview
  • Background Process
  • Conditional Offer
  • Polygraph and Psychological Exams
  • Medical Exam
  • Formal Offer
  • Start date
  • Basic Law Enforcement Academy – BLEA
  • Pre-FTO Training
  • Field Training

Police Officer Disqualifiers

Driving

AutomaticOne (1) or more criminal traffic convictions in the last five (5) years (DUI, suspended, reckless, etc.)
AutomaticTwo (2) DUI convictions within the lifetime of the applicant
AutomaticSuspension of a driver’s license within the past five (5) years. 

Drug Usage

AutomaticUse of any illegal substances while employed in a criminal justice capacity (illicit drugs). 
AutomaticUse of heroin, methamphetamines, cocaine, LSD, PCP, or illegal opioids within the seven (7) years immediately preceding the date of application. 
AutomaticUnlawful use or addiction to a controlled substance within the past year (includes cannabis). Note: Medical/recreational cannabis use is included in the prohibition.

Criminal Activity

AutomaticAs 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. 
AutomaticConviction of a domestic violence crime. 

Employment

AutomaticRevocation of any peace officer certification. 
AutomaticWhile employed in any branch of law enforcement or any branch of the United States Armed Forces, termination for cause at any time, other than honorable conditions. 
AutomaticDisqualification from the Lacey Police Department’s background process within the past five (5) years. 
Automatic 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. 
AutomaticFailure to respond and/or cooperate with the Lacey Police Department’s hiring process, prior to being ranked, within the past one (1) year. 
AutomaticNot 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.
AutomaticEvidence the applicant has falsified or provided misleading information during the application process or in their written application, personal history statement, and/or any other forms/supplemental documentation. 
AutomaticEvidence the applicant has lied/cheated during any phase of the recruitment/background process. 
AutomaticIntentional deception or misrepresentation in any stage of the selection process for any law enforcement agency. 
AutomaticFailure to pass a polygraph, psychological, and/or medical exam (which includes non-DOT drug testing). 

Other

AutomaticUnlawful sexual misconduct conviction.
AutomaticFalsifying official documents or giving false information. 
Lateral

Lateral

Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law enforcement academy and not have more than a twelve (12) month gap in service from their most recent law enforcement agency

Process:

  • Complete City of Lacey Online Application
  • Invitation to participate in an oral board
  • Pre-Background Packet Submission
  • Chief’s Interview
  • Background Process
  • Conditional Offer
  • Polygraph and Psychological Exams
  • Medical Exam
  • Formal Offer
  • Start Date
  • Pre-FTO Training
  • Field Training
  • For out-of-state laterals, a review of your academy training curriculum will occur prior to the oral board to see if you qualify for the two-week Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy – BLEEA.

Police Officer Disqualifiers

Driving

AutomaticOne (1) or more criminal traffic convictions in the last five (5) years (DUI, suspended, reckless, etc.)
AutomaticTwo (2) DUI convictions within the lifetime of the applicant
AutomaticSuspension of a driver’s license within the past five (5) years. 

Drug Usage

AutomaticUse of any illegal substances while employed in a criminal justice capacity (illicit drugs). 
AutomaticUse of heroin, methamphetamines, cocaine, LSD, PCP, or illegal opioids within the seven (7) years immediately preceding the date of application. 
AutomaticUnlawful use or addiction to a controlled substance within the past year (includes cannabis). Note: Medical/recreational cannabis use is included in the prohibition.

Criminal Activity

AutomaticAs 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. 
AutomaticConviction of a domestic violence crime. 

Employment

AutomaticRevocation of any peace officer certification. 
AutomaticWhile employed in any branch of law enforcement or any branch of the United States Armed Forces, termination for cause at any time, other than honorable conditions. 
AutomaticDisqualification from the Lacey Police Department’s background process within the past five (5) years. 
AutomaticFailure 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. 
AutomaticFailure to respond and/or cooperate with the Lacey Police Department’s hiring process, prior to being ranked, within the past one (1) year. 
AutomaticNot 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.
AutomaticEvidence the applicant has falsified or provided misleading information during the application process or in their written application, personal history statement, and/or any other forms/supplemental documentation. 
AutomaticEvidence the applicant has lied/cheated during any phase of the recruitment/background process. 
AutomaticIntentional deception or misrepresentation in any stage of the selection process for any law enforcement agency. 
AutomaticFailure to pass a polygraph, psychological, and/or medical exam (which includes non-DOT drug testing). 

Other

AutomaticUnlawful sexual misconduct conviction.
AutomaticFalsifying official documents or giving false information. 
Salary & 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
Department Contact
Joe Waldon

Personnel and Training Sergeant

TEL: 360-459-4333

EMAIL: jwaldon@ci.lacey.wa.us

Department
Police

email: records@ci.lacey.wa.us

phone: 360-459-4333

Hours
M-F: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm