Join Our Team

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The process you are entering to become a police officer is comprehensive. You will be placed on a competitive civil service register for up to one year and processed in descending order.

The Pre-Employment Process

Ensure you meet the requirements. You must meet the minimum hiring standards for all police department employees:


Written ExaminationYes, required
LEO/CO Physical Ability Test (PAT)Yes, required
Your physical ability test must be completed 90 days (~3 months) before or after your passing written exam.
Minimum Age21
US Citizen/Lawful Permanent ResidentUS Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.
High School Grad/ GEDYes
Driver's License RequiredValid Washington State Driver's 
Felony Conviction(s) as an AdultNone.
Felony Conviction(s) as a JuvenileWill be carefully reviewed on a case by case basis
Ability to Read & Write the English LanguageYes
Vision RequirementsMust be able to pass medical examination prior to hire.
Basic Law Enforcement Academy CertificationEntry level officers must successfully be able to complete the WA ST BLEA.
Other
Multiple Scores from Same ApplicantWe only consider the most recent score


Apply for the Exam

The Civil Service Process for Entry Level


Written Test: The written test is administered by Public Safety Testing. Go to this site for further information on the testing process:  Public Safety Testing - West Richland Police Department - Police Officer

As part of this testing process you will be required to complete a personal history statement, (PHI) Failure to return your completed PHI will result in disqualification from the hiring process. Make sure to attach photocopies of your driver's license, social security card, and DD214 (if applicable). The Release of Information forms must be notarized. Oral board testing will be done by Command Staff on a regular basis.

Final Score: The score from the written exam and oral board will be combined.  This score will rank you on the Civil Service Eligibility List. This, along with points for military service is added for a final score. Once the final scores are certified by the Civil Service Commission they are used to create an eligible new hire list.

The chief will then be provided with the eligible candidates.   If chosen,  you may receive a conditional job offer.  After receiving a conditional offer of employment the background process will proceed.   Once you have passed the background portion, you will be scheduled for additional testing. For both entry level and lateral police officer candidates the additional testing includes, completion of a polygraph, psychological and physical evaluation.

The Background Process is in depth.  Honesty is the only policy.  Some aspects of the background process are Integrity Interview, contacting friends, co- workers and family. This process can take some time, so please be patient.          

The following are automatic and potential disqualifiers. Applicants should not apply to our agency if they indicate any of the automatic disqualifiers. Potential disqualifiers will be considered on a case by case basis.

Driving
Automatic1 or more traffic crime convictions in last 5 years (DWI, Suspended, Reckless, etc).
AutomaticSuspension of driver's license within past 5 years.
Automatic3 or more moving violations in past 3 years.
Automatic2 or more at-fault accidents in past 3 years.
AutomaticDrivers license with interlock requirement (Currently).
Drug Usage
AutomaticIllegal drug substance usage or exposure within past 3 years.
AutomaticIllegal use of illegal drugs in the last 3 years.
AutomaticIllegal use of ANY controlled substance while employed in a criminal justice capacity.
AutomaticIllegal opiate use.
AutomaticHallucinogen use within past 10 years. No more than 1 uses total.
AutomaticIllegal use of 3 or more different controlled substances.
PotentialOther drug use outside these standards will be considered on case by case basis.
AutomaticNo illegal sale of ANY drug, including marijuana.
AutomaticIllegal use of dangerous drugs or narcotics, other than marijuana, for any purpose more than 5 time(s) in lifetime, and no use within the past 10 years.
AutomaticPattern of illegal use of prescription medication.
AutomaticAny adult marijuana use in the past 2 years.
AutomaticAny IV illegal drug use.
Criminal Activity
AutomaticAny adult felony conviction
AutomaticAny misdemeanor, or felony conviction while employed in a criminal justice capacity.
PotentialAdult misdemeanor convictions will be carefully reviewed.
PotentialJuvenile felony conviction will be carefully reviewed.
AutomaticBeen convicted of any crime under a domestic violence statue.
AutomaticUnlawful sexual misconduct.
PotentialAny unreported criminal activity will be carefully reviewed
Employment
Automatic3 or more terminations, or leaving employer in lieu of termination
AutomaticWithdrawn from consideration for any (law enforcement/fire/corrections/dispatch) employment because of the following reasons: Untruthfulness or refusal to submit to polygraph.
AutomaticBeen dishonorably discharged from the United States armed forces.
AutomaticLied during any stage of the hiring process.
AutomaticFalsified his or her application, personal history questionnaire, or any other forms during hiring process.
AutomaticPrevious revocation or denial of (CJTC/POST) certified status, or suspension of current (CJTC/POST) certified status.
Financial
AutomaticFailure to pay income tax or child support.
PotentialCurrent credit accounts, or unresolved accounts in collection will be carefully reviewed.
Other
AutomaticRespondent in any current, enforceable protections, no contact or anti-harassment order which prohibits the possession of firearms.

 All disqualifications are reviewed by Command staff for final approval. If you are disqualified you may not reapply for a position for one year from the date of disqualification. DO NOT QUIT YOUR CURRENT JOB or MOVE until you receive a written start date with the department.

Once you receive your final start date of employment you will be notified of your academy start date(entry level police only) & employment orientation. You will need to re-take the Physical Ability Test (PAT) as an entrance requirement to the police academy.

Employment

The Basic Law Enforcement Academy (Entry Level Police Officers)
Once hired, you will become a Police Recruit and will enter the police academy. The Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) is approximately 4.5-months (720 hours).

Lateral police officer hires are immediately assigned to patrol with an FTO to begin training. If you are a lateral police officer outside of the State of Washington, you will be scheduled to attend the next available Washington State Equivalency Academy for a period of 2 weeks.

Post-BLEA and Police Training
Upon graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) you will become a Student Officer. You will enter the Field Training Officer Program (FTO), with an experienced officer who will evaluate your performance in the patrol division.

You must successfully complete all of the above segments to continue your employment with the West Richland Police Department. Failure to achieve satisfactory scores and/or performance may result in your termination.

Probationary Period and Assignments

Once you successfully complete the FTO program you will be assigned to the Patrol Division where you will work a Patrol shift.

 As a new officer you will be on probation for 18 months from your start date.  As a lateral officer your probation begins at the time of hire and is 1 year in length.  Once you have passed probation, you will become a permanent member of the West Richland Police Department.

Other assignments such as, Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, EVOC Instructor, SWAT and other specialties are available to test for after completion of probation.

You become eligible to test for promotion after 3 years.

Other Helpful Documents:

  1. PDrecruit-2022 (PDF)
  2. Police Bargaining Unit Agreement 2020 to 2022 (PDF)
  3. West Richland Police Department Policy Manual (PDF)