Police Officer Recruit

Police Officer Recruit

The City of Bellingham is actively seeking qualified applicants for the position of Police Officer Recruit. Why work for the Bellingham Police Department?

Recruit salary is $6,768 / month. Upon entry to the Basic Law Enforcement Academy salary is $7,445 / month. Upon graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy the salary is $7,668. The salary range for a Full Performance Police Officer is $7,668-$9,864 / month. Patrol Officers work a 1040 work schedule of five, 10.7 hour days on, four days off, five days on, four days off, five days on, five days off, repeating monthly. Training opportunities, the 1040 work schedule allows for one full training day a month. Additional monthly premiums may be applied per assignment and level of education. For more information regarding salary, benefits, specialty units and premiums, view our recruitment page.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here's a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

• 7.34 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid designated holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 216 hours of sick leave upon hire + accruals per collective bargaining agreement
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (LEOFF) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Applicants interested in this position must complete testing through Public Safety Testing. The testing window for this process is 9 / 1 / 25 - 11 / 30 / 25. Want to test locally? The Bellingham Police Department is hosting a Law Enforcement and Corrections Written Exam on 10 / 4 / 25. Please visit the Public Safety Testing website to schedule. Applicants must complete the written exam and pass the physical ability test through Public Safety Testing prior to being invited to apply. Please note, if you receive an invitation to apply, you must apply no later than 4 : 30 P.M., on 12 / 10 / 25 in order to be considered for this specific process. Applicants that have successfully passed the exam through PST during the testing window of 9 / 1 / 25 - 11 / 30 / 25, will have six (6) business days to complete the City of Bellingham application and Personal History Statement with Public Safety Testing. Effective 3 / 1 / 25, Public Safety Testing has a new LEO / CO Written Examination, therefore, we will not accept PST Scores from any previous exams. If you wish to be considered in a future process, you must retest with PST within the testing window specified on future Police Officer - Recruit job postings. Closing Date / Time : Sun. 11 / 30 / 25 4 : 30 PM PST

Job Summary :

Participates in formal and on-the-job training in law enforcement principles, techniques and procedures, departmental organization, rules, policies, and related laws. Also receives training in the use, care and maintenance of assigned equipment.

Essential Functions :

Additional Work Performed :

Working Environment :

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in any and all property existing in the City of Bellingham and its environs. This involves working in a variety of environmental conditions and may require : walking, sitting or standing for long periods; running, climbing, jumping, or physical exertion in inclement weather; physical agility in slippery conditions, mountainous or uneven terrain, or in water. Officers work in unaccompanied automobile, motorcycle, bicycle or on foot patrol, maintaining contact with the dispatch center. There is exposure to high-risk situations which require emergency response procedures such as the use of masks, gloves, etc. to prevent contact with infectious diseases; and the use of protective clothing, equipment, firearms and other gear. While in uniform and / or driving a police vehicle, the Police Officer will not be allowed to use or display any tobacco product. Officers work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays. Physical abilities to perform the essential functions of the job including :

Experience and Training :

OR

Necessary Special Requirements :

Selection Process :

Step 1 : Applicants interested in this position must complete testing through Public Safety Testing. Please visit the Public Safety Testing website for information regarding the testing process. Step 2 : The testing window for this process is 9 / 1 / 25 - 11 / 30 / 25. Candidate scores will