Patrol work is the backbone of policing.  It is an incredibly diverse, active and exciting job.  Every day is a chance to respond to a variety of calls, interact with a wide spectrum of people, and solve new and ongoing problems.  Working patrol has both the camaraderie of being part of a team, while also giving you a lot of freedom, autonomy and independence.  What many patrol officers say they love about the job is the immediacy of the work – directly helping people with tangible results – yet at the end of the shift you are done with your job and don’t have to “take your work home with you”.

If you would like to learn more about patrol, the best way is through a ride along.  Contact one of our recruiters for more information about setting this up. 

Questions about working in patrol:

Do patrol officers just respond to dispatched calls?
As first responders, a big part of patrol is responding to 9-1-1 calls, which can range from the mundane to the truly extraordinary.  Patrol officers also respond to “on-view” incidents, or a situation they see occurring.  In addition, Patrol Officers get to know the area they are assigned to and the community members they serve within their beat.  When not responding directly to calls, or providing backup to other officers, patrol officers use proactive time to combat on-going crime problems in specific neighborhoods.

How much control do I have over how I handle my calls?
The Seattle Police Department takes a lot of pride in our officers.  Patrol officers are the most visible representatives of our Department to the community.  That is why training is so rigorous – by the time you are assigned to patrol you are ready to work independently.  With the confidence of knowing that your co-workers are there for backup, and a solid foundation of laws, policies and tactics, your response to each call is ultimately up to you.

Do I have to be a patrol officer before I can advance to a specialty unit?
Yes, all sworn officers must work as a patrol officer for at least three years before they can be assigned to a specialty unit or be promoted.  Having experience with the unpredictable and diverse nature of events that come with patrol work is absolutely vital background knowledge before making a transition to any other type of police work.   In fact, many patrol officers find that they enjoy the work so much that they choose to stay in patrol for their entire career.

What are my options in patrol work?
Most patrol officers work in one-person or two person patrol cars.  In high-density areas, patrol officers often walk their beats. In urban areas with a lot of traffic, bike patrols are often used as a more flexible way to cover ground.  As a patrol officer, you can also work on a Community Policing Team, an Anti-Crime Team or undercover.

What hours and days do patrol officers work?
Patrol Officers work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week year round.  Patrol officers work on a rotating schedule that includes weekends and holidays, and officers are assigned to one of three watches:

• First Watch: 0300-1200 or 0330 - 1230
• Second Watch: 1100-2000 or 1130 - 2030
• Third Watch: 1900-0400 or 1930 - 0430

Where do patrol officers work?
Patrol officers are assigned to one of our five precincts. Because of the way the city is laid out, each precinct serves a distinct area of the city and often have completely different crime issues, density and terrain.
[Learn more about the Precincts]

Do I have any control over where I am assigned?
Before you are assigned, you will be able to give your top three choices of the shift and precinct you prefer. While there are no guarantees, in most cases at least one of your preferences can be accommodated.