Qualifications
Education
Minimum education is dependent upon the education requirement listed in the specific job announcement.
Drug Use
An applicant’s drug use history will be thoroughly assessed and may be a factor for disqualification. Examples of drug usage that may disqualify:
- MARIJUANA: Has not used Marijuana within twelve (12) months prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam.
- The use of PRESCRIPTIONS not prescribed to you by a Doctor or a pattern of illegal use of prescription medication.
- CLUB DRUGS: Has not used club drugs, such as, but not limited to: Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol, or MDMA (ecstasy) within three (3) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam.
- STEROIDS: Has not used steroids within three (3) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam.
- AEROSOLS: Has not inhaled aerosols, sometimes referred to as Huffing (paint) or Whippits (Nitrous Oxide) or used Khat within three (3) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam
- COCAINE/CRACK: Has not used cocaine or crack within five (5) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam.
- HALLUCINOGENS: Has not used any Hallucinogens; PCP, Angel Dust, Wet, Phencyclidine, LSD, Mushrooms, or Psilocybin, within five (5) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam.
- OPIATES: Has not used Opium, Morphine, or Heroin within five (5) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam
- STIMULANTS: Has not used Methamphetamine, Crank, Crystal, Ice, Speed, Glass, or Amphetamine within five (5) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam.
- Has not used any illegal drug(s) while employed in a criminal justice and/or law enforcement capacity.
- Has not manufactured or cultivated illegal drug(s) for the purpose of the sale/marketing of the drug(s).
- Has not sold or facilitated the sale of illegal drugs.
Please note that use of illegal drugs and the illegal use of prescription drugs, means the use of one or more drugs, the possession or distribution of which is unlawful under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.
Military Record
The applicant must have been discharged under honorable conditions (fair employment laws apply).
Washington Driver's License
A valid Washington State Driver's License is required prior to being hired, if required in the specific job announcement you are applying for.
Traffic Record
An applicant's driving record will be thoroughly assessed and may be a factor for disqualification. Examples of infractions/traffic crimes that may be disqualifying include:
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Reckless Driving or Hit & Run Driving.
- Suspension of your driver's license within five (5) years of the date of application.
- Three (3) or more moving violations (speeding, negligent driving, etc.) in the past five (5) years of the date of application will be carefully reviewed.
- Two (2) or more accidents within five (5) years of the date of application, wherein applicant was judged to be at fault and/or charged with a moving violation.
Criminal Activity
An applicant's criminal record, including all arrests, prosecutions, deferred prosecutions, 'Alford' pleas, and non-conviction information will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification. The following will be disqualifying:
- Any adult felony conviction.
- Any misdemeanor or felony conviction while employed in a criminal justice and/or law enforcement capacity.
- Any domestic violence conviction.
Employment
An applicant's employment history, including any terminations, or leaving an employer in lieu of termination, will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification.
Financial
An applicant's credit history, including excessive credit card debt or unresolved accounts in collection will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification. The following will be disqualifying:
- Failure to pay income tax or child support.