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UW Police

Apply to UWPD: Lateral officers

Why UWPD?

A UWPD officer uniform showing the UWPD patch on the officer's left arm.Are you tired of running from call to call with no time to practice community policing? No consistent back-up? Concerned with your city or county budget? Consider applying for one of the best police officer jobs in the Northwest at the UW Police Department.

For lateral officers, there’s:

  • A $5,000 sign-on bonus for eligible officers
  • A streamlined hiring process that treats you as an experienced officer
  • No immediate out-of-pocket testing expenses
  • No gathering in a room for a written test
  • No physical test required if you are a current law enforcement officer

Minimum Requirements

  • Lateral Candidates must have a minimum of two years’ experience as a full-time, paid commissioned officer, and no more than a 24-month break in service; more than a 24-month break in service will require successful completion of the Washington State Equivalency course.
    Note: Federal law enforcement officers/agents, corrections officers, jailers, game wardens, military police officers, special or reserve officers/deputies, or any other such positions which fall outside the above guidelines do NOT qualify for Lateral positions.
  • All out-of-state lateral applicants must meet the requirements outlined in Washington Administrative code 139-05-210 “Basic Law Enforcement Certificate of Equivalency” and be qualified to attend the Washington State Equivalency Academy.
  • High school graduation or equivalent. At least two years of full-time college (90 credit hours if quarter system or 60 credit hours if semester system) in police science or related field; OR one year of police or campus security experience.
  • Possess a valid Washington State driver’s license (by date of hire)
  • No felony convictions
  • U.S. citizenship at time of examination or a lawful permanent resident who can read and write the English language.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Ready to apply to become a UW Police Department lateral officer? Here’s how:

Apply to UWPD - Lateral Officer

Fill out your personal history statement within 14 days.

Information requested includes:

  • Addresses of all residences
  • References
  • Names and addresses of family members
  • Arrests and criminal history
  • Traffic driving record
  • Military service
  • Employment history
  • Drug use
  • Education history
  • Memberships in professional organizations
  • Financial information

Copies of the following documents:

  • High school diploma/GED certificate
  • Social Security Card
  • Driver’s License
  • Birth Certificate (Certified copy)
  • Transcripts of college grades (Certified copy from Institution Registrar)
  • Any other documents, certificates, resumes, performance evaluation reports, etc., which show your abilities and training for the position

  • Start your UW application at UW Jobs
  • Add your resume to your candidate profile
  • Complete the Police Officer Minimum Qualifications Assessment
  • Complete the How did you Hear Assessment
  • Complete the Criminal History Disclosure assessment
  • Completing the U.S. Work Authorization Assessment. Part of the application process for this position includes completing the U.S. Work Authorization Assessment to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. The assessment will appear on your screen for you to complete as soon as you select “Apply to this Position” on this job announcement. Once you begin the assessment, it must be completed at that time. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your “My Jobs” page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until the assessment is complete.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to participate in Oral Boards (panel interview).

Before your final offer, you’ll complete your:

  • Writing exam
  • Ride-along with a Field Training Officer
  • Polygraph
  • Background investigation
  • Psychological test
  • Drug screen
  • Medical exam

A 14-week Field Training Orientation program must be completed to assist you in transitioning to the University of Washington. Officers also complete a one-year probationary period.

Questions?

Want to follow up with us on a job application or have questions about the hiring process? You can contact us at uwpdhires@uw.edu