Exceptional Police Officer

Salary : $100,259.56 - $128,402.66 Annually
Location : Bellevue, WA
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 26-0000
Department: Police
Division: PD Operations Patrol Squads
Opening Date: 01/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: GUILD

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.
Job Summary
The City of Bellevue Police Department has an exciting opportunity for Police Officers who have recently received their Academy certification, but who do not qualify as laterals due to not having less than 2 years of law enforcement experience.
An exceptional police officer is defined as a Police Officer:

• Who possess a valid and current peace officer certificate from a state training commission that is recognized by the State of Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, and
• Has less than two consecutive (2) years of police experience.

We are interested in those who have a passion for community service and are looking for a new opportunity to serve the City of Bellevue. Take a look at what our department is about at:
For those with more than 2 years of prior law enforcement experience and a valid and current peace officer certificate, please apply for our Lateral Police Office opening - .
Our Mission

To provide a safe place to live, work, and visit through quality law enforcement practices delivered by dedicated professionals. We focus our efforts and resources to Reduce Crime, Reduce the Fear of Crime, and Enhance the Quality of Life for all who call Bellevue home.

Our Guiding Principles - Respect, Integrity, Accountability, Service
We support the mission of city government by consistently contributing to our community's reputation as a safe and vibrant place to live, work and visit.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Patrols a designated area of the city in a radio-equipped vehicle, on a motorcycle, or on foot to preserve law and order, prevent or discover the commission of crime, and enforce motor vehicle regulations.
• Answers calls and complaints involving emergencies, automobile accidents, criminal complaints, and other misdemeanors and felonies.
• Conducts investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witnesses, makes arrests, and transports suspects.
• Interviews persons with complaints and inquiries and attempts to make the proper disposition or direct them to proper authorities.
• Acts as jailer or bailiff; serves warrants when assigned.
• Gives information to the public regarding laws and ordinances.
• Appears in court, gives testimony, and presents evidence as necessary.
• Administers first aid in emergency situations.
• Prepares detailed written reports of investigations.
• Performs related work as required.
• Supervision Received and Exercised:
• Employees must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise discretion in meeting emergencies.
• Assignments and instructions are received from superior officers who review work methods and results, monitor activities, and evaluate accomplishments through personal interview, personal inspection, and review of written reports covering assigned activities.

Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for Exceptional Police Officer position at time of application:

• Possess a valid and current peace officer certificate from a state training commission that is recognized by the State of Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, but
• Have less than two consecutive (2) years of full-time employment as a Police Officer, with no more than 60 month break in service from when you left your last police position to the time of submitting your application with the Bellevue Police Department.
• If prior service was outside of WA State out of state officers, you will be enrolled in and must pass an equivalency academy within the first year of employment (on normal duty time).

Additional Minimum Requirements

• Be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.
• Must be a:
  • US Citizen OR
  • Lawful permanent resident OR
  • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient with employment authorization from USCIS.
• Must have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent education.
• Ability to speak, read and write in the English language.
• Must be in excellent physical condition.
• Possess, or be able to obtain and retain a Washington State driver's license prior to being hired.
• Successfully pass a background investigation that includes a complete criminal records check, a polygraph examination, and a psychological examination.
• Satisfactorily complete a medical examination per the Public Safety Civil Service Commission standards.

Vision Requirement:

• Applicant must have vision correctable to 20/20 in the better eye and 20/30 in the lesser eye. Applicants wearing eyeglasses or hard contacts must have uncorrected vision no worse than 20/200 in each eye.
• Applicants wearing soft contacts must be able to:
• Provide verifiable documentation that soft contacts have been worn regularly for at least one (1) year prior to application.
• Meets minimum vision acuity standards with soft contact lenses, and
• There are no indications of corneal damage, or conditions of the eye which might require discontinuation of soft contact use.

Supplemental Information
Hiring Bonus Eligibility

• Possess a valid and current peace officer certificate from a state training commission that is recognized by the State of Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
• Successful completion of current or previous agency/agencies Field Training program. Successful completion of current or previous agency/agencies Probationary period.
• No more than 24 months break in service from when you left your last police officer position to the time of submitting your application with the Bellevue Police Department.

Successful exceptional officer candidates may be eligible for:

• up to a $10,000.00 hiring bonus
• moving expense reimbursement for up to $7,500 for documented moving expenses if relocating from Out-of-State,

In addition to the benefits overview on the second tab, Police Officers are also eligible for the following benefits as outlined in the:

• Education incentive
• 4% premium pay for 10 specialty job assignments.
• Workout while on duty (three hours per week).
• Receive thirteen (13) traditional holidays in lieu of 10 observed holiday and 2 additional personal days.
• Comprehensive Quartermaster program that supplies equipment, uniform, and weapons.
• Generous professional development and training opportunities (Over 140 hours / year).
• Tuition reimbursement program for bachelor's degree in an approved field of study.
• Police Officers receive 10 hours of leave credit on and in lieu of thirteen (13) traditional holidays in accordance with Bellevue Police Officer Guild agreement.

Veteran's Preference for candidates with qualifying military experience.

• Any prior military service members must have received an honorable and/or qualifying discharge as defined in
• Must present a record or receipt of United States department of defense discharge documents DD214, NGB - 22 or their equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that characterizes service as honorable and/or qualifying per

Police Officer DisqualifiersThe 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

• Automatic
  • Any DUI conviction within the past 5 years. Any other criminal traffic violation within the past 2 years.
    Examples include: Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, or Hit & Run Driving.
  • Suspension or revocation of your driver's license (for any traffic violation) within 1 year of the date of employment application.
• Potential
  • Applicants' driving record shows a continuing and/or recent pattern of poor decision making.

Drug Usage - The City of Bellevue is a Drug Free Workplace.

The use of illegal drugs referred to in this acknowledgement means the use of drugs which are unlawful under the provisions of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act in this state or its equivalent in any other jurisdiction. (Misuse of Prescription drugs will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.) Simple possession of most of the following substances will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be grounds for disqualification. Note that any use or abuse of drugs may be grounds for disqualification or contribute to rejection during the background investigation; these are merely the automatic disqualifiers.

Please call the Personnel Services Unit before applying if you are unsure if the standard applies to you.

• Automatic
  • Illegal opiate use:
    • Any use of heroin,
    • Any possession or use of GHB or any other "date rape" drug, including giving it to others,
    • Any use of any illegal drug within three years of application* (Excludes marijuana)
    • Misuse of Prescription drugs will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
    • Any use of illegal drugs including marijuana since applying to, or while employed by, any law enforcement agency (including military police agencies). Please note that while some states have decriminalized marijuana, it is still federally illegal and police officers are expected to adhere to all laws and regulations, on and off duty.
  • Forged/Abused Prescriptions:
    • Any prescription forgery, prosecuted, undetected or otherwise, within five years of application*
  • Illegal Opiate Distribution/Manufacturing/Sales:
    • Any participation in, or allowing of, the manufacture, selling, offering to sell, cultivation, warehousing, distribution, holding or transporting for another, transporting for sale, or financing of any illegal drugs/narcotics within five years of application*, including extraction and concentration of THC oils from marijuana for the production of "honey", "wax", "dabs" or any other THC concentrate,
    • Any distribution of illegal drugs or illegal distribution of marijuana since applying* to, or while employed by, any law enforcement agency (including military police agencies).

* For the purpose of this process, the date of application is considered the date of the initial testing with Public Safety Testing (i.e. the written, reading and video test date). *
Criminal Activity

• Automatic
  • Any adult felony conviction.
  • Any juvenile felony conviction within the past 5 years.
  • Any felony conviction while employed in a criminal justice capacity (including employee, volunteer, intern, and reserve positions)
• Potential
  • Juvenile felony conviction will be carefully reviewed. Candidates with juvenile felony convictions occurring within the last five years will be disqualified.
  • 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.
  • Applicants maintain an on-going relationship with individuals who have been convicted of felony crimes and/or who are reputed to be involved in recent or current felonious activity.
  • Commission of a felony crime (non-conviction)
  • Applicant has criminal proceedings pending or is under investigation for a crime.
  • Applicant has been involved in significant misdemeanor activity.
  • Applicant's history shows a pattern of thefts.
  • Commission of any crime of violence, including domestic violence.
  • Commission of any sexual offense within the past five years.

Employment

• Automatic
  • Any prior military service members must have received a qualifying discharge as defined in Applicant must present a record or receipt of United States department of defense discharge documents DD214, NGB - 22 or their equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that characterizes service as honorable and/or qualifying.
• Potential
  • An applicant's employment history, including a pattern of unexcused absences, discipline, any terminations, or leaving an employer in lieu of termination, will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification.

Financial

• Automatic
  • Willful failure to pay income tax or court ordered child support.
• Potential
  • An applicant's financial history, including excessive credit card debt or unresolved accounts in collection, will be thoroughly assessed and maybe grounds for disqualification.

Military

• Automatic
  • Any prior military service members must have received a qualifying discharge as defined in Applicant must present a record or receipt of United States department of defense discharge documents DD214, NGB - 22 or their equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that characterizes service as honorable and/or qualifying.

HIRING PROCESS
The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, you'll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. You'll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. It's what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.
** Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.**
The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!

Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.

The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:
Medical
Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the City's self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).
Dental
Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.
Vision
Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.

Retirement Plans - Employees are offered three retirement plans:

• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
• City of Bellevue Municipal Employee's Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
• Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.

Other benefits include:
More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Survivor Income
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
• An ORCA Card bus pass
• On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
• Career development and training programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Paydays - The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).

Please note: The City of Bellevue does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan.

NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the City's non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
01

APPLICANT NOTICE: Your answers below will be used to review this application. The experience listed here MUST match the work history provided in your application. If your answers do not align, you may edit your application before submitting. Please note, it is not acceptable to use "See Resume" or "See Above" in your answers below and we do not accept resumes as a substitute for a completed application.

• I confirm that the information provided here is consistent with my application.
• I do not agree with the statements above.

02

Do you possess a valid and current peace officer certificate from a state training commission that is recognized by the State of Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, but have less than two consecutive (2) years of police experience with no more than 60 month break in service from when you left your last police position to the time of submitting your application with the Bellevue Police Department?

• Yes, I possess valid and current peace officer certificate from a state training commission that is recognized by the State of Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and have less than 2 years of police experience.
• No, I do not possess valid and current peace officer certificate from a state training commission that is recognized by the State of Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and have less than 2 years of police experience.

03

The following standards apply to all candidates for Police Officer: Honesty / Integrity Honesty and Integrity are essential traits for a successful career in Law Enforcement. Any false statements, lack of candor, cheating, or failure to fully divulge requested information may result in immediate disqualification from the hiring process.PART 1 - Minimum Requirements (RCW 41.12.070)• For purposes of this program; an experienced (exceptional) officer would be defined as a Police Officer: who possess a valid and current peace officer certificate from a state training commission that is recognized by the State of Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission who has at less than two consecutive (2) years of duty while employed as a full-time general-purpose law enforcement officer.• If prior service was outside of WA State out of state officers will be enrolled in and pass an equivalency academy within the first year of employment (on normal duty time).• Must be at least 21 years of age.• Must be a US Citizen OR lawful permanent resident OR a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient with employment authorization from USCIS.• Must have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent education.• Ability to speak, read and write in the English language (RCW 41.12.070).• Must be in excellent physical condition.• Possess, or be able to obtain and retain, a Washington State driver's license prior to being hired.• Successfully pass a background investigation that includes a complete criminal records check, a polygraph examination, and a psychological examination.• Satisfactorily complete a medical examination per the Public Safety Civil Service Commission standardsVision Requirement: Applicant must have vision correctable to 20/30. Applicants wearing eyeglasses or hard contacts must have uncorrected vision no worse than 20/200 in each eye. Applicants wearing soft contacts must be able to:• Provide verifiable documentation that soft contacts have been worn regularly for at least one6 months prior to application.• Meets minimum vision acuity standards with soft contact lenses, and• There are no indications of corneal damage, or conditions of the eye which might requirediscontinuation of soft contact use.

• I believe I meet this standard.
• I believe I don't meet this standard.
• I am not sure if I meet this standard.

04

PART 2 - Automatic DisqualifiersDRUG USEThe use of illegal drugs and the illegal use of prescription or otherwise legal drugs referred to in this acknowledgement means the use of drugs which are unlawful under the provisions of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act in this state or its equivalent in any other jurisdiction. Simple possession of most of the following substances will be considered on a case by case basis and may be grounds for disqualification. Note that any use or abuse of drugs may be grounds for disqualification or contribute to rejection during the background investigation; these are merely the automatic disqualifiers. Please call the Personnel Services Unit before applying if you are unsure if the standard applies to you. The City of Bellevue is a Drug Free Workplace.The following drug involvement will be disqualifying:Illegal Opiate Use:• Any use of heroin,• Any possession or use of GHB or any other "date rape" drug, including giving it to others,• Any use of any illegal drug within three years of application* (Excludes marijuana)• Misuse of Prescription drugs will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.• Any use of illegal drugs including marijuana since applying to, or while employed by, any law enforcement agency (including military police agencies). Please note that while some states have decriminalized marijuana, it is still federally illegal and police officers are expected to adhere to all laws and regulations, on and off duty.Forged/Abused Prescriptions: • Any prescription forgery, prosecuted, undetected or otherwise, within five years of application*Illegal Opiate Distribution/Manufacturing/Sales:• Any participation in, or allowing of, the manufacture, selling, offering to sell, cultivation, warehousing, distribution, holding or transporting for another, transporting for sale, or financing of any illegal drugs/narcotics within five years of application*, including extraction and concentration of THC oils from marijuana for the production of "honey", "wax", "dabs" or any other THC concentrate,• Any distribution of illegal drugs or illegal distribution of marijuana since applying* to, or while employed by, any law enforcement agency (including military police agencies).CRIMINAL ACTIVITY• Any adult felony conviction. • Any juvenile felony conviction within the past five years.• Any felony conviction while employed in a criminal justice capacity (including employee, volunteer, intern, and reserve positions). Any single theft of property or money in excess of $100 value within the past five years. DRIVING• Any DUI conviction within the past 5 years. Any other criminal traffic violation within the past 2 years.Examples include: Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, or Hit & Run Driving.• Suspension or revocation of your driver's license (for any traffic violation) within 1 year of the date of employment application.FINANCIAL:• Willful failure to pay income tax or court ordered child support.EMPLOYMENT• Non-qualifying discharge from prior miliary service. Any prior military service members must have received a qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005.

• I believe I meet this standard.
• I believe I do not meet this standard
• I am not certain if I meet this standard.

05

PART 3 - Potential DisqualifiersCriminal Relationships: Applicant maintains an on-going relationship with individuals who have been convicted of felony crimes and/or who are reputed to be involved in recent or current felonious activity.Criminal Violations: 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.Potential Disqualifiers include:• Commission of a felony crime (non-conviction)• Applicant has criminal proceedings pending or is under investigation for a crime.• Applicant has been involved in significant misdemeanor activity.• Commission of any crime of violence, including domestic violence.• Commission of any sexual offense within the past five years.• Applicant's history shows a pattern of thefts.Driving Record Applicant's driving record shows a continuing and/or recent pattern of poor decision making.Employment Record: An applicant's employment history, including a pattern of unexcused absences, discipline, any terminations, or leaving an employer in lieu of termination, will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification.Financial Record: An applicant's financial history, including excessive credit card debt or unresolved accounts in collection will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification.Military Experience: Must have a qualifying discharge from the military service as defined in RCW 73.04.005.

• I understand and do not believe I have any potential disqualifier
• I understand and believe I have potential disqualifier(s)
• I understand and am not certain if I have potential disqualifier(s)

06

Veteran Preference Eligibility: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=41.04.010The options below are related to Veteran Status and allow you to indicate if you wish to claim Veterans' Preference (see RCW 41.04.010 for the details). If you are not a Veteran, or do not wish to claim Veterans' Preference, please choose "Not Applicable" below. Eligible applicants may claim Veterans' Preference when applying with the City of Bellevue in accordance with RCW 41.04.005, RCW 41.04.007, RCW 41.04.010, and RCW 73.16.010. You will be required to submit a Veteran Preference Eligibility Form and provide a copy of your DD214, NGB Form 22, or other military record to prove your eligibility. If you have already claimed your Veterans' Preference Points for employment with the State of Washington or with any political subdivision or municipal corporation of the State of Washington, you are not eligible to use these points again to gain employment with the City of Bellevue.

• I am a qualifying United States Veteran as defined by RCW 41.04.005, RCW 41.04.007
• I am a Spouse or registered domestic partner of a deceased qualifying veteran RCW 73.16.010
• I am a Spouse or registered domestic partner of a qualifying veteran with a service-connected permanent and total disability RCW 73.16.010
• I am a qualifying United States Veteran but have already claimed my Veteran Preference to gain employment in Washington State
• Not Applicable

07

PART 4 - Certification I have carefully reviewed and completed the above questions. All answers are true and correct. (Type full name)
Required Question