One of the largest and fastest-growing cities in Washington, Bellevue is one of the best places to work as a police officer. The department has a tradition of success, as Bellevue enjoys an exceptionally low crime rate and is one of the safest cities in the Northwest. The Bellevue Police Department serves a population of approximately 150,000 in a roughly 33-square mile area. The city is bordered by Kirkland and Redmond to the north, Renton and Newcastle to the south, Issaquah to the east, and Clyde Hill, Medina and Mercer Island to the west. Bellevue is budgeted for approximately 199 police officers and 50 civilian staff. Bellevue is minutes away from the headquarters and offices of Microsoft, Google and Amazon. Bellevue has excellent schools, with three of the 4 high schools consistently in the top 100 schools in the nation according to US News and World report. Bellevue is surrounded by mountains, lakes and easy access to the outdoors, and enjoys a mild climate year round.

For a department its size, Bellevue's force offers the opportunity to serve in many specialized positions. Commissioned ranks are, in ascending order: officer, corporal, sergeant, captain, major, assistant chief and chief. The police chief is appointed by the city manager.

After two to three years of service, officers may be eligible to apply for specialties, depending on the position. Service time at other departments may be considered after the probationary period is passed.

Full-time specialty sections for commissioned personnel within the department include:

• Collision investigations
• Motorcycle traffic enforcement
• Hiring, Training and Recruiting officers
• Community Crisis Assistant Team (CCAT)
• K9 Officers
• Community station officers
• Detective - violent crimes, property crimes, fraud

Collateral Duties/Specialties (part-time)

• Field training officer
• Crowd control / Bicycle Crowd Control
• Hostage negotiator
• Honor guard
• Bomb technician
• SWAT
• Defensive tactics instructor
• EVOC instructor
• Firearms instructor
• Evidence technician
• Emergency vehicle drivers instructor

• 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 interviews, inspections, and review of written reports covering assigned activities.

Bellevue Police Department - Entry Police Officer has 20 vacancies.

The City of Bellevue Police Department hires approximately 10-12 officers each year, however, these numbers fluctuate regularly based on the personnel needs of the department.   

Salary ranges from $95,850.44 progressing to $122,755.89 per year. In addition, salary is enhanced with educational incentive pay (4% for and AA, 5% for a BA), $1,000 bonus pay at successful completion of Field Training, $1,000 bonus pay at the completion of your third year of employment, shift differential pay, annual uniformed Patrol Officer $100 safe driving award and 4% premium pay for specialty job assignments. Ample overtime opportunities are available for those who are interested!

We just settled on a new contract which includes body worn cameras (roll out date to be determined), and take home vehicles. It will take a while for all qualified employees to get their take home vehicle, so the city is giving each employee a $350 monthly stipend until they receive their take home vehicle. Pay increases to account for cost of living are in place for 2025.

Breakdown of pay for 2024

Hourly: $46.08 - $59.02

Monthly: $7,987.54 - $10,229.66

Annually: $95,850.44 - $122,755.89

10 hour 40 minute patrol shift schedule which grants officers two weekends (Saturday/Sunday) a month off and every third weekend is five days long! 

• Generous health benefits including full medical, dental and vision for employee, spouse/domestic partner and children.
• Tax-deferred and 90% City matched 401(k) defined contribution plan with vesting of city contributions at 10% per year of active contribution participation (Municipal Employee Benefit Trust – MEBT)*
• 457 deferred compensation plan – will accept rollovers from your existing 401(k) or (a); 403(b); 457(b) or Traditional IRA
• Washington State LEOFF 2 retirement plan
• Workout while on duty (three hours per week)
• Comprehensive Quartermaster program that supplies 100% of issued equipment, uniforms, and weapons
• Generous professional development and training opportunities (Over 140 hours / year)
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement program for bachelor degree
• 8 additional hours of vacation accrued per year for each year of service beyond 21
• City provided $50,000 life insurance (no cost to employee)
• Plentiful off-duty employment opportunities
• Free annual pass (ORCA card) for regional bus/light rail transit
• The City of Bellevue does not participate in Social Security, which means employees do not contribute to or earn Social Security credit while employed with the City