he City of Hoquiam (2021 Population 8,860) is located along the north shore of Grays Harbor and is the Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. There is easy access to the ocean beaches, Quinault Rain Forest, and Olympic National Park. Outdoor adventure opportunities abound, with fishing, hunting, clam digging, beachcombing, and hiking being popular pastimes. Hoquiam is known locally as the Friendliest City in Grays Harbor.

The Hoquiam Police Department consists of 29 full-time positions in four basic functions: PATROL, ADMINISTRATION, POLICE SERVICES, and INVESTIGATIONS. The department is a member of the Grays Harbor Drug Task Force and currently has a detective assigned to the multi-agency unit.

The backbone of the department is the PATROL function. Most calls for service and law incidents are handled by the 14 sworn officers assigned to Patrol. Officers and sergeants assigned to Patrol work three 12-hour days followed by three days off. Minimum patrol officer staffing is two officers on-duty at all times, except for three officers at night from 6 PM to 2 AM.

Patrol shifts are covered 24-hours a day, 365-days per year to provide immediate assistance to resident calls for service, as well as to accomplish the department’s mission and focus points.

Many members of the division also maintain collateral duty assignments. These additional responsibilities include the Aberdeen Regional Special Response Team (tactical team and crisis negotiations team), canine officer, Force Training Unit (firearms, defensive tactics, less lethal tools), field training program, evidence function, arson investigation, collision investigation, FARO scanning team,  UAV Operator, Emergency Vehicle Operations instructor, department quartermaster, computer networking, Internet Crimes Against Children investigation, gang investigations, and special patrol/ grant projects (such as county-wide traffic safety patrols).

This position is responsible for the protection of life and property of the citizens of Hoquiam by the prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, and the enforcement of laws and ordinances of the City of Hoquiam and the State of Washington. The work performed consists of assigned patrol, preliminary complaint investigation, and traffic regulation duties. Police work involves an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergency situations. Assignments, general instructions, and special instructions are received from a superior officer who reviews work methods and results through reports, observations, discussion, and evaluation reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Patrols an area of the city, in a patrol car or on foot, to handle calls for service, prevent and discover criminal acts, apprehend offenders, and to enforce vehicle and traffic laws.

Responds to and resolve complaints involving victims of crimes, automobile accidents, and other calls for assistance.

Prepares written reports relating to investigated cases, complaints, and shift activities.

Administers first aid as needed, conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witness statements, and makes arrests.

Testifies as a witness in court.

Conducts accident investigations; provides first aid for injured; takes safeguards to prevent further accidents; interviews involved parties and witnesses; takes statements; examines vehicles, roadways, traffic controls, and obstructions to view; clears obstructions and records data; and prepares detailed accident reports.

Performs varied duties such as traffic control; police protection at fires, parades, processions, and sporting events; controls school crossing traffic; and checks and reports on deficient streetlights, signs, and road surfaces.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of the geography of the city, the location of important buildings and the city street system. Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of citizens. Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine proper courses of action.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to write and speak effectively, including over the radio.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.

Skills in the use and care of firearms, and in first aid practices.

REQUIREMENTS:

High School graduate or GED equivalent.

Ability to meet physical, medical and background standards for police officers as established by the City (in accordance with the Police Academy standards required by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission).

21 years of age at time of

United States Citizen or Legal

A valid Washington state Driver’s License upon hire and acceptable driving

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to successfully complete the following:

Background investigation by the Police Department (criminal activity, employment history, credit history, driving record).

Following a conditional offer of employment, a prospective officer must successfully complete, as a condition of final employment:

A medical examination by a licensed physician, including drug test;

A psychological examination by a licensed psychologist to establish fitness for duty;

Polygraph

Hoquiam Police Department - Entry Level Police Officer has 1 vacancy.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is September 30, 2024.

The Hoquiam Police Department has one (1) opening for Entry Police Officer.  This position and testing will remain open until the position is filled.

2024 Salary $6,514 - $8,315 monthly

2025 Salary $6,840 - $8,731 monthly

$10,500 lateral officer hiring incentive

Education Incentive (2% for AA, 5 % for BA, 7% for MA, 10% for PhD.)

Language Incentive

Specialty Assignment pay for certain extra-duty positions

The City of Hoquiam officers excellent Health and Welfare benefits to employees and their immediate family.  Patrol Officers are represented by the Hoquiam Police Officer's Association and the Fraternal Order of Police.