Hiring Process

Join Pasco PD


The Hiring Process for Department Employees

The process you are entering to become a police officer is comprehensive. You will be placed on a competitive civil service register for up to one year and processed in descending order.

The Pre-Employment Process

Ensure you meet the requirements. You must meet the minimum hiring standards for all police department employees. Once in the Background, applicants who do not meet the police department's eligibility requirements will be considered less competitive.

All disqualifications are reviewed by Civil Service for final approval. If you are disqualified you may not reapply for a position for one year from the date of disqualification.

The Civil Service Process for Entry Level Police Officers


Written Test

  • The written test is administered by Public Safety Testing
  • Go to this site for further information on the testing process
  • As part of this testing process you will be required to complete a personal history statement, (PHI)

Failure to return your completed PHI will result in disqualification from the hiring process. Make sure to attach photocopies of your driver's license, social security card, DD 214 and academy certification (if applicable). The Release of Information forms must be notarized.

Physical Aptitude Test

  • Administered through Public Safety Testing
  • The generated scores are Pass/Fail only and do not contribute to your final score.
  • Criteria and examples are found on the Public Safety Testing Website.
  • Can be completed the same day as the Written Test, or must be completed within 90 days. 

Final Score:

The score from the written exam will rank you on the Civil Service Eligibility List. This, along with points for military service is added for a final score. Once the final scores are certified by the Civil Service Commission they are used to create an eligible new hire list. 

Lateral Officers


The Civil Service Process for Lateral Police Officers


Contact Us

  • Contact the Pasco Police Department by texting "JOINPPD" to 509-779-8848.
  • Our recruiter will contact you via the contact information you provide to confirm lateral status.
  • Follow the application instructions provided by the recruiter. 


The Background Process for all Department Employees


The Pasco Police Department has officers assigned to continually process police department candidates. The department is allowed to review the top 5 candidates from the certified civil service list. The background officer will then begin the review of candidates in the following manner;

  • Pre Offer Suitability Exam
  • Integrity Interview
  • Background Investigation

The expected duration of the selection process may take anywhere from 3-12 months.

The Hiring Process

After successfully completing the testing and investigation pieces above, an interview is held with police department command staff. The Police Chief considers all background information along with the in person interview before providing a conditional offer of employment.  

DO NOT QUIT YOUR CURRENT JOB or MOVE until you receive a written FINAL CONDITIONAL OFFER of employment!

After receiving a conditional offer of employment you will be scheduled for additional testing. For both entry level and lateral police officer candidates the additional testing includes, completion of a polygraph, psychological and physical evaluation.

Once you receive your final conditional offer of employment you will be notified of your academy start date(entry level police only) & employment orientation. You will need to re-take the Physical Ability Test (PAT) as an entrance requirement to the police academy. Once you successfully complete the PAT you will be given a final offer of employment.

Employment

The Basic Law Enforcement Academy (Entry Level Police Officers) 

Once hired, you will become a Police Recruit and will enter the police academy. The Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) is approximately 4.5-months (720 hours).

Post-BLEA and Police Training

Upon graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) you will become a Student Officer. You will enter the Field Training Officer Program (FTO), with an experienced officer who will evaluate your performance in the patrol division.

Lateral Police Officer hires are immediately assigned to patrol with an FTO to begin training. If you are a Lateral Police Officer outside of the State of Washington, you will be scheduled to attend the next available Washington State Equivalency Academy for a period of 2 weeks.

You must successfully complete all of the above segments to continue your employment with the Pasco Police Department. Failure to achieve satisfactory scores and/or performance may result in your termination.

Probationary Period and Assignments

Once you successfully complete the FTO program you will be assigned to the Patrol Division where you will work a Patrol shift.

As a new officer you will be on probation for the first year following your graduation from the academy. As a lateral officer your probation begins at the time of hire. Once you have passed probation, you will become a permanent member of the Pasco Police Department.

After working 3-5 years in Patrol, you are eligible to apply for other assignments.

You become eligible to test for promotion after 5 years.

The Pasco Police Department is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in its workforce. At PPD we acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals and pledge ourselves to creating and maintaining an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences.