How To Become A Police Officer

ABOUT

Law enforcement is an exciting and rewarding career. Our agency offers opportunities for specialized training and career advancement. Our department boasts four patrol teams, a detective unit, one K9 officer, and a narcotics position.

Entry-level officers will attend the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia, NM. Cadets will undergo a rigorous curriculum focusing on criminal investigations, firearms training, emergency vehicle operations, use of force training, and defensive tactics. Upon returning from the academy, new officers will be sent to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Equivalency Program within their first year of employment.

Lateral officers who have successfully completed an approved basic training academy program will be automatically advanced to the field training program. Out-of-state applicants are encouraged to apply.

PAY AND BENEFITS

Entry-level officers with no previous law enforcement experience will earn a base rate of $25.29 per hour. The pay scale increases with experience on an annual basis.

Each officer is issued a “take home” patrol car. Officers begin and end their shift from their driveway.

Employees receive a generous 401k with employer-matching contributions at 6%.

Officers receive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and qualified dependents with a low deductible.

Officers are entitled to an annual clothing allowance of $650.

SHIFT SCHEDULE

Patrol officers work a “5 days on, 5 days off, 2 days on 2 days off” schedule with rotating weekends. Patrol teams rotate from day shift to night shift every four months. Officers do not bid for shifts.

Residency Requirements

Officers are permitted to live outside the boundaries of the reservation. Our agency has officers who live in Omak, Coulee Dam, Grand Coulee, Electric City, Riverside, Inchelium, and even Colville. The reservation is an enormous jurisdiction.

Residency is typically not an issue when considering to hire an applicant. Newly hired officers have a wide range of choices when choosing where to reside.

Out-of-state applicants may seek guidance pertaining to school districts, rental agreements, and other family-related considerations before moving to the area.

POLICE COMMISSION CARDS

The reservation is a unique jurisdiction. Officers within our agency carry several police commissions to enforce tribal, state, and federal laws.

Firstly, officers are commissioned through the Colville Confederated Tribes which has passed a resolution to create their criminal code applicable to only tribal members and first-line descendants.

Secondly, officers are cross-commissioned with Okanogan County and Ferry County as sheriff’s deputies. The reservation is home to many citizens who are not tribal members; furthermore, the reservation welcomes many visitors for recreation and commerce. Our officers regularly respond to incidents involving non-tribal members and are expected to enforce any applicable state laws.

Thirdly, our police department maintains a federal contract providing full-time police coverage to the Grand Coulee Dam Federal Installation. Officers carry a BOR (Bureau of Reclamation) police commission to enforce laws on federal property.

Lastly, our department assists the U.S. Border Patrol & Customs with operations on the Canadian Border.

Officers within our agency wear many hats and respond to an array of calls. Our jurisdiction spans 1.4 million acres.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

The first step in the process is to submit a job application. We accept both lateral and entry-level applicants.

Applicants must pass a written exam and physical fitness test. Passing applicants will be invited to participate in a panel interview. Applicants will undergo a thorough background investigation and submit to a polygraph examination. The hiring process can take as little as a few months. Out-of-state applicants will be processed in a condensed manner to limit the amount of long-distance travel on behalf of the applicant.

Laterals are encouraged to apply. There is no requirement for the length of prior service.

Applicants should look for listings of open positions at colvilletribes.com/jobs

APPLICATION (PDF) - Click here for a paper application.

*OUR DEPARTMENT IS CONTINUOUSLY HIRING. If you cannot find an open position on the website - it does not necessarily mean that we are fully staffed. Inquire with our department’s recruiting officer.

QUESTIONS?

Contact the Patrol Captain: Cpt Alan O’Neal
Email: harold.oneal.law@colvilletribes.com | Phone: (509) 634-2516