Qualifications

Education

Minimum education is dependent upon the education requirement listed in the specific job announcement.

Drug Use

An applicant’s drug use history will be thoroughly assessed and may be a factor for disqualification. Examples of drug usage that may disqualify:

  • MARIJUANA: Has not used Marijuana within twelve (12) months prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam.
  • The use of PRESCRIPTIONS not prescribed to you by a Doctor or a pattern of illegal use of prescription medication.
  • CLUB DRUGS: Has not used club drugs, such as, but not limited to: Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol, or MDMA (ecstasy) within three (3) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam.
  • STEROIDS: Has not used steroids within three (3) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam.
  • AEROSOLS: Has not inhaled aerosols, sometimes referred to as Huffing (paint) or Whippits (Nitrous Oxide) or used Khat within three (3) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam
  • COCAINE/CRACK: Has not used cocaine or crack within five (5) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam.
  • HALLUCINOGENS: Has not used any Hallucinogens; PCP, Angel Dust, Wet, Phencyclidine, LSD, Mushrooms, or Psilocybin, within five (5) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam.
  • OPIATES: Has not used Opium, Morphine, or Heroin within five (5) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam
  • STIMULANTS: Has not used Methamphetamine, Crank, Crystal, Ice, Speed, Glass, or Amphetamine within five (5) years prior to taking the Police Officer Civil Service Exam.
  • Has not used any illegal drug(s) while employed in a criminal justice and/or law enforcement capacity.
  • Has not manufactured or cultivated illegal drug(s) for the purpose of the sale/marketing of the drug(s). 
  • Has not sold or facilitated the sale of illegal drugs.

Please note that use of illegal drugs and the illegal use of prescription drugs, means the use of one or more drugs, the possession or distribution of which is unlawful under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

Military Record

The applicant must have been discharged under honorable conditions (fair employment laws apply).

Washington Driver's License

A valid Washington State Driver's License is required prior to being hired, if required in the specific job announcement you are applying for.

Traffic Record

An applicant's driving record will be thoroughly assessed and may be a factor for disqualification. Examples of infractions/traffic crimes that may be disqualifying include:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Reckless Driving or Hit & Run Driving.
  • Suspension of your driver's license within five (5) years of the date of application.
  • Three (3) or more moving violations (speeding, negligent driving, etc.) in the past five (5) years of the date of application will be carefully reviewed.
  • Two (2) or more accidents within five (5) years of the date of application, wherein applicant was judged to be at fault and/or charged with a moving violation.

Criminal Activity

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. The following will be disqualifying:

  • Any adult felony conviction.
  • Any misdemeanor or felony conviction while employed in a criminal justice and/or law enforcement capacity.
  • Any domestic violence conviction.

Employment

An applicant's employment history, including any terminations, or leaving an employer in lieu of termination, will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification.

Financial

An applicant's credit history, including excessive credit card debt or unresolved accounts in collection will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification. The following will be disqualifying:

  • Failure to pay income tax or child support.
The Seattle Police Department is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in its workforce. At SPD 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.

Police

Sue Rahr, Interim Chief of Police
Address: 610 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104-1900
Mailing Address: PO Box 34986, Seattle, WA, 98124-4986
Phone: (206) 625-5011
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The Seattle Police Department (SPD) prevents crime, enforces laws, and supports quality public safety by delivering respectful, professional, and dependable police services. SPD operates within a framework that divides the city into five geographical areas called "precincts".