Entry Level Officer

Phase One

Candidates must first participate in the written exam and physical ability test (PAT) through Public Safety Testing.

After successfully completing testing through PST, you will receive an link to apply.

Phase Two
The top candidates will be invited to participate in an oral board interview. A score of 70% is required to pass the Oral Board process.

Successful candidates will be ranked on an official eligibility register by a combination of scores from the written exam and the oral board interview. Both items are weighted equally. As applicable, veterans' scoring criteria percentages will be applied to the combined scoring. Names on the register are valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of entry on the register. Placement on the register will be subject to revision based upon periodic testing results.
 
Phase Three
When the Department has a police officer position to be filled, the Chief of Police may request certification of the top five (5) candidates from the eligibility register. In the event of two or more vacancies, an additional candidate for each additional vacancy is allowed. The names are certified at a Civil Service Commission meeting.
 
One certified, the police department may reach out directly to initiate the background investigation process. This will include fingerprinting, a check of personal and professional references, social media activity, as well as work, criminal, driving and financial histories. The Gig Harbor Police Department may also conduct personal interviews within your neighborhood and workplace. After a successful background check, the Chief of Police will conduct an interview.
 
Any offer of employment that emerges after Chief's interview will be conditional upon successfully passing a polygraph, emotional intelligence screening, drug test, psychological and medical evaluation.