Join Vancouver Police Department

Start your career in law enforcement today!

Hiring Incentives

We offer outstanding incentives for Entry-Level Officers!

$0
At First Paycheck
$0
Upon Completion of Probation
0%
Annual Salary Increase for Associate’s Degree
0%
Annual Salary Increase for Bachelor’s Degree

Why Join Vancouver Police Department?

The Vancouver Police Department is a professional, progressive, and innovative law enforcement agency. We take pride in our role as an integral part of our community and are actively seeking Entry-Level Officers to join our team.

We are a diverse, full-service organization that incorporates inclusive values and beliefs. We are committed to providing quality law enforcement services throughout our community. We enhance the quality of life in our city through proactive problem solving, fair, and equitable law enforcement and effective use of resources. We serve the City of Vancouver with courage, strength, integrity, compassion, and pride.

The VPD Difference

Annual Salary

$83,352 – $111,708
Commensurate with years of experience.

  • +2.5% salary incentive for Associate’s Degree
  • +5.0% salary incentive for Bachelor’s Degree
Hiring Incentives

$25,000
for
Lateral Transfer Officers

$10,000
for
Entry-Level Officers

Schedule

At VPD, we offer the best schedule in Washington.

Officers work 10 ½ hour shifts on a 5/4, 5/4, 5/5 schedule (on/off). Officers receive one hour (per shift) of on-duty wellness time, in addition to their allotted breaks.

Overtime is available but rarely required as we pride ourselves in offering a positive work life balance.

Specialty Units

VPD offers opportunities across many specialty units including:

  • SWAT
  • Traffic
  • Investigations
  • Crisis Negotiation
  • UAS
  • K9
  • Neighborhood Police Officer
Pension Plan

The LEOFF II plan is a lifetime retirement pension plan available to law enforcement officers and firefighters in Washington. You, your employer and the state contribute a percentage of income to fund the plan. Calculate your retirement benefit using this Personalized Benefit Estimator

Community Relations

VPD enjoys an exceptional relationship with our community. We work hard to earn our community’s trust through community policing, transparency, and officer training. Our department’s goal is to be the safest urban city in Washington.

Benefits

Vancouver Police Department offers competitive benefits. These benefits currently include:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • LEOFF II Retirement
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • One hour of on-duty wellness time
Policing Style

Vancouver Police Department is an early adopter of community and data-driven policing. We work together with our community to solve problems and adopt long-term solutions. We are committed to adopting and implementing new technology to better serve the community.

Vancouver, Washington

Situated on the north bank of the Columbia River, Vancouver combines the excitement of a major metropolitan area with small-town charm. Vancouver is just a short drive away from the Pacific Coast, the Cascade Mountain Range, and the stunning Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Minimum Qualifications

Citizenship

Applicant must be a United States citizen or permanent resident.

Education

Applicant must possess a High School diploma or GED.

Age

Applicant must be at least 21 years of age at time of hire.

Background Investigation

Applicant must successfully complete a thorough background investigation and post-offer psychological and medical examination, including pre-employment drug screening.

ID

Applicant must have a valid driver’s license.

Personal History

Applicant must have a reasonably clean criminal and personal history.

Hiring Process

Apply
Online

Apply through the Public Safety Testing website or the National Testing Network website. You will be required to complete a written and physical test. Choose VPD to receive your test scores, then take both tests and your scores will be sent to us.

Oral
Interview

Once we have received your scores from Public Safety Testing, we will send you an email inviting you to schedule an oral board interview. Schedule your time through our online scheduler linked in the email.

Background
Investigation

A background investigator conducts a comprehensive investigation based on information provided by the candidate in an interview and on a personal history questionnaire.

Final
Interview

The Command Panel Interview will screen for strengths and experience that will lead to success at our agency.

Final
Testing

Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must successfully complete a medical examination, including a drug screen, polygraph examination, and a psychological evaluation prior to receiving a final offer of employment.

HOW TO APPLY

As an Entry-Level Officer

This short video puts you on the path to a successful law enforcement career with VPD.

Oral Board Interview

You have completed public safety testing; this is the next step.

Background Investigation

Learn more about the background investigation phase.

Be You. Be VPD.

Use your skills to make a difference in our community.