Transfer Today. Transform Tomorrow.

Vancouver Police Department Is Hiring Lateral Transfer Officers!

Why Transfer to Vancouver Police Department?

VPD offers an excellent hiring incentive, a highly competitive salary, the best schedule in Washington State (and perhaps all of policing), community support, many career paths and promotion opportunities. We are a growing department and anticipate adding 100 new positions over the next five years.

We are located in one of the most beautiful cities in the country, surrounded by mountains, beaches, and rivers. Our waterfront offers many award-winning restaurants and fun activities for you and your family.

Lateral Transfer Hiring Incentives

We offer outstanding incentives for Lateral Transfer Officers!

$0
At Hire
$0
Completion of Probation
$0
At 3 Years of Service
0%
Annual Salary Increase for Associate’s Degree
0%
Annual Salary Increase for Bachelor’s Degree

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.

Lateral Officer Minimum Qualifications

Citizenship

Applicant must be a United States citizen or permanent resident.

ID

Applicant must have a valid driver’s license.

Age

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

Certifications

Applicant must have maintained any mandated certifications such as firearms qualification and first aid/CPR.

Education

Applicant must possess a High School diploma or GED.

Background Investigation

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

Recent Training

Applicant must have graduated from a state-accredited law enforcement academy.

Personal History

Applicant must have a reasonably clean criminal and personal history.

Hiring Process

Apply
Online

All candidates must complete an online City of Vancouver Civil Service application.

Structured Oral
Interview

The scenario-based video assessment assesses law enforcement experience as well as the skills necessary to be successful as a police officer such as observation skills, problem-solving ability, persuasiveness, and flexibility.

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. The investigation includes a behavioral traits assessment and an in-person review of personnel, training, and IA files with prior agencies.

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, psychological evaluation, and a polygraph examination prior to receiving a final offer of employment.

Embrace Our Community

About Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver, WA has many amenities and attractions for residents and visitors. These include a newly remodeled waterfront storefront featuring restaurants, wineries, and condos, hiking trails, and community events. Vancouver is a just short drive away from the Pacific Coast, the Cascade Mountain Range, and the stunning Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.