City of Bonney Lake

The entry level police officer testing process includes a written examination, physical ability test, and an oral interview panel.

The first step in the application process is to apply through the City of Bonney Lake. Both lateral and entry level candidates who successfully complete their respective process will be placed on the eligibility register according to their composite score, plus veterans' preference points, if applicable.

Entry level applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age 21 at the time of examination
• United States citizen
• Read and speak the English language
• High school graduate or equivalent, college course work preferred
• Ability to obtain a Washington State Driver's License free of suspensions or revocations
• No felony convictions
• Ability to pass a series of qualifying pre-employment examinations

Lateral applicants must have been employed on a full-time basis as a general authority, paid commissioned police officer for a minimum of 12 of the last 36 months at the time of application.

Applicants must also have successfully completed a basic police training academy and if they are from outside of the State of Washington, become certified by the Washington State Equivalency Academy within one year of employment.

The city offers a bank of Personal Time Off commensurate with their applicable police experience. 

Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an oral interview process. The top three candidates will be invited to an interview with the Chief of Police. Successful candidates will then be subject to a comprehensive background investigation that includes a polygraph and psychological examination as well as a medical screening. Candidates who successfully complete their respective process will be placed on the eligibility register according to their composite score, plus veterans' preference points, if applicable. 

Lateral level applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Applicants must have been employed on a full-time basis as a general authority, paid commissioned police officer for a minimum of 12 of the last 36 months at the time of application. 
• Age 21 at the time of examination
• United States citizen
• Read and speak the English language
• High school graduate or equivalent, college course work preferred
• Ability to obtain a Washington State Driver's License free of suspensions or revocations
• No felony convictions 
• Ability to pass a series of qualifying pre-employment examinations

The Bonney Lake Police Department shall actively strive to identify a diverse group of candidates that have in some manner distinguished themselves as being outstanding prospects. The Department will employ a comprehensive screening, background investigation and selection process that assesses cognitive and physical abilities and includes review and verification of the following:  

• A comprehensive application for employment (including previous employment, references, current and prior addresses, education, military record)
• Driving record
• Reference checks
• Employment eligibility verification, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 and acceptable identity and employment authorization documents
• Information obtained from public internet sites
• Financial history consistent with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
• Local, state and federal criminal history record checks
• Polygraph examination
• Medical and psychological examination

An applicant's failure to meet the criteria in any phase constitutes grounds for disqualification.

Exceptional applicants must have current possession of a Washington State Peace Officer Certification, Less than two (2) years’ experience as a fully commissioned law enforcement officer in the State of Washington or no more than a 24 month break in service, and Graduation from a standard high school, vocational school or equivalency.

Applicants must also have successfully completed a basic police training academy and if they are from outside of the State of Washington, become certified by the Washington State Equivalency Academy within one year of employment.

The city offers a bank of Personal Time Off commensurate with their applicable police experience. 

Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an oral interview process. The top three candidates will be invited to an interview with the Chief of Police. Successful candidates will then be subject to a comprehensive background investigation that includes a polygraph and psychological examination as well as a medical screening. Candidates who successfully complete their respective process will be placed on the eligibility register according to their composite score, plus veterans' preference points, if applicable. 

Exceptional level applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Less than two (2) years’ experience as a fully commissioned law enforcement officer in the State of Washington or no more than a 24 month break in service
• Current possession of a Washington State Peace Officer Certification 
• Age 21 at the time of examination
• United States citizen
• Read and speak the English language
• High school graduate or equivalent, college course work preferred
• Ability to obtain a Washington State Driver's License free of suspensions or revocations
• No felony convictions 
• Ability to pass a series of qualifying pre-employment examinations