LATERAL POLICE OFFICER

VACANCY ANN.#:    STOI- 26-046

TITLE:                          LATERAL POLICE OFFICER

DEPARTMENT:          PUBLIC SAFETY

SUPERVISOR:             CHIEF OF POLICE

STATUS:                       FULL-TIME, NON-EXEMPT

RATE OF PAY:            $33.48 - $34.19  

OPENING DATE:         JUNE 9, 2026

CLOSING DATE:         JUNE 23, 2026

INTRODUCTION:

The Spokane Tribal Indian Reservation is in the southern part of Stevens County Washington. It is spread over 154,000 plus acres of beautiful mountain, valleys and river lined land.  The Spokane and Columbia Rivers border the serene views of the reservation.  With a population of approximately 2900 in our community, the Spokane Tribal Police Department provides 24/7 law enforcement coverage to our members and visitors yearly.  The Spokane Tribe operates Casinos in Airway Heights and Chewelah Washington

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with the community, employees, and visitors of Spokane Tribe of Indians to promote their general health, safety and well-being
• Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Effect arrests, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons.
• Prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols, and mathematical computations.
• Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Operate a law enforcement vehicle during daytime or nighttime, in emergency situations involving speeds more than posted limits, in congested traffic and on unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice, snow.
• Communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informers.
• Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicle; lifting, caring, and dragging heavy objects; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches, and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces; and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
• Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
• Engage in law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as working rotating shifts, walking on foot patrol, and physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure.
• Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles and the elderly, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes, and advising of rights and processes.
• Demonstrating communication skills in court and other formal settings.
• Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions which indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
• Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.
• Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging, and carrying people from particular areas.
• Process and transport prisoners and committed mental patients using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.
• Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits, court papers and warrants.
• Process arrested suspects which will include working with Corrections Staff in processing booking paperwork, taking photographs, fingerprinting and obtaining medical clearances.
• Maintain and use efficiently all department issued equipment (i.e. weapon, vehicle, and uniform) in a clean and functional fashion.
• This job description does not list all the duties of this position. You may be instructed by Directors to perform other duties as assigned.
• Be able to work extended and various working hours, days and conditions that are contrary to generally accepted work scheduling and conditions. (i.e. Nights, Weekends, Holidays and hazardous/unsafe weather and/or other conditions)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILILTIES REQUIRED:

• Police officers must be able to communicate from a basic level to college level with person(s) by verbal, non-verbal and written communications based upon needs and skills of clientele.
• Officers must be able to be quick and logical thinkers with the ability to solve deep and complex problems and communicate these ideas to others both verbally and in written reports.
• Officers must be educated with creativity, understanding, courteous and insightful when working with the public.
• Officers must be able to read complex laws and legal documents and interpret and discuss this information with people of all educational levels and communications capacities.
• Officers must have the ability to be kind, patient and maintain their composure with all people(s) regardless of the other person(s) demeanor and despite verbal abuse or offensive language. Officers must be leaders that compose themselves with the highest levels of integrity, conduct and demeanor to instill confidence in the public and maintain peace regardless of circumstances.
• Officers must also possess the ability to use force if necessary.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a US Citizen who is a lawful permanent resident
• Must have a BIA or State Peace/Police officer certification in good standings
• Must Be at least 21-years of age
• Must have a minimum of High school Diploma or Equivalent
• Must be able to legally possess and carry a firearm in accordance with Federal, State and Tribal Law
• No History of Crimes related to dishonesty
• In the past 5 years no personal or professional issues with the Use or Sale of Controlled Substances.
• Must have and maintain above standard driving record and be insurable by the Spokane Tribe of Indians insurance provider
  
• Law Enforcement Certification
• Education and Training Pertaining to Job Description
• No Felony Convictions
• No Domestic Violence Convictions

OTHER:

• Positions with the Spokane Tribal Law Enforcement Division are subject to a One (1) year Probationary Period that begins upon the first day of employment.
  

• During the probation period, they must demonstrate good knowledge of the principles and practices of police work; good knowledge of laws and ordinances governing local law enforcement; good knowledge of first aid; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other department personnel and the general public; ability to think clearly in high stress and emergency situations; good professional judgment; integrity; tact and honesty.

*Indian Preference Applies – Indian Preference grants preference to any enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.

*Safety Sensitive Background – Requires a higher standard of performance and behavior.

*FBI Background – Positions involving regular contact with, or control over, Indian Children in accordance with the Federal Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, Public Law 101-630

APPLY ON-LINE 

Contact: HRFRONTDESK

P.O. Box 206 Wellpinit, WA 99040

509-458-6527

E-mail: hrfrontdesk@spokanetribe.com

Applications must be received in the Human Resource Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on the closing date.

The Spokane Tribe reserves the right to hire according to its Indian Preference Policy

All Applicants are subject to a Pre-Employment Drug Test

All Positions with the Spokane tribe of Indians are subject to a 90-day orientation period