Seattle Police Department SkillBridge Application

Thank you for your interest in the Seattle Police Department’s DoD SkillBridge Program. SkillBridge is an option for transitioning military Service Members within their last 180 days of active-duty service. Service Members must have enough time remaining on active duty to complete the program and must secure command approval to participate. During the Seattle Police Departments SkillBridge program service members will have the opportunity to complete the Washington State Police Basic Law Enforcement Academy and become a sworn police officer.

Service members must start the application process at least one year or 9 months prior to their ETS date depending on the training program they are eligible for. 

Training program 1 –

• 150 – 180 day SkillBridge program
• Attend the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy
• Become a sworn officer at completion and a Seattle Police Officer
• Eligible for $7.5K signing bonus at completion.
• Starting pay $103k

Training program 2 –

• 90 – 120 day SkillBridge program
• Attend 3 months of training preparing for the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy
• Upon successful completion of the 3-month program you will be offered conditional hire from the Seattle Police Department and attend the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy
• Eligible for $7.5K signing bonus at the successful competition of this program.
• Starting pay $103K

SkillBridge Eligibility and Application Process

1. Service Members who have completed at least 180 days on active duty and are expected to be released from active duty within 180 days of starting the program with an honorable discharge, including general discharge under honorable conditions.
   
   
2. Must have enough time to complete the program on active duty. Utilizing terminal leave is acceptable. Securing an extension to your existing End of Active Service (EAS) in order to participate is not authorized.
   
   
3. Have completed Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS).
   
   
4. Have attended an Ethics Brief or completed a DoD approved Ethics Training presentation within the last 12 months from the start date of the skills training program.
   
   
5. Have not previously completed, currently participating in, or been terminated from another SkillBridge program.
   
   

6. Complete the Seattle Police Departments SkillBridge application at the bottom of this page.

7. A Seattle Police Department recruiter will reach out via email to schedule a brief phone interview to determine eligibility and schedule a virtual interview.

8. Conduct virtual interview with Seattle Police Departments recruiting unit. This will consist of approximately 30 background questions to determine eligibility and acceptance into the SkillBridge program.

9. Receive a conditional acceptance letter into the program.

10. Complete military branch specific paperwork for chain of command approval. 

11. While receiving approvals from Chain of Command candidates can start the hiring process with the Seattle Police Department by completing the application.

12. Application: All candidates must submit a job application to the City of Seattle; be sure to submit the correct application. Click here to apply for entry-level and lateral positions. Exceptional-entry candidates should complete the entry-level application.

13. Written Test: All candidates must complete a written exam administered virtually or in-person through the National Testing Network (NTN). The test includes the Frontline National Law Enforcement Exam and Public Safety Self-Assessment. Register herefor the written test, be sure to sign up for the Seattle Police Department entry-level or lateral as appropriate. All Seattle Police Department testing fees will be covered by the Seattle Police Department. PHQ and NTN Application are NOT required.
    

14. Physical Test: Only entry-level candidates must complete the Washington Physical Agility Test (WAPAT). Experienced law enforcement officers applying as lateral or exceptional-entry candidates do not need to take the physical test. Entry-level candidates who live in Washington can schedule this test through NTN. Entry-level candidates who live outside Washington will take the physical agility test in Seattle after completing other pre-employment screening steps.
    

15. Background Investigation: Once candidates have successfully completed the testing process, SPD will send candidates a link to an online personal history information questionnaire. The Seattle Police Department background unit will then conduct a thorough background investigation. Note that this process can take some time while the assigned detective investigates.  
    

16. Evaluation: All candidates must complete a polygraph, medical evaluation, and a psychological evaluation. The medical evaluation can only be completed at in-person Seattle locations, and includes drug screening, medical history, vision & hearing test, and a stress EKG test. The psychological evaluation will be completed virtually. The polygraph exam can only be completed in person at Seattle Police Headquarters. 
    

17. Employment Offer: The most competitive candidates may receive an offer to be brought on as a SkillBridge soldier for our program. After completion of the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy and required Seattle Police Department training you will be offered a position as a sworn police officer.
    

18. Upon completion of the SkillBridge program, all service members must complete and return the Exit Survey.
    

Please direction questions regarding SkillBridge to Brandon.McDougald@seattle.gov

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