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Career with the Ridgefield Police Department
Our Department
The Ridgefield Police Department is a progressive, community based department which provides services to a growing population of approximately 15,000.
We are looking for innovative candidates who have a strong work ethic, a high moral character and who will actively embrace the community policing philosophy.
Our Community
Ridgefield is located in northwest Clark County, Washington along the Interstate 5 corridor, 17 miles from the Portland International Airport. Washington State University-Vancouver and Clark College are located within 20 minutes. Ridgefield offers the best of life in a small, safe and supportive community while being in close proximity to the Portland-Vancouver metro area.
Apply
Apply for positions on the Public Safety Testing website.
Positions
To be considered for an entry-level position with the Ridgefield Police Department, applicants must complete the following steps:
- Application & Testing: Apply online or by phone with Public Safety Testing (PST) and schedule a written exam and physical ability test. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the written test; the physical test is pass/fail.
- Oral Interview:Candidates participate in a structured oral board interview with a panel of law enforcement professionals.
- Eligibility List: Successful candidates are placed on an eligibility list based on overall testing scores.
- Background Investigation: A comprehensive background check is conducted, including criminal and credit history, personal and professional references, and a polygraph exam.
- Medical & Psychological Evaluation: Candidates receiving a conditional offer must pass a psychological and medical evaluation.
Training Program
Candidates who receive a final offer of employment must complete:
- Law Enforcement Academy: 720-hour (4.5-month) basic training at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC).
- Field Training Officer (FTO) Program: A three-month field training and evaluation program to prepare new officers for solo patrol duties.
Entry-level officers typically complete all training within 7–10 months of hire. Training time for lateral officers may be shorter based on prior experience.
Benefits
HEALTH INSURANCE
- 100% Employer Paid for Employee
- 90% Employer Paid for Family
PAID LEAVE
- 99 Hours Vacation/Year
- Accrue 11 Hours Sick Leave/Month
- 12 Paid Holidays
INCENTIVE/SPECIALTY BENEFITS:
- $750 Fitness Bonus
- Retention Bonus
- 5% Instructor Pay
- LEOFF Retirement
- College Incentive Pay:
• 2% Associate / 4% Bachelor - Specialty, Shift Differential and Longevity Pay
- Ongoing, Quality training.
- Take Home Vehicle
- Safe and Supportive Community
- Collaborative Team Environment
- Drone Program
To be considered a Lateral with the City of Ridgefield Police Department, you must:
- Have successfully completed the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) or be a graduate of a Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy or equivalent, as accepted by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
- Have 12 months or more active law enforcement as a commissioned, full time, general authority law enforcement officer with a municipal, county or state law enforcement agency and
- Not have been separated from law enforcement for more than 24 months, but less than 60 months.
Names will be pulled from the lateral hiring list as needed. The applicant can expect an email with further information on oral boards or Chief Interview. Invitations to participate in the oral board process will be on a first come, first served basis.
A police officer candidate who receives a final offer of employment with the City of Ridgefield completes a rigorous training program including:
- Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy
- Out-of-state lateral police officers will complete 80 hours (2 weeks) Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC). In-state laterals are not required to take additional academy training.
- Field Training Officer Program
- The three-month field training and evaluation program with the Ridgefield Police Department is to train new officers so that they are prepared to function as a solo patrol officer.
- The approximate amount of time it takes for an entry-level officer to be trained to function as a solo patrol officer is between seven and ten months from the date of hire. For lateral entry police officers, the training period is shorter due to the officer's experience and required academy training
Benefits
HEALTH INSURANCE
- 100% Employer Paid for Employee
- 90% Employer Paid for Family
PAID LEAVE
- 99 Hours Vacation/Year
- Accrue 11 Hours Sick Leave/Month
- 12 Paid Holidays
INCENTIVE/SPECIALTY BENEFITS:
- $750 Fitness Bonus
- Retention Bonus
- 5% Instructor Pay
- LEOFF Retirement
- College Incentive Pay:
• 2% Associate / 4% Bachelor - Specialty, Shift Differential and Longevity Pay
- Ongoing, Quality training.
- Take Home Vehicle
- Safe and Supportive Community
- Collaborative Team Environment
- Drone Program
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please email Chief Cathy Doriot.