Police Officer Employment and Testing

Hiring Process

  • 21 years of age
  • U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • Able to pass physical ability test prior to hire and throughout the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA)
  • Vision 20/100 uncorrected each eye (corrected to 20/20)
  • Valid driver’s license
  • No record of felony convictions
  • Associate’s Degree or two years (90 quarter hours/60 semester hours) of general education coursework toward a degree at an accredited college or university 
  • Or, High School Diploma or equivalent, AND
  • Four years of active military service with honorable discharge (four years of military service may be substituted for two years of general education coursework toward a degree at an accredited college or university)

  • After completing the written exam and personal history statement, you will be invited to apply by the city of Bellingham Human Resources Department
    • Ensure you have educational transcripts and military discharge paperwork prepared
  • You will then be scheduled for an interview with Bellingham Police Department

  • After a conditional offer of employment is given, the candidate will need to complete the following requirements, in no specific order:
    • Polygraph exam
    • Psychological exam
    • Background investigation
    • Medical exam
  • A final offer of employment will only be given upon passing all the above requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.  Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application/examination process should contact Human Resources.​

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