The Process
NOTE: Our testing process has changed to a two-part exam/applicant screening process. The first part of the process are exams administered by the National Testing Network. These exams can be completed virtually or in person at a National Testing Network Center. The second part of the process is administered in Seattle by the Seattle Police Department. Please carefully read the information below to ensure the proper completion of the screening process.
Ensure you meet the requirements. You must meet the minimum hiring standards for all police officers. Once in the Backgrounding, applicants who do not meet the police department's eligibility requirements will be considered less competitive.
All disqualifications are reviewed by the HR Director or his designee for final approval.
FrontLine National Video-Based Human Relations and Judgment Test
46 Scenarios (90 Minutes)
FrontLine National focuses on using good judgment in enforcement, public relations and teamwork. It was specifically designed for entry level law enforcement. Candidates watch a video segment and then choose the BEST course of action in a multiple-choice format. This test is presented on video and the items play without stopping. Candidates have 10 seconds to answer each question.Law enforcement experience is not needed to answer these questions. FrontLine National is not intended in any way to be a test of knowledge of policy or technical aspects of the job. Any such information that may be needed to answer a question is provided in the test. Candidates are not expected to know anything other than what is stated. Candidates should base answers only on information given in the test and common sense.
FrontLine National Writing Test - Initial Report
1 Written Report (10 Minutes)
The FrontLine National Writing Test is given in two parts. The first part involves writing a report and the second part is a multiple-choice test. For the first part, candidates will be shown a brief scenario on video and will be asked to write a factual report describing the scenario. Candidates will watch the scenario twice with time in-between viewings to take notes. Prior to viewing the test scenario, a sample situation will be shown, and an example report will guide candidates what is considered a good response. Candidates will be able to take notes and can use these notes to write the report. After watching the test scenario twice, candidates have 10 minutes for writing.
FrontLine National Multiple-Choice Writing Test
15 Questions (10 Minutes)
After completing the FrontLine National Video Test, candidates will be asked to answer language ability multiple-choice questions (multiple-choice writing test and multiple-choice reading test). For the multiple-choice writing test, candidates answer questions on straightforward information that law enforcement officers would need to include in their actual reports. For the multiple-choice test, candidates use the initial report written in the first part of the Writing Test to answer the test questions.
FrontLine National Multiple-Choice Reading Test
30 Questions (15 Minutes)
After completing the FrontLine National Video Test, candidates will be asked to answer language ability multiple-choice questions (multiple-choice writing test and multiple-choice reading test). The multiple-choice reading test is designed specifically for law enforcement officers, a job requiring ongoing study of difficult and technical materials. This test is based on actual job materials. Candidates will be required to choose a word that best fits in the blank.
Community Attitudes Assessment
The Community Attitudes Assessment has several types of questions. You will review and make judgments about situations in photographs. You will also read statements and respond with how much you agree with the statement.
Public Safety Aptitude Test
The Public Safety Aptitude Test consists of multiple-choice questions, containing statements and answers. You will identify the most logical answer from each statement. You will have one hour to complete all the questions and you must complete them all in one sitting. You cannot skip any questions. Once the timer starts, it does not stop.
Information about the Physical Agility Test requirements are available at the Criminal Justice Training Commission.
Laterals and Exceptional Entry cadidates do not take the PAT (Physical Agility Test) during the testing and hiring process.
Personal History Information Packet
Applicants will be provided a link to the Seattle Police Department’s Personal History Information digital backgrounding software, eSOPH.
Failure to return your completed PHI will result in disqualification from the hiring process. Make sure to attach photocopies of your driver's license, social security card, DD 214 and academy certification (if applicable). The Consent to Release Information & Credit History Release forms must be notarized.
- After the successful completion of the Physical Ability Test, Entry Level candidates will be scheduled for a virtual Oral Board. During the Oral Board candidates will JOIN the virtual meeting with a panel of three (3) Seattle Police Department employees and will be answering questions.
- The Oral Board questions will typically be based on 4 topics:
- Use of Force
- Ethics
- Community Relations/Engagement
- Interpersonal Sensitivity
- All the panel members are allowed to do is read you the question and you answer. This is not conversational. Make sure you articulate to the panel your thoughts, reasoning, and why.
- Dress Professionally and practice in advance.
The Seattle Police Department Background Unit continually processes police officer candidates. Background investigations commence once a candidate is assigned to a detective. This process can take some time, so please be patient.
After successfully completing the backgrounding and testing processes, the most competitive candidates are offered conditional employment with the Seattle Police Department.
DO NOT QUIT YOUR CURRENT JOB or MOVE until you receive a written FINAL OFFER of employment!
After receiving a conditional offer of employment you will be scheduled for additional tests, including a polygraph, psychological exam and medical exam.
Once you receive your final conditional offer of employment you will be notified of your academy start date & employment orientation. You will need to re-take the Physical Agility Test (PAT) as an entrance requirement to the police academy. Once you successfully complete the PAT you will be given a final offer of employment.
Before the Badge
- Community Engagement Program before attending Criminal Justice Training Commission:
- Meet with Community Leaders and Stakeholders
- Physical Conditioning
- 30 Days
The Law Enforcement Academy
Once hired, you will become a Police Recruit and enter the police academy. The Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) is approximately 4.5-months (720 hours). Recruits are NOT housed at the academy and will be responsible for their own housing.
**The Department retains the right to send an Exceptional Entry candidate to the CJTC Police Academy if it is determined during the hiring process that a candidates' existing training is not comparable.
Post-BLEA and Field Training
Upon graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) you will become a Student Officer. You will spend approximately 4 weeks at the Seattle Police Department Advanced Training Unit in Post-BLEA. You will learn the laws specific to the City of Seattle, department policy and procedures and services specific to Seattle.
After completing advanced training, you will enter the Field Training Program, with an experienced officer who will evaluate your performance in the patrol division.
You must successfully complete all of the above segments to continue your employment with the Seattle Police Department. Failure to achieve satisfactory scores and/or performance may result in your termination.
Probationary Period and Assignments
Once you successfully complete the Field Training program you will be assigned to the Patrol Division where you will work a Patrol shift at one of our five precincts.
You will be a probationary police officer for the first year following your graduation from the academy. Once passing probation, you will become a permanent member of the Seattle Police Department.
The Police Officer training program at the Seattle Police Department is approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board's State Approving Agency (HECB/SAA) for training of those eligible to receive veterans benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, U.S. Code.
After working 3-5 years in Patrol, you are eligible to apply for other assignments.
You become eligible to test for promotion after 5 years.