Police Employment

Policing... A call to duty.

Are you up for the challenge?

If you are looking for more than "just a job" and want to make a positive difference in your community every day, consider a career in law enforcement! Policing is a career with serious responsibilities and abounding rewards that really count in today's world.

Few careers offer more opportunities for self-fulfillment than service as a law enforcement officer.

Do you have what it takes?

The Oak Harbor Police Department (OHPD) is a growing and progressive law enforcement agency, currently consisting of 28 Commissioned Police Officers and 39 total personnel.

OHPD provides opportunities to commissioned officers, which include: Ancillary motorcycle and bicycle assignments (including four new electric bikes!); HRET (High-Risk Entry Team) assignments. We also have assignments for other operations, to include; detective positions, School Resource Officer, and Special Services Division,. The Department is committed to training and takes full advantage of courses and certifications offered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, and other recognized learning institutions. All Police Officers are covered by the Washington State Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters (LEOFF) Retirement System. Civilian personnel are covered by the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and the Public Safety Employees Retirement System (PSERS).

The Department is strongly oriented towards community service and enjoys strong support from its citizens. The City enjoys the advantage of operating its own Jail facility. The Department has achieved a high level of automation in recent years and continues to seek modern and innovative service enhancements.

Apprenticeship Program for Hired Entry Level Officers

The Oak Harbor Police Department has a Washington State approved Apprenticeship Program for the position of Police Officer. This program is available to entry-level officers after they are hired with the Oak Harbor Police Department. Qualifying Entry-Level new hires who are veterans may be eligible to receive a monthly G.I. Bill benefit check while participating in our 2-year Apprenticeship Program. This program is not required.

Employment Benefits

All employees receive:

  • Generous fully paid medical/dental plan for employee, 75% for spouse and children, vision paid in full for employee and dependents
  • Employer paid $25,000 life insurance for employee and $10,000 for dependents
  • Employer paid Long Term Disability
  • One day a month accrual of each for sick leave and vacation leave
  • Ten holidays + three floating holidays
  • Education Incentive, Longevity and Specialty Pay
  • On-site wellness gym
  • Uniforms and equipment provided
  • Island living at its best!
  • (Please check with the City's Human Resources Department for any updated information)

Entry Level Testing

All full-time positions are filled through an application and testing process conducted by the Oak Harbor Civil Service Commission. Lateral and Entry-Level Police Officers and Lateral and Entry-Level Corrections Officer initial testing is conducted through Public Safety Testing.

Non-Commissioned Positions

When civilian positions become open, an application and testing process is announced and posted on the City's Current Job Openings page.

Lateral Entry Experienced- Interest List

If you are an experienced Police Officer with at least 24 continuous months of the past 36 months of full-time duty as a police officer or deputy sheriff, and are interested in employment with OHPD, please check our website for openings, if there are no current openings contact the Civil Service Secretary, Kim Andrews and provide contact information to be put on an interest list. When an opening occurs and you've met the requirements, you will be sent an application of employment with the City of Oak Harbor.

Job Classifications

The following is a listing of all Civil Service job classifications within the Oak Harbor Police Department.

Officer on Motorcycle

Commissioned

  • Police Sergeant
  • Police Officer

Non-Commissioned

  • Police Support Officer
  • Corrections Officer
  • Records and Evidence Supervisor
  • Records Information Specialist
  • Police Support / Animal Control Officer

The City of Oak Harbor is an equal opportunity employer.