ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Law Enforcement Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLaw Enforcement JobsEntry Level Law Enforcement JobsEntry Level Law Enforcement Jobs in Washington

Entry Level Law Enforcement information

See Washington salary details

$37.9K

$55.9K

$78.7K

How much do entry level law enforcement jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level law enforcement in Washington is $55,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $61,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level law enforcement officer?

Entry level law enforcement jobs refer to positions such as police officers, sheriff's deputies, or corrections officers that require minimal prior experience in the field. These roles typically involve enforcing laws, maintaining public safety, and responding to emergencies. Candidates often need to meet basic requirements such as a high school diploma or GED, pass background checks, and complete police academy training. Entry level positions provide foundational training and experience for those starting a career in law enforcement.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level law enforcement officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Law Enforcement Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, strong observational skills, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, report writing software, and communication equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, composure under pressure, and sound judgment help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure effective enforcement of laws, community trust, and safety in challenging and dynamic situations.

What are common challenges faced by entry level law enforcement officers during their first year?

Entry level law enforcement officers often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning to manage stressful or unpredictable situations, and building effective communication with both the public and colleagues. Many new officers also need to quickly become proficient with departmental procedures, report writing, and legal protocols. Support from experienced team members and ongoing training are crucial in helping new recruits navigate these challenges and develop confidence in their roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Law Enforcement vs Correctional Officer?

AspectEntry Level Law EnforcementCorrectional Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certificationHigh school diploma or GED, correctional officer training
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, patrols, community interactionsPrisons, jails, detention facilities
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsCorrectional facilities, detention centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Law Enforcement officers primarily focus on patrolling, crime prevention, and community policing, working in the field and interacting with the public. Correctional Officers supervise inmates within detention facilities. While both roles require similar certifications and work in criminal justice, their environments and daily responsibilities differ significantly, making them distinct career paths within law enforcement.

Can you get hired as an entry level law enforcement officer with no experience?

Entry level law enforcement officers are often hired with little to no prior experience, as agencies typically provide training and require candidates to meet minimum qualifications such as a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates usually need to pass background checks, physical fitness tests, and written exams, and some agencies may prefer or require a basic law enforcement certification or academy training before hiring.

What are the most commonly searched types of Law Enforcement jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Law Enforcement jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs in Washington?

For Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Law Enforcement job openings:

Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Law Enforcement job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,886 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Law Enforcement Training Instructor - U.S. Capitol Police Support

SGI Global, LLC

Cheltenham, MD • On-site

$79K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

SGI Global is seeking Law Enforcement Instructors for the United States Capitol Police (USCP). Qualified instructors will responsible for providing general entry-level and inservice training instructions to all sworn and civilian employees, supervisors, mid-level managers and command staff.
Responsibilities
The Instructor shall provide training, including but not limited to, the following:
  • Prepare and deliver the course materials including content, sequence, timing, presentation and instructional methodology.
  • Rate and score students/ officers/ and officials (who participate in training programs) and make initial determination on whether they qualify or fail to qualify to meet departmental standards.
  • Continuously analyze training policies and other training related processes, making recommendation to management on necessary revisions based off validated research, industry standards and /or Departmental policy changes.
  • Research and analyze relevant case law for inclusion in course presentation, and evaluate and revise course content as necessary. Determine and outline coverage, specific goals, techniques, instructional aids and timing for each phase of each lesson.
  • Write and prepare lesson plans, course materials, evaluations and management recommendations in an accurate, concise manner without need
    for grammatical or content editing.
  • Deviate from course lesson plans as necessary and approved to adjust to changes in law enforcement procedures, equipment and techniques.
  • Evaluate and advise on students' progress by observing performance of students and by developing and administering tests on materials studied.
  • Stay abreast of literature and other materials in assigned training areas, evaluate the potential of new materials and instructional aides and participates in training workshops, seminars, and courses. May be required to perform such administrative support training duties as class scheduling and coordination, record keeping and property management.

Qualifications
  • Must have successfully completed the Federal Law Enforcement Center's (FLETC) Law Enforcement Instructor Training Program (LEITP), or equivalent
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited College or University in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement or Police Science or equivalent.
  • Must have at least 10 years of experience in law enforcement. Five years or more of Law Enforcement instructor experience can be a substitute for education, where 1 year of experience = 1 year of collegiate level education. Preference is given for Federal Law Enforcement Officer experience and/or Law Enforcement Instructor experience. Military or security experience does not substitute for law enforcement experience.
  • Instructors should have a range of law enforcement knowledge and training experience in fields to include the following:
    • Contact stops and frisks
    • Domestic violence
    • District of Columbia law
    • Probable cause
    • Handling emotionally disturbed persons
    • Arrest processing
    • Use of force
    • Court procedures
    • Juvenile processing
    • Traffic regulation
    • Radio communications
    • Warrants
    • Report writing
    • Firearms
    • Emergency response
    • Incident command
    • Security screening
    • Physical fitness
    • Officer safety and defensive tactics
    • Search and seizure
    • ASP baton
    • OC Spray
    • Active shooter
    • Surveillance
    • Vehicle Response and Traffic stops
    • Officer Survivor Tactics
  • Must effectively be able to convey ideas verbally in an adult learning environment and have experience in developing and executing lesson plans and practical exercises using traditional and innovative teaching methods with adult learners in a law enforcement setting.

SGI Global provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Apply