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Military
to Police

Looking for your next career opportunity after your military service? Be a part of the SkillBridge program and continue your service with the Seattle Police Department.

Skillbridge Program

Thank you for your interest in the Seattle Police Department’s DoD SkillBridge Program. SkillBridge is an option for transitioning military service members within their last 180 days of active-duty service. Service members must have enough time remaining on active duty to complete the program and must secure command approval to participate. During the Seattle Police Department’s SkillBridge program, Service Members will have the opportunity to complete the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy and become a sworn police officer.

SkillBridge Eligibility

Service members who have completed at least 180 days on active duty and are expected to be released from active duty within 180 days of starting the program with an honorable discharge, including a general discharge under honorable conditions.
Must have enough time to complete the program on active duty. Utilizing terminal leave is acceptable. Securing an extension to your existing End of Active Service (EAS) in order to participate is not authorized.
Must have completed the Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS).
Must have attended an Ethics Brief or completed a DoD-approved Ethics Training presentation within the last 12 months prior to the start date of the skills training program.
Must not have previously completed, currently be participating in, or have been terminated from another SkillBridge program.

Entry-Level Officer Requirements

All police officer candidates must:

Be at least 20.5 years of age
Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
Be generally physically fit
Hold United States citizenship, OR have legal permanent residency in the U.S., OR be a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient
Be able to obtain a Washington State Driver’s License after hire

Skillbridge Training Program

Service members must start the application process at least one year or 6 months prior to their ETS date, depending on the training program they are eligible for.

30–180-day SkillBridge program, depending on approval
Attend the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy
Become a sworn Seattle Police Officer upon completion
Eligible for a $7.5k signing bonus upon completion
Starting pay: $117,792

THe Process

Make sure you meet the qualifications for the position and the SkillBridge Program.

Step 1: Skillbridge Application

Complete the Seattle Police Department’s SkillBridge application.

Step 2: Virtual Interview

Take part in a virtual interview with Seattle Police Department’s recruiting unit. This will consist of approximately 30 background questions. The questions are used to determine eligibility and acceptance into the SkillBridge program.

A Seattle Police Department recruiter will email you to set up a short phone call. During the call, they will check if you qualify and schedule a virtual interview.

Step 3: Conditional Acceptance

Receive a conditional acceptance letter into the program.

Step 4: Complete Military Paperwork

Complete military branch–specific paperwork for chain-of-command approval.

While receiving approval from your chain of command, start the hiring process with the Seattle Police Department by completing the application.

Step 5: Seattle PD Application

All candidates must submit a job application to the City of Seattle. Be sure to submit the correct application. Click here to apply for entry-level and lateral positions. Note that exceptional-entry candidates should complete the entry-level application.

Step 6: Written Test

All candidates must complete a written exam, administered virtually or in person through the National Testing Network (NTN). The test includes the Frontline National Law Enforcement Exam and the Public Safety Self-Assessment. Register here to take the written test. Be sure to sign up for the Seattle Police Department entry-level or lateral exam, as appropriate. The PHQ and NTN application are not required.

Step 7: Physical Test

Only entry-level candidates must complete the Washington Physical Agility Test (WAPAT). Experienced law enforcement officers applying as lateral or exceptional-entry candidates do not need to take the physical test.

The Physical Agility Test consists of the following 3 exercises:

20 push-ups in 90 seconds
25 sit-ups in 90 seconds
35 squat thrusts in 3 min

Watch video of PAT test

Step 8: Background Investigation

Once candidates have successfully completed the testing process, SPD will send them a link to an online personal history information questionnaire. The SPD background unit will then conduct a thorough background investigation. The background investigation typically takes 2–3 months.

Step 9: Final Exams

Candidates who pass the background check will need to complete a medical exam, a psychological exam, and a polygraph test.

For out-of-state applicants:
The polygraph and medical exams will be scheduled during a visit to Seattle, and the psychological exam is scheduled virtually.

Step 10: Employment Offer

The most competitive candidates may receive an offer of employment after completing and passing all the steps above, depending on the candidate’s scores, results, and application.

Step 11: Exit Survey

Upon completion of the SkillBridge program, all service members must complete and return the Exit Survey.