Kirkland Corrections
Serving our community with Honor, Integrity, and Courage.
Being a Kirkland Corrections Officer is a rewarding career in law enforcement that employs the skills of helping people, meeting challenges, and serving your community. Kirkland Corrections Officers not only work at the Kirkland jail, they also transport inmates to court and regional facilities, handle warrant transfers with other police departments, assist officers in the field with prisoner transports, and provide security to the Kirkland Municipal Court. Corrections Officers are specially commissioned and required to qualify to carry department-issued firearms. They also have opportunities for career development and to become certified instructors in various trainings, including defensive tactics, less lethal weapons, firearms, and field training officer. Corrections Officers' shifts are varied and include days, nights or court security.
The Kirkland Jail is a 70-bed facility located in the Kirkland Justice Center along with the Kirkland Municipal Court and Kirkland Police Department. The Kirkland Jail is a misdemeanor jail and is a one-year facility.
Salary and Benefits
Kirkland Corrections Officers are among the best-paid in the state:
Corrections Sergeant Top $8,740
Corrections Sergeant Starting $7,001
Corrections Corporal Top $8,045
Corrections Corporal Starting $6,443
Corrections Officer Top $7,325
Corrections Officer Starting $5,868
Medical/Dental/Vision
100% of medical/dental/vision insurance premiums are covered by the City for you and your eligible dependents, for full time employees.
Retirement
PSERS + MEBT
Corrections State Retirement Plan PSERS II provide full retirement benefits at age 65 with at least five years of service credit or at age 60 with ten years of PSERS service. The City's employees invest in the Municipal Employee's Benefit Trust Fund (MEBT), which matches and exceeds the benefits under Social Security. Employee contributions are matched by the City up to 6.2%.
Apply to be an entry level or lateral Corrections Officer in one of the most livable cities in America. Kirkland is a great place to live, work and play. Come join us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live within a certain distance from the city?
No. Officers live all over the Puget Sound Area.
How long must I be with the Kirkland Police Department before I can promote to a higher rank or move to a specialty position?
To be eligible for promotion to Corporal you need to have a minimum of three (3) years full time corrections experience and one (1) year as a corrections officer with the City of Kirkland. To be eligible for promotion to Sergeant you need a minimum of five (5) years full time experience as a corrections officer with three (3) years of service in Kirkland. You must be with the department for two years before testing for specialty assignments. Officers may test for training cadres at any time after the probationary period.
Hours of Work
Must be available to work 12 hour shifts. Corrections Officers work a two week schedule which consists of three 12 hour shifts, followed by four days off and three 12 hour shifts plus one 8 hour shift. Days off vary based on the shift that you bid on for that calendar year. Available shifts are days and nights, and are bid by seniority.
Do laterals have to go through field training?
All laterals (in-state and out-of-state), have to complete an abbreviated six-week Corrections Officers Program. During the six weeks you will be teamed with different training officers learning the procedures and operations of the department.
Do laterals have to attend a Police Academy?
Out-of-state laterals do have to fulfill the requirements for the WACJTC Corrections Officers Equivalency Academy. Lateral officers will be placed in a six-week abbreviated Corrections Officer training program for field training.
What is the physical fitness test?
The physical fitness test consists of sit-ups, push-ups, and squat thrusts. Find out the complete information on the physical fitness testing. For any questions regarding the Physical Ability Test, please follow the link provided.
What happens if I fail a portion of the testing process?
An applicant may re-apply with the department after three months from their previous test date if they fail a portion of the testing. An applicant receiving a permanent disqualification from the testing process may not re-apply with the department.
When should I apply?
You can apply anytime after you have met the minimum requirements for the position. You may not apply in anticipation of meeting the minimum requirements sometime in the near future.
How long does the background investigation take?
Once an applicant has completed the physical fitness test and oral interview with passing scores and is selected for a background investigation, the approximate time for the investigation is two months.