Kent Police Department is composed of Officers and civilians who work together to enforce laws and care for their Kent neighbors, businesses and visitors. The men and women of Kent PD are dedicated to building public trust and legitimacy within our community through open communication and transparency with those we serve.

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For the real deal in a policing career, look to the Kent Police Department. Significant crime impacts the city, thus, officers and detectives made true impact to help those in need of protection and service on a daily basis.

The Kent Police Department is a full service municipal department consisting of Patrol, Support Services, Investigations, and our own Corrections and Jail. We offer a wide variety of law enforcement assignments within the Patrol division including K-9 (the most teams of any city our size in the region), SWAT, riot response, field trainers, hostage negotiations, and traffic enforcement positions.

Investigations includes units focusing on homicides, shootings, major crimes, and sex assault. Special Investigations focus on utilizing distinct tools and technology to track down violent felons, and our Crime Scene Investigation team comprise of detectives and officers to conduct specialized crime scene investigation.

Support Services comprises of community response focusing on quality of life issues, crime trends, and outreach. Kent PD has a robust Community Education Unit and efforts to engage and educate the public on crime prevention and to foster partnership. We have a full-time training team and our own indoor firearms range to facilitate state-of-the-art training tactics and opportunities. Our growing Wellness Program which includes in-house fitness trainers and a large Peer Support team work to promote true heath and longevity in all aspects. We have a training center with gym/weight room and are currently renovating our main station to include a large gym to further compliment our resources.

Initial assignment will be to the Patrol division where patrol officers work a 10 hour shift: 4 days on, 3 days off week. Days off rotate every 13 weeks (so you won't be stuck working weekends just because you're new). Officers bid for shifts on a semi-annual basis (there are new officers on day and night shifts alike).

Benefits include education reimbursement, longevity compensation, excellent medical, dental and vision benefits and the best available training and equipment. Salary enhancements for professional physical fitness and specialty assignments are available. Kent Police Department is state accredited with WASPC. There are 226 employees, 167 commissioned positions and 59 civilian positions.

If you are looking for a fast-paced career where you are doing true police-work that matters, apply with us! Email for any questions at all.

Watch how Kent PD's culture does policing

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Be Safe – Do the Right Thing – Have Fun!

Every member of our department is here to promote the safety and well-being of our Kent neighbors and to improve the quality of life we enjoy within the City of Kent. Learn more about your future colleagues, the benefits of working for Kent PD, and the community we serve.

  • Our Department
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    Kent PD is a state-accredited law enforcement agency that employs 166 sworn Police Officers, 26 Corrections Officers and 28 civilian staff. Our speciality units include:


    • Detectives
    • Special Investigations
    • Neighborhood Response
    • Special Operations (Bike and Marine)
    • Traffic
    • SWAT
    • Recruiting
    • Field Training Officers (FTOs)
    • K-9
    • School Resource Officers

    We also maintain a technically and tactically proficient training cadre for our EVOC, Defensive Tactics, Peer Fitness and Firearms programs.

  • City of Kent

    × As the sixth largest city in Washington and covering over 34 square miles, the City of Kent is home to over 128,000 residents. We are minutes away from both Seattle and Tacoma in south King County, and our major attractions include Kent Station, the Showare Center, Blue Origins, and beautiful Lake Meridian.

    For non-PD career opportunities with the City of Kent, please visit our career site.

  • Compensation

    × Salary range from $96,268 up to $124,106* annually with many officers making more even more after overtime!


    Kent PD offers a highly competitive compensation package for entry-level and lateral candidates, including an option for deferred compensation with an employer contribution.


    Salary enhancements may be available for candidates with specialty experience, recognized/approved instructor certification, and/or bilingual speaking ability. Ask a recruiter if you qualify!

    *Includes 3% Deferred Comp, 1% BWC Incentive, and 1% for accreditation

  • Incentive Pay

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    Qualifying in-state lateral candidates receive a $25,000 hiring bonus! $10,000 for out-of-state lateral officers!

    Qualifying lateral candidates may also receive front-loaded leave of up to 400 hours!*

    Take home car program and retirement medical program!

    Kent Police Department offers premium/incentive pay for:

    • Specialty assignments
    • Education
    • Bilingual
    • Certified instructors
    • Longevity

    All new hires receive a guaranteed training incentive.

  • Employee Benefits

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    • Take Home Car program
    • Deferred Compensation with an employer contribution.
    • Medical, dental and vision plan.
    • In-service and outside training opportunities
    • 12-hour shifts
    • Generous annual vacation, sick, and holiday hours
    • Advanced firearms program and indoor range
    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Compensatory time bank
    • LEOFF2 retirement
    • Department covers full cost for all uniforms, equipment and training
    • Retirement Medical program

A MESSAGE FROM RAFAEL PADILLA, CHIEF OF POLICE

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. I commend you for exploring a career dedicated to serving the Kent community. I am incredibly proud of the men and women of our department who have chosen this noble calling. Our people are the reason we are one of the best police departments in the country.

As chief, one of my most important responsibilities is to ensure that our employees have the best available training, equipment and professional growth opportunities to keep our City safe and improve the quality of life for Kent residents. My leadership team and I work hard to make the Kent Police Department a place where people love to come to work because they are valued, respected and believe in what we stand for.

If you are a motivated, good person who wants to be a part of a team dedicated to improving the lives of the people we serve, then I would strongly encourage you to apply to become a part of the KPD Family.