Getting started as a Police Officer is tough right now because a lot of Departments are either laying off or are not filling vacant positions. In addition a lot of agencies are hiring experienced Officers to save time on training.

Kirkland PD is getting ready or is in the process of hiring a number of Officers because of an annexation. You might give them a call.

When I was trying to break into L.E. back in the 70s it was tough then too. There were two things working against you: 1 a hell of a lot of applicants and 2 affirmative Action hiring. I remember testing for one large Western Washington agency and during the orientation process one candidate asked the HR person if they were going to be hiring only minorities. After some double talk, he admitted they were primarily looking for minorities. A number of people got up and left. I didn't, because that guarantees you won't get the job.

IF L.E. is you goal, then you need to get it in your head that you may have to take a job away from where you want to live right now. I did. Even if it is a small agency, with low pay, take the job. After 18 months you will have completed the Academy and probation. At that point you are eligible to take lateral entry tests, meaning for experienced Police Officers only.

Agencies like to hire people with life experience. It doesn't sound like you have a lot of that right now. So, my advice is start testing anywhere and everywhere and take the first job that comes up with the idea of returning to Western Washington within two years. In the meantime take a job doing anything and get out of the house and start living on your own.

It's not a bad idea to live at home and save money, but I can tell you after sitting on a lot of hiring boards, your lack of life experience is going to hurt you, so I would go start getting some, even if you don't like it. But, learn how to do things you don't like, because in L.E. you will be doing things you don't like, but you have to do them well.

PM me if you want to talk and I will try to help you out.

Good Luck