2026 Police Officer - Entry Level

City of Oregon City; Oregon City (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Life insurance

Long-term disability insurance

Retirement plan (PERS)

HRA-VEBA

Flexible Spending Account

Employee Assistance Program

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Job summary

City of Oregon City Police Department is accepting applications for an entry-level police officer. Applicants with DPSST certification will receive 5% for Intermediate and 10% for Advanced certification.

By the deadline of 11 p.m., December 31, 2026, apply online and submit National Testing Network FrontLine Test scores for consideration. Testing is conducted through NTN with opportunities for practice tests and multiple test times weekly.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school, or the equivalent GED.
• Preference given to prior law enforcement experience or basic DPSST certificate.
• Equivalent combinations of experience and training may be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated city areas to deter crime and enforce ordinances.
• Arrest suspects, issue citations, and complete reports regarding incidents.
• Respond to emergencies, provide first aid, and secure scenes.
• Investigate accidents and crimes and gather evidence for case files.

Skills

Situational analysis

Reading laws

Stress management

Written communication

Computers

Interpersonal relations

Firearms handling

Investigative techniques

Observation

Vehicle operation

Physical strength

Firearms care

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

The City of Oregon City Police Department is establishing a hiring list for entry level police officer. Police Officers that have DPSST Certification will receive additional pay: 5% for Intermediate Certification and 10% for Advanced Certification.

By the 11 p.m., December 31, 2026 deadline, applicants must complete an online City of Oregon City job application and National Testing Network FrontLine Test scores in order to be considered for employment. Oregon City Police requires a score of 75% or higher in four FrontLine tests to include writing, reading, and both parts of the Public Safety Self-Assessment to be considered for a position.

Testing Information

The Oregon City Police Department offers full testing services for the position of police officer through National Testing Network, Inc. To fill out an application and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select Law Enforcement and sign up for the Oregon City Police Department.

What To Expect At The Www.nationaltestingnetwork.com Website

• Completion of the application process
• Review all information related to the Oregon City Police Department police officer position, including minimum requirements, salary and benefits.
• Detailed information about the testing process for the entry level test.
• Opportunity to take online practice tests at www.frontlinetest.com
• Schedule your own convenient test time. Tests are offered multiple times a week, including Saturdays.
• Take high quality job simulation tests in a standardized, fair testing environment.

Upon completion of the entry level exam, all candidate scores are automatically forwarded to the Oregon City Police Department. Candidates must attain at least an 75% score on each section of the NTN exam to be placed on the department's eligibility list. Oregon City Police Department will contact candidates on the list and will invite them to continue to participate in other stages of the department selection process, including the scheduling of the ORPAT (physical agility testing). The ORPAT will be scheduled and conducted by the Oregon City Police Department. The City of Oregon City DOES NOT accept ORPAT test results from other jurisdictions.

National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry level testing in a standardized, professional environment. National Testing Network does not replace the Oregon City Police Department's responsibility and decision making in the testing process. All candidate results are provided to Oregon City Police Department where the final decisions are made.

Summary

This is full performance law enforcement and crime prevention work. Employees occupying positions of this class are responsible for the protection of life and property through enforcing statutes and laws; rendering emergency assistance to the public in a wide variety of situations; performing standard crime and accident prevention duties; serving arrest warrants; dispatching police services; issuing citations for violation of city ordinance and state statutes; identifying and recovering stolen property; investigation of traffic accidents and initial investigation of crimes; deciding whether to arrest or not, as well as when to use force or firearms. Work involves an element of personal danger and incumbents are responsible for enforcing statutes and laws with minimal supervision. Work is occasionally reviewed while it is being performed but it is primarily reviewed by a supervisor who reads reports and evaluates results of completed work. During their probationary period, officers receive classroom and on-the-job training related to police work applying these to work situations. They are transferred from one shift to another to acquaint them with various aspects of work within the department. Throughout this period, officers perform the full range of police officer duties under the immediate supervision of an experienced police officer or high graded person. They are also required to obey all orders from superior officers and all rules and regulations of this department.

Examples of Duties

• Patrols a designated area of the city in a police patrol vehicle or on foot to deter and discover crime and enforce traffic ordinances; does on-the-scene investigations of incidents, aids persons in trouble, and renders other public services as needed.
• Issues citations to violators of city ordinances and state statutes; serves warrants of arrest; arrests persons on misdemeanor and felony charges; handcuffs and searches arrested persons and secures their custody; completes necessary reports concerning the alleged crime, the circumstances of arrest, evidence obtained and the names of witnesses, victims, and complainants.
• Responds to reports of possible crime and takes initial action as situations require, to secure the scene; administers emergency first aid; interviews available victims and witnesses; gathers evidence and arrests suspects; completes incident and arrest reports; investigates persons suspected of being engaged in crime; ascertains and secures evidence pertaining to alleged crime; arrests suspects for probable cause; and requests specialized assistance as needed.
• Responds to automobile accidents; administers emergency first aid and summons necessary assistance; interviews principals and witnesses; makes general drawings of accident scenes, noting details and completes standard accident reports; issues citations or makes arrests as situation warrants.
• Investigates and assist drivers in stalled vehicles and pedestrians who appear to be hurt or in trouble; interviews persons with complaints or inquiries, gives information on laws and ordinances, and attempts to resolve the problem or to direct them to proper authorities.
• Investigates family disputes and reports of maltreatment of children; takes principals into custody, as needed, or refers them to appropriate agencies, such as juvenile and medical authorities.
• Performs guard duty in court or serves as bodyguard to public officials or threatened persons; transfers prisoners to and from jails, testifies in court.
• Performs specialized duties depending upon individual officer's background and abilities and the needs of the department and are required to maintain their assigned departmental equipment.
• Perform physical requirements associated with the position; including the ability to walk, run, jump, stand, lift, sit, restrain combative individuals, drive for long periods of time, and other physical requirements as determined by DPSST.
• Develops contacts to obtain information about crime, maintains contact with paroled criminals and suspects at large.
• Broadcasts and receives messages; maintains contact with and notes status of field units.
• Processes and secures services or information required by field units; relays requests to proper departmental division.
• Not all work to be performed is specifically described.

Typical Qualifications

• Skill in analyzing situations quickly and objectively to recognize actual and potential dangers and to determine proper course of action.
• Skill in reading and understanding laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
• Skill in coping with stress situations firmly, tactfully, and with respect for individual rights.
• Skill in communicating clearly, verbally and in writing.
• Skill in the use of computers.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with fellow employees and with citizens from varied racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
• Skill in developing skill in the use and care of a variety of firearms.
• Skill in learning and using investigative techniques and procedures.
• Skill in observing and remembering detail.
• Skill in learning to drive light duty passenger vehicles skillfully.
• Physical strength and agility sufficient to perform the work of the class.
• Skill in the use and care of firearms.

Supplemental Information

Graduation from high school, or the equivalent GED certificate. Preference will be given to previous experience in law enforcement or those who have a basic DPSST certificate. College level law enforcement course work is desirable but not required. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training, which insures the ability to perform the work, may be substituted for the above.

The City of Oregon City is an Equal Opportunity employer. The City will continue to recruit, hire, train, and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion, gender, marital status, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or protected veteran status. It is the City’s policy to prohibit workplace harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of protected status. The City of Oregon City is committed to creating a respectful and professional work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation and that promotes employment opportunities.

Oregon City Police Department – Scholarship Request Form

Oregon City Police is in partnership with The National Testing Network. The National Testing Network (NTN) allows applicants to take the law enforcement video and written test and Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) at any time at an NTN location and use those scores when applying with the Oregon City Police Department (OCPD) for law enforcement positions.

There is a fee associated with this service. However, OCPD does not want a fee to prevent any interested person from testing to become an Officer. If you are interested in taking this test for a law enforcement career opportunity but are discouraged by the fee, please complete this Scholarship Request Form. OCPD has scholarships available, if you have questions, please call Kelly Dilbeck, Police Business Manager at 503-905-3513.

Receiving a scholarship has no bearing on your scoring or testing outcomes. Upon acceptance, this scholarship is only valid for the Oregon City Police Department. You will be notified of your acceptance and sent a voucher number.

You must have applied with the City of Oregon City first before receiving this scholarship. Please do not sign up for testing until you have received your voucher number. The Oregon City Police Department will not forward this scholarship or test results to other agencies.

The following is an overview of the types of benefits offered to full-time employees. Part-time employees are offered some benefits on a pro-rated basis dependent upon number of hours worked and any applicable bargaining unit contract(s). Please note that all employees are required to enroll in benefits through the City.

Summary Of Medical Benefits

• Kaiser Medical
• MODA Medical

Employees have an option between a PPO plan through Moda or a heath maintenance organization (HMO) plan through Kaiser. Each medical plan includes prescription drugs and vision care. Coverage is for the employee and their dependents with a pick-up by employees toward the premium dependent upon their bargaining unit or management agreement.

Summary Of Dental Benefits

• Kaiser Dental
• Delta Dental

Employees and their dependents plan. have two plans available for dental insurance. Both plans offer preventive, routine, and major dental care, and orthodontic benefits.

Life Insurance

Full-time employees are provided $50,000 life insurance with $2,000 for dependent coverage.

Long Term Disability Insurance

Full-time employees have long term disability insurance that provides for 2/3 of an employee's salary, up to a maximum earnings salary of $6,000 per month after a 30-day waiting period.

Retirement

The City is a member of the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City currently contributes both the employer and employee's portion with the amount dependent upon the employee's status with PERS.

HRA-VEBA

This Health Reimbursement Account is funded by the employer with monthly payroll at 1% of base wages. This account can be used for qualifying medical, dental, and vision expenses for employees and their dependents. This funds in this account are invested and stay with the employee for life.

Flexible Spending Account

Employees are offered the option to contribute pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket medical expenses or child care expenses.

Employee Assistance Program

The City provides employees and their families with access to countless resources through Canopy.

Holidays

The City recognizes 12 paid holidays during a calendar year. Please check the city calendar for holiday closure dates.

Vacation

Paid vacation time accrues on a monthly basis based upon hours worked, length of service, and by employee group. Part-time employees accrue vacation based on number of hours hired to work.

Sick Leave

Sick leave accrues on a monthly basis at a rate of ten hours per month. Part-time employees accrue sick leave based on number of hours hired to work.

Gym Membership

While the Police Department contains a state of the art gym, full-time employees also have access to our Gym Membership benefit. Bring proof of membership to a facility and the City will reimburse up to $15.00 per month

01
In a couple of sentences, please tell us what training and experience you have for this position.

02
Please describe how you have handled conflict on or off the job in the past.

03
What attracts you the most to the City of Oregon City Police Department?

04
Have you applied to the City of Oregon City before?

• Yes
• No

05
If you have previously applied for a position with the Oregon City Police Department, please provide the year and position.

06
Are you a US Citizen or do you have the ability to become one within 18 months?

• Yes
• No

07
What describes your highest level of education

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• None of the above

08
Have you been a Law Enforcement Cadet, Law Enforcement Reserve Officer, or a Corrections Officer? If so, please provide the name of the agency and the dates you spent with the program.

09
Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

• Yes
• No

10
Have you ever been convicted of a crime of domestic violence?

• Yes
• No

11
Have you been convicted of a sex-related crime or been required to register as a Sex Offender?

• Yes
• No

12
Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

13
Have you been involved in a major traffic offense or an accident that resulted in serious injury or death?

• Yes
• No

14
Have you been convicted of a driving under the influence (DUI) offense in the last five years?

• Yes
• No

15
In the last five years, have you had more than three moving violations within a three-year period or more than two within a one-year period?

• Yes
• No

16
In the last five years, have you had more than two motor vehicle accidents with a three-year period?

• Yes
• No

17
Are you lawfully allowed to possess a firearm?

• Yes
• No

18
In the last 12-months, have you ever used any substance containing cannabis, marijuana, or THC?

• Yes
• No

19
Other than when it has been personally prescribed by a doctor, have you ever used any of the following drugs in the last three years?

• Xanax
• Valium
• Klonopin
• Other Benzodiazepines
• Adderall
• Ritalin
• Obetrol
• Other Amphetamines
• Oxycodone
• Oxycontin
• Percocet
• Endocet
• Roxicodone
• Roxicet
• Hydrocodone
• None of the above

20
Have you ever used any of the following controlled substances in the last five years?

• Heroin
• Hydromorphone
• Morphine
• Opium
• Fentanyl
• Cocaine
• Khat
• Methamphetamine
• Rohypnol
• GHB
• Other Barbiturates
• Ketamine
• LSD
• PCP
• Peyote
• Psilocybin
• Anabolic Steroids
• Inhalants
• Bath Salts
• Kratom
• K2/Spice
• Ecstacy/MDMA
• None of the above

21
Do you have tattoos, branding, or body art signifying membership in, or affiliation with, a criminal enterprise, street gang, or any other group that advocates violence against individuals because of their race, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual preference, or disability?

• Yes
• No

22
Do you have any body modifications such as gauges, split tongue, or subdermal implants?

• Yes
• No

23
Are you currently at least 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No

24
If you answered 'no' to being at least 21 years of age, please provide the month and year when you will be 21 years of age.

25
I understand that the questions asked are part of the screening process for a position with the Oregon City Police Department. I understand these questions are the first step in the background process and that the information I provide will be verified through a variety of sources. If it is discovered that I have made false, misleading or inaccurate statements, I will be disqualified from the selection process. I understand that if I am hired before the inaccuracy has been discovered, it may lead to dismissal. In understand that negative information provided may or may not be grounds for disqualification and that dishonesty is always grounds for disqualification. I certify that all information provided in this application is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question