Lateral Police Officer

City of Albany; Albany (OR); On-site; USD 77,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniforms and equipment provided

Onsite fitness facility

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Education reimbursement

Job summary

The City of Albany is seeking lateral police officers to fill multiple positions with the Albany Police Department. This posting targets lateral officers only and aims to establish an eligibility list for upcoming retirements.

Base salary ranges from $76,611.73 to $96,464.62, with a 2% salary increase anticipated on July 1, 2026, and various incentives for degrees and certifications. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED; college degree in criminal justice may be considered.
• General knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, and equipment.
• Ability to learn applicable laws and regulations; communicate effectively; maintain physical condition.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas and respond to calls in a timely, professional manner.
• Investigate incidents, interview witnesses and suspects, and preserve evidence.
• Prepare reports and records; coordinate with other agencies as needed.
• Engage with the community to promote safety and public service.
• Operate a police vehicle safely and in compliance with laws.

Skills

Oral communications

Written communications

Firearm operation

Judgment and decision making

Geography knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Criminal justice degree

Tools

Firearms handling

Job description

Ready for a Change?

We're looking for Lateral Police Officers!

The Albany Police Department is currently seeking to fill multiple police officer positions due to recent and upcoming retirements. Additionally, this recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list as needed.

Please note this posting is for lateral officers only. If you do not meet the definition for a lateral police officer as noted below, please apply through our Entry Level posting, if currently open. Entry level applications submitted through this posting will not be considered.

Base Salary Range: $76,611.73 - $96,464.62 (dependent upon qualifications)

This position is scheduled for a 2% salary increase effective July 1, 2026.

Salary Incentives

• 6% incentive for Bachelor's Degree
• 3% incentive for Associate's Degree
• 8% incentive for DPSST Advanced Certification
• 4% incentive for DPSST Intermediate Certification
• 5% incentive for Spanish or Sign Language Advanced Level
• 3% incentive for Spanish or Sign Language Intermediate Level
• 5% incentive for Field Training Officer assignment
• 5% incentive for School Resource Officer assignment
• 5% incentive for Detective assignment

Degree may be in any field of study.

Additional Incentives

• City-provided uniforms, duty weapon, equipment, and uniform cleaning.
• Onsite fitness facility.
• Annual firearms range membership paid by City.

Benefits include

• Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with low monthly out-of-pocket cost. Currently, the employee-paid premium is approximately $55 per month for employee-only coverage up to a max of $160 per month for family coverage.
• City-paid contribution to a VEBA Trust account for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Currently, the annual contribution is $2,000 for employee-only and $4,000 for employee plus dependent(s).
• Paid time off:
  • 25 hours of vacation leave per month (12-hour shift employees), with progressive increases based on years of service
  • 8.5 hours of sick leave per month (12-hour shift employees)
  • Well qualified lateral candidates may be eligible to receive up to six months' worth of frontloaded vacation and sick leave accruals at time of hire (accruals are frontloaded, not additional).
• Excellent retirement benefits:
  • City-paid participation in the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (OPSRP and IAP)
  • City-paid contribution (2.5%) into a pre-tax deferred compensation plan
• In addition, other benefits such as education reimbursement, employee assistance program, basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and childcare expenses.

Screening Process for Laterals

First review of applications will be on May 1, 2026. Applications received after that date will be reviewed and considered as needed, and this recruitment may be closed at any time after May 1 without prior notice.

A lateral police officer has completed at least 3 years of continuous service and is in good standing with his/her current or most recent police agency as a sworn police officer (responsible for 9-1-1 calls) for a recognized state, county, or city (municipal) entity.

Upon review of application and meeting the lateral police officer definition, successful applicants will take part in an initial virtual interview. Successful candidates will then be invited for the remaining screening process to be completed as follows, if possible:

• Trip #1: Formal interview (oral board) and command interview. Each step must be successfully completed before moving to the next.
• Trip #2: If successful in each of the steps in the first trip, the applicant may receive a conditional offer of employment and may be scheduled for a psychological and medical evaluation to be completed as part of Trip #2.

Prior to a formal offer being extended, selected candidates will be extended a conditional offer of employment contingent upon a successful preemployment background investigation followed by a successful psychological and medical evaluation including drug screen.

NATURE OF WORK

Performs police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities.

The following duties are intended only as illustrative examples of the various types of work that may be performed by individuals in this classification. Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents and do not include all specific essential functions and responsibilities the incumbent may be expected to perform.

• Represents the City of Albany by responding to the public, citizens, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner while continuously maintaining a positive customer service demeanor. Regard everyone, internal and external, as a customer and deliver the best service possible in a respectful and patient manner.
• Works on rotating shifts responding to calls for police services.
• Uses independent judgment to decide course of action to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance while following policies, procedures, laws, and other regulations.
• Maintains availability by radio, MDT, and/or telephone for response while on duty.
• Carries out duties in conformance with federal, state, county, and city laws and ordinances.
• Patrols all areas within the city limits to preserve the peace and enforce the law. Takes appropriate enforcement action.
• Interviews suspects, witnesses, victims, and drivers. Preserves evidence. Arrests violators. Investigates and renders assistance at scene of vehicular accidents. Summons ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles. Takes measurements and draws diagrams of accident or crime scenes.
• Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes. Seeks out and questions victims, witnesses, and suspects. Develops leads and tips for solving crime. Processes crime scenes for evidence. Analyzes and evaluates evidence and arrests offenders. Prepares cases for trial including giving testimony.
• Prepares and writes a variety of reports and records.
• Undertakes community-oriented police work, and assists citizens with such matters as public service assistance, crime prevention, drug abuse resistance education (DARE), traffic safety, etc.
• Coordinates activities with department, city, state and community members as needed, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney and District Attorney regarding cases as needed and assigned.
• Maintains communication with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations, and provides general information about department activities.
• Maintains departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities.
• Serves as a member of various City committees as assigned.
• Assists other staff in the performance of their duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.
• Operates a motor vehicle safely and legally.

This is a non-supervisory position. Lead work/coordination of the work of others is not a typical function assigned to this position. Incumbents in this position may provide training and orientation to newly assigned personnel.

a) EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED equivalent. Special consideration may be given for a college degree in criminal justice, social science, or related field.

b) KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• General knowledge of: modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment. Working knowledge of the following: pertinent city, county, state, and federal laws; geography of the city; and location of important buildings.
• Skill in: operation of listed tools and equipment; the use of firearms; and proficient written and oral communications.
• Ability to: learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations; perform work requiring good physical condition; communicate effectively orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, and supervisors; exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions; follow verbal and written instructions; meet the special requirements listed below; and learn the city's geography.

c) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 21 years or older at the time of employment.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, or obtain U.S. citizenship within 18 months from hire date, or be a nonimmigrant legally admitted to the US under a Compact of Free Association (OAR 259-008-0010).
• Must be available to work all shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to proficiently and effectively read, speak, and write the English language. Bilingual in English and Spanish desirable.
• Must meet Department's physical agility qualifications.
• Must possess or obtain a valid Oregon driver's license and meet the Department's personal driving record standards prior to assuming duties.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation and integrity interview that establishes strong moral character. Any conduct that could compromise the integrity of the employee, other employees, the Department or the City will be closely evaluated. Felony convictions and disqualifying criminal histories are not allowed.
• Must successfully complete psychological and medical evaluation prior to employment.
• Must meet state requirements for certification as a law enforcement officer with the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.
• Must be a first responder and have CPR certification within 12 months of employment.
• Must be able to obtain police officer certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training within 12 months of employment.
• Qualification standards include a requirement that the individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.