Police Officer - Lateral

Bend Police Department; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive

Moving expenses reimbursement

Sick leave 40 hours

Vacation leave 40 hours

Educational reimbursements

Premium pay potential

Reciprocity assistance for out-of-area

Job summary

Bend Police Department in Bend, Oregon, is seeking experienced lateral officers to join a forward-thinking, community-minded team. The department emphasizes integrity, collaboration, and public trust as it serves a city of about 106,000 residents with progressive, community-based policing.

The position is non-exempt and offers a starting salary of $99,396.68 to $120,821.80 (with Advanced DPSST certification), a $10,000 hiring incentive, 40 hours sick leave and 40 hours vacation, moving expenses

Qualifications

• Current police officer or meeting the minimum qualifications outlined in the minimum qualifications section of the job announcement.

Responsibilities

• Carry out mission of the agency and promote core values.
• Respond to incidents and serve as a direct link between the department and the public.
• Investigate incidents and crime scenes and deter criminal activity.
• Enforce laws, make arrests, preserve evidence and conduct preventative community policing.
• Serve warrants, direct traffic, complete reports and transport prisoners when necessary.
• Assist other law enforcement agencies and provide credible testimony as needed.
• Attend judicial proceedings and participate in meetings and training.

Job description

This recruitment is only open to current police officers or those who meet the minimum qualifications outlined in the minimum qualifications section of this job announcement.

Are you ready to make a real impact in one of Oregon’s most vibrant cities? The Bend Police Department is calling on Lateral Officers who are driven, community-minded individuals to join our forward-thinking force. We’re not just about law enforcement — we’re about innovation, collaboration, and building trust with the people we serve.

As a Bend Police Officer, you’ll be part of a dynamic team that values integrity, excellence, and teamwork. We’re proud to serve over 106,000 residents through progressive, community-based policing that puts people first. Whether you're starting your journey or looking to advance your career, this is your opportunity to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference.

The position is represented by the Bend Police Association and is FLSA non-exempt — meaning you’re eligible for overtime as you help shape the future of public safety in Bend.

Classification Framework: Class Specifications | Police Officer | Class Spec Details

$10,000.00 Hiring Incentive

We offer new lateral police officers that possess a police certification through Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) or state equivalent.

• $5,000.00 to be paid in lump sum during normal payroll cycle
• $5,000.00 upon successful completion of probationary period, to be paid in a lump sum during the normal payroll cycle
• 40 hours of sick leave, available to use immediately with no waiting period
• 40 hours of vacation leave, available to use immediately with no waiting period
• Moving expenses reimbursement (up to $3,000)

Job Highlights for Lateral Officers

• Starting Salary: $99,396.68 up to $120,821.80 (with Advanced DPSST certification)
• Supplied uniform and gear including vest
• 11.25-hour schedule that is four (4) working days followed by four (4) days off
• On-duty workouts, onsite mental health clinician, functional fitness, and more
• Educational Reimbursements
• Community Enhancement Program: Additional 2% to gross wages
• Language Fluency: Qualify for a $2.00 per hour increase for fluency in languages other than English, as approved by the Chief of Police
• VA On-the-Job training program available for our Veterans
• Additional Benefits: As noted within the Collective Bargaining Agreement

Lateral Opportunities

• Pay Step 2: $7,563.06 (6-18 months of solo officer experience)
• Pay Step 3: $7,941.22 (18-30 months of solo officer experience)
• Pay Step 4: $8,338.30 (30-42 months of solo officer experience)
• Pay Step 5: $8,755.20 (42 or more months of solo officer experience)
• Lateral Police Officers may earn up to an additional 10% or 15% premium pay (depending on qualifications through DPSST)
• For out of state applicants, we are experienced in requesting reciprocity for your certifications and can guide you through the process

Why Bend?

• Floating the Deschutes River
• Skiing at Mt. Bachelor
• Exploring Smith Rock State Park
• Enjoying the natural beauty of Cascade Lakes for hiking, camping and scenic views
• Hunting and Fishing
• Old Mill District: restaurants with review views, walking paths, shopping and an amphitheater for concerts
• Last Blockbuster: visit the world’s last remaining Blockbuster Video store for a walk down memory lane

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

As a Bend Police Officer you will:

• Carry out the mission of the agency as defined in the mission statement; models and promotes the core values of the organization.
• First, responders to incidents, you serve as a direct link between the department and the public.
• Respond to and investigate incidents and crime scenes, taking action at incidents, proactively patrolling assigned areas, engaging in information leading policing activities and making independent decisions to deter criminal activity.
• Enforce laws and ordinances, making arrests, preserving crime scene evidence and performing preventative community policing.
• Serve arrest and search warrants.
• Direct traffic and patrol areas during incidents or any other occasion of a special or emergency nature.
• Investigate crashes, completes reports, make arrests or issues citations; render first aid.
• Conduct investigations concerning various types of crime, interviews witnesses and suspects, take photographs, fingerprint and gather evidence.
• Attends judicial proceedings, presents evidence and provides credible testimony.
• Participate in departmental meetings and attend in-service training classes and schools.
• Book in prisoners and transport prisoners when necessary.
• Assist other law enforcement agencies.
• Complete reports, conduct follow-up investigations and re-contacts.
• Render assistance to the public.
• Comply with the safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.
• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.
• Provide customer serv