Police Officer - Lateral

City of Keizer; Keizer (OR); On-site; USD 47,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision plans

PERS retirement contributions

Education incentives

Fitness incentive program

Job summary

City of Keizer seeks a Police Officer (Certified/Lateral) to join the Police, Patrol Division. Located in Keizer, Oregon, this role offers a competitive hourly wage and generous incentives as bargaining results update.

Candidates must be certified with at least two years of full-time experience; out-of-state applicants may be considered with required training. The department emphasizes fairness, integrity, and community relations.

Qualifications

• Must be a certified Police Officer with at least two years’ full-time experience upon date of hire.
• Out-of-state lateral applicants may be considered with required training or Basic Police Academy completion per Oregon DPSST.
• Strong commitment to ethics, community policing, and de-escalation.

Job description

Position: Police Officer (Certified/Lateral)

Location: City of Keizer, Oregon
Department: Police, Patrol Division
Bargaining Unit: Keizer Police Association

Recruitment Opened: Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Recruitment Re-Opened: Monday, September 21, 2026

In-Person Interviews: Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Salary: $34.59 - $45.70/hr, plus incentives as applicable (Salary will be updated after bargaining.)

At the Keizer Police Department (KPD) we are more than just a law enforcement agency, we are a tight knit group that values family and community. Our commitment to community safety is rooted in the values of fairness, integrity, and impartial policing. We believe in building trust through open communication and fostering positive relationships within our diverse and vibrant community.

We have identified five personal attributes to guide performance and the department's hiring, promotional and evaluation processes:

CONSCIENTIOUSNESS

Conscientiousness in law enforcement ensures meticulous attention to detail, adherence to ethical standards, and a commitment to thorough, responsible decision‑making, contributing to the integrity and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

COURAGE

Courage (integrity) is crucial for maintaining public trust, upholding justice, and ensuring officers act ethically and bravely in the face of challenges.

EMPATHY

Empathy is crucial because it fosters understanding, builds community connections, and promotes fair and compassionate treatment, enhancing the overall effectiveness and legitimacy of the justice system.

HELPFULNESS

Helpfulness cultivates positive community relations, promotes public safety, and strengthens trust by demonstrating a commitment to assisting and supporting individuals in times of need.

HUMILITY

Humility in law enforcement acknowledges that we can’t police society on our own, fosters collaboration, and enhances community relations, creating a more approachable and empathetic force that prioritizes education and improvement.

LATERAL QUALIFICATIONS

Oregon lateral candidates must currently be certified as a Police Officer with at least two years’ full-time experience upon date of hire.

Applicants from outside of Oregon, may or may not be considered laterals depending on training and experience. Per Oregon DPSST, out of state laterals are required to complete a Police Career Officer Development (COD) course or complete the Basic Police Academy.

Pay & Benefits

Placement on the Compensation Range & Step Schedule and consideration of hiring incentives will be dependent on the amount and type of qualified experience.

• Hourly rate: $34.94 - $45.70, plus applicable incentives
• Immediate incentives: 6% (additional 7.5% until Public Employee Retirement System eligibility) employer contributions to a deferred compensation 457(b) retirement account and 2% employer contributions to a retirement health savings program; no match required.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision plans, term life and long-term disability insurance, FSA, HSA & LPFSA, paid time off (sick, vacation, holidays), City paid retirement contributions (PERS, deferred compensation, and retirement health savings), education incentives, fitness incentive program and on-site fitness center, and even access to an on-site massage chair!
• Language: 5% pay incentive for Spanish-speaking candidates
• DPSST Certification: 2.5% pay incentive for intermediate & 5% pay incentive for advanced
• Education: 2.5% pay incentive for Associates & 5% pay incentive for Bachelors
• Special Assignments: 5% pay incentive for K9, SWAT, & Motors

Why Work for the City of Keizer?

Located in Oregon's stunning Willamette Valley, Keizer is a vibrant community with easy access to mountains, coastlines, and forests, offering the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city resources. Join us, and you'll enjoy:

• Moderate year-round climate ideal for outdoor adventures
• A close-knit community that values innovation and service
• Engaging events like KeizerFEST, holiday parades, and more!

Join Us in Keizer!

The City of Keizer celebrates diversity and welcomes candidates with non-traditional backgrounds. If you’re a problem solver with strong critical thinking skills, can effectively work with a diverse population, are able to de-escalate situations, build positive community relationships, and have a desire to serve the Keizer community, we invite you to apply now!

For questions or accommodation requests, reach out to HR at [e-mail] or 503-856-3419.