Police Officer - Lateral

Port of Portland; Oregon; On-site; USD 83,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniforms supplied

Equipment supplied

Job summary

The Port of Portland Police Department is hiring Lateral Police Officers to protect the Portland International Airport and surrounding areas. State-certified officers with at least three years of experience are invited to apply.

The department offers various specialized assignments and provides uniforms and equipment. Salary is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and years of service, with a top scale for experienced officers.

Qualifications

• Currently certified or eligible to be certified as a Police Officer in Oregon without attending the Basic Police Academy.
• At least three years of experience as a state-certified police officer.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon or Washington State driver license prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Protect life and property at Portland International Airport (PDX).
• Patrol designated areas by vehicle, bicycle or on foot to deter crime and enforce laws.
• Communicate in person, via radios and computers to broadcast and receive information.
• Respond to reports of possible crimes and act according to the situation.
• Perform a full range of law enforcement and airport security duties, including arrests and evidence collection.

Skills

Three years experience

State-certified officer

Oregon certification eligible

U.S. citizenship

Driver license

Job description

We are hiring Lateral Police Officers for the Port of Portland! The Port of Portland Police Department is looking for dedicated and experienced police officers to join our dynamic team. As state‑certified peace officers, our police officers primarily serve at the Portland International Airport and the surrounding areas, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and supporting federal aviation regulations. Our department is comprised of over 65 sworn officers and 8 non‑sworn staff. In addition to uniformed patrol, we offer specialized assignments in areas such as detectives, canine handlers, TriMet, Metro, bomb technicians, and task forces. Our mission is clear: to proactively protect the safety and security of the traveling public, with a strong focus on preventing potential threats to the aviation industry.

Lateral Transfer Eligibility

To be considered as a lateral applicant, candidates must be currently certified or eligible to be certified as a Police Officer in the State of Oregon without the need to attend the Basic Police Academy. Additionally, applicants must have at least three years of experience as a state-certified police officer. Please note: Applicants under investigation during the background check process will not be eligible for employment.

Salaray Information:

Salary is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and years of continuous service. Lateral Officers are credited with previous years of service for purposes of placement on the salary scale up to the top scale with a minimum of 5 years of service. All required uniforms and equipment are supplied by the police department.

Contract Salary Scale

Hourly: Salary: Start: $39.744 $82,667.52 1 year: $42.187 $87,748.96 2 years: $44.777 $93,136.16 3 years: $47.542 $98,887.36 4 years: $50.319 $104,663.52 5 years+: $53.332 $110,930.56

Incentive / Premium Pay

NOTE:

• 10% for DPSST Advanced certification or 5% for DPSST Intermediate certification
• 5% for working as a Detective.
• 5% for being a certified member of the Rapid Response Team (RRT)
• 3% for Language proficiency (test required)
• 6% for working as a certified Canine Handler
• 6% for working as a certified Bomb Technician
• 10% when training recruits as a Field Training Officer (FTO) or 5% when Instructing

Selection Process

• Application Material Review
• Oral Board Interviews
• Conditional Offer
• Successful completion of ORPAT TEST (by time of hire)
• Background Investigation (Applicants cannot be under investigation at time of background)
• Psychological Exam
• Chief’s Interview
• Medical Exam
• Pre‑employment drug screening
• Employment Confirmation

Testing Process

Oral Board Interview: If candidates are selected for an interview, they will be notified directly that they will be moving forward in the process. Oral Board Interviews are in-person.

Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT): If you are not a current Oregon officer or are applying from out of state, you will need to complete the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) as part of the hiring process. ORPAT testing is held at Chemeketa Community College in Brooks, Oregon, and must be completed by the time of hire. If you’ve already completed a similar test in your state, you can submit your results for evaluation. Note: Applicants who have completed the ORPAT, a comparable physical abilities test, or a U.S. Military PAT within the previous six months may submit their scores for consideration. However, submitting prior scores does not guarantee exemption from the ORPAT.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Protect life and property at Portland International Airport (PDX).
• Patrol designated areas by vehicle, bicycle or on foot to deter crime and discover criminal activity and enforce traffic statues and ordinances.
• Communicate in person, via radios and computers to broadcast and receive information.
• Respond to reports of possible crimes and act according to the situation.
• Perform a full range of law enforcement and airport security duties, including serving search and arrest warrants, collecting evidence making arrests, and completing detailed incident reports.
• Enforce State statutes, Port, and City ordinances, issuing citations or making arrests as appropriate.
• Respond to traffic and other accidents, administer first aid, interview witnesses, and complete accident reports.
• Develop contacts to gather information about crimes and maintain intelligence on known criminal activities and suspects.
• Ensure public convenience and well‑being within airport facilities, addressing inquiries, resolving complaints, and providing personal security services for public officials and other individuals as assigned.
• Provide community services and presentations, and respond promptly to the needs of airport tenants, customers, and stakeholders.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a civilian Certified Police Officer within the United States, with preference given to active law enforcement officers.
• Current certification or eligibility to be certified as a Police Officer in the State of Oregon without attending the Basic Police Academy.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon or Washington State driver license prior to hire.
• Ability to pass and maintain a Criminal History Records check and Security Threat Assessment required for a PDX Security Badge.
• Physical strength and