Police Officer (Lateral)

City of Tigard; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic police department that values community engagement and offers diverse specialty assignments. As a lateral police officer, you will enjoy the best of both worlds: the close-knit environment of a smaller department with the opportunities typically found in larger agencies. Your role will encompass a variety of responsibilities, including patrolling, responding to incidents, and enforcing laws. This position not only provides competitive pay and benefits but also the chance to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant suburban community. If you are looking to further your career in law enforcement while serving a diverse population, this is the opportunity for you.

Benefits

Incentive pay for bilingual skills

Incentive pay for education

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Vacation accruals based on work history

Qualifications

• Must have at least three years of experience as a law enforcement officer.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and assigned equipment skillfully.

Responsibilities

• Perform law enforcement and crime prevention work including patrol and investigation.
• Respond to a wide variety of radio calls including theft and family disputes.

Skills

Law enforcement

Patrol skills

Investigation skills

Report writing

Crisis management

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College level law enforcement coursework

Tools

Police vehicle

Radio communication equipment

Body camera

Job description

Tigard has a lot to offer for lateral police officers including a variety of specialty assignments, excellent pay and benefits package, and close proximity to the Portland Metropolitan area with its historic and art centric cultural sites, scenic public beaches, snowcapped mountains to hike or climb, and tons of recreational opportunities including world class fishing along some of the most trespassed rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Multiple universities and institutions of higher learning are complimented by a superior school district with many private choices as well. The Tigard Police Department is committed to a community policing philosophy and works very closely with the public providing a wide range of programs and information.

Tigard Police Officers have the best of both worlds - working for a department small enough to feel like a family, just under 100 sworn, with the specialty assignment opportunities of a larger agency, Tigard PD is the 12th largest in the state. In addition to community policing and data-driven patrol, Tigard officers may be assigned to the countywide major crimes detectives, commercial crimes detectives, bike and all-terrain vehicle patrols, school resource officers, tactical and negotiator roles on the countywide tactical team, K-9 handlers, motorcycles, behavioral and mental health crisis-response team, and field training officer roles.

Regional development has resulted in significant growth in daytime populations within the City of Tigard. The area is a popular destination for shoppers at the Washington Square shopping mall and a host of businesses and other attractions. Considering the added influx of visitors to the area, the average daytime population easily approaches 100,000, with commuter estimates even higher considering Interstate 5, and several other major arterial highways falling within the patrol area for the Police Department.

Directly bordering the City of Portland to our north and less than two hours to the Pacific Ocean, Columbia Gorge, or Mt. Hood and over 550 acres of park land in the city, Tigard is the perfect suburban community for just about any interest. We hope you will pay us a visit to see if the Portland metro-area is right for you.

The City of Tigard values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences. We are committed to building a workforce of diverse voices to impact decision making, drive growth, and better serve our community. We strongly encourage those wanting to work with and serve diverse populations to apply. We would love for you to consider joining Team Tigard.

If you would like assistance in completing our employment application or navigating the hiring process, please contact the Human Resources team.

(Please refer to necessary special qualifications before applying)

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Qualified lateral police officer candidates will bypass written test and ORPAT. Candidates must be certified as a police officer by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) or another state's public safety standards agency, either currently employed as a police officer or separated not longer than 24 months.

A signed and notarized release/waiver MUST be submitted with your application (see attachments section).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Police Officers perform law enforcement and crime prevention work including patrol and investigation. Sworn officers enforce federal, state, and local laws, regulations and ordinances and perform a variety of duties including but not limited to the following:

• Patrols roads, highways, business, and residential areas of the City. Enforces applicable traffic and criminal laws. Makes arrests, issues traffic citations and warnings. Prepares case records and reports. Participates in the prosecution of cases in court.
• Responds to a wide variety of radio calls including theft, juvenile complaints, and family disputes. Investigates accidents, deaths, and criminal complaints. Makes arrests and issues citations when required.
• Serves criminal warrants, applicable court orders, and subpoenas.
• Assists disabled motorists. Provides information and direction to the public. Observes and reports road conditions, hazards, potential crime, and traffic problems.
• Accomplishes the Police Department Mission to "to protect and serve all who live, play and work in Tigard."

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

To qualify as a lateral police officer, candidates must have passed a law enforcement academy and have at least three years' experience as a law enforcement officer. Current law enforcement officers without three years' experience should apply through this job posting to be considered for a streamlined intermediate process.

Applicants must be 21 years old; possess or have ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license. No felony or domestic violence related misdemeanor convictions. Ability to learn a considerable amount of factual information including laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances, and procedures and apply this knowledge to the duties of a Police Officer. Ability to give credible testimony in a court of law. Ability to apply effective and reasonable courses of action in apprehending violators. Ability to remain calm in emergency situations. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and assigned equipment skillfully and safely, and in conformance with applicable laws and departmental policies. Ability to prepare accurate, concise, and informative reports using proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to deal courteously and firmly with the public, other agencies and other employees. Ability to understand complex oral and written instructions and to act on them accordingly. Ability to work flexible hours and shifts. Ability to work in hazardous conditions and inclement weather. Physical strength and agility sufficient to perform assigned duties. Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent education.
• Three years' experience in law enforcement.
• College level law enforcement coursework is desirable, but not required.
• Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be substituted for the above.

Additional Information: The City offers incentive pay for bilingual skills in Spanish as well as incentive pay for education and certification. Lateral police officers are eligible for incentives upon hire. Work history will be considered when setting base pay and vacation accruals.

STREAMLINED HIRING PROCESS FOR LATERAL OFFICERS:

• Employment application
• Command interview
• Suitability evaluation
• Background investigation
• Interview with Chief of Police
• Psychological evaluation
• Medical examination
• Drug test

Union Representation: Tigard Police Officers' Association

How to apply: If you are interested in this position, we invite you to apply online. This position is open until filled.