Police Officer - Lateral Detective

Forest Grove Police Department; Forest Grove (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% investigations premium pay

Take-home vehicle

Clothing allowance $590 (paid semi-ann

Job summary

Forest Grove Police Department seeks qualified Lateral Police Officers to become detectives. This five-year assignment includes a base salary, benefits, and a 5% investigations premium pay, plus a take-home vehicle and clothing allowance.

Detectives handle complex investigations, interview people, gather and preserve evidence, and prepare warrants. You may join multiagency groups and must complete the department’s field training and evaluation program.

Qualifications

• Completion of the twelfth grade or equivalent.
• College-level coursework preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complex cases including child abuse, sexual abuse, rape, assault, robbery, homicide and other crimes.
• Interview suspects, victims, and witnesses.
• Identify, collect, and process evidence.
• Prepare search and arrest warrants and other court orders.
• Write accurate and detailed reports and provide courtroom testimony.
• Maintain relationships with businesses, residents, other agencies and prosecutors.

Skills

Investigations

Interviewing

Evidence handling

Courtroom testimony

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College coursework preferred

Tools

Police Academy

Job description

The posted salary range reflects base compensation only and does not include additional incentive or premium pay.

The City of Forest Grove is seeking qualified Lateral Police Officers who are interested in becoming detectives at our Forest Grove Police Department. Currently, this detective assignment is a five (5) year appointment with extension at the discretion of the Police Chief.

A City of Forest Grove Police Detective will get to know businesses and residents; assist Patrol as needed; conduct complex and detailed investigations into criminal matters which are beyond the scope and/or ability of Patrol; enforce state and local laws; and demonstrate service orientation with an understanding of community-oriented policing.

Detectives may participate in multiagency investigation groups, such as the Washington County Major Crimes Team.

This assignment is generally a non-uniformed sworn law enforcement position that, in addition to a base salary and benefits, is eligible to receive:

• 5% investigations premium pay
• a take-home vehicle
• an annual clothing allowance of $590.00 (paid semi-annually: $295.00)

This position is represented by the Forest Grove Police Association.

An employee in the detectives assignment is under the direct supervision of the Detective Sergeant or designee and performs investigative activities which include, but are not limited to:

• Investigate complex cases including but not limited to child abuse, sexual abuse, rape, assault, robbery, homicide, and other person crimes; identity theft, forgery, theft, burglary, and other property crimes
• Interview suspects, victims, and witnesses
• Identify, collect, and process evidence
• Recover stolen property
• Document crime scenes or evidence using advanced technology
• Prepare search and arrest warrants, as well as other court orders
• Write reports that are accurate, detailed, and professional
• Provide professional and effective courtroom testimony
• Maintain good reputation and working relationships with businesses, residents, other law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors in the Portland metro area
• Identify and locate suspects who are committing crimes in Forest Grove or other jurisdictions as directed or required
• Respond when called to assist Patrol or partner agencies on major crimes or crimes that Patrol officers do not have the resources to investigate
• Be available for on-call responsibilities on a rotational basis
• Maintain a high level of knowledge regarding current case law and observe procedural law while performing investigative duties
• Respond to calls for service if needed

Lateral Police Officers will be required to successfully compete Forest Grove Police Department's field training and evaluation program (FTEP).

For a complete list of the essential duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities required, and physical demands, please review the complete job description of a sworn Police Officer with City of Forest Grove.

Education:

• Completion of the twelfth grade or equivalent
• College-level coursework preferred

Experience:

• Completion of state certified police academy
• Completion of a law enforcement field training program
• Have been employed as a full-time sworn officer with at least five (5) years of experience
• Experience in detectives or similar investigative roles preferred
• If no experience in detectives or similar investigative role, relevant experience in Patrol performing advanced investigations demonstrating knowledge of criminal and procedural laws; the ability to conduct complex investigations, including conducting interviews and/or interrogations, identifying, documenting and collecting evidence, and writing detailed reports; and experience preparing search and arrest warrants.

Other Requirements:

• United States citizenship
• Valid driver's license
• 21 years of age at time of appointment
• Acceptable criminal history with no felony record
• Driving record that meets policy and department standards

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Environment: Emergency Peace control environment; travel from site to site; exposure to hostile environments, traffic hazards, and inclement weather conditions; extensive public contact. Willingness and ability to work rotating shifts (including nights), weekends, holidays and extended hours. Officers may rotate shifts every three months. Days off and shifts are selected on a seniority basis.

Mobility: Incumbents require sufficient mobility to restrain or subdue individuals; physical endurance in running and climbing; heavy, moderate or light lifting; good balance and hearing; discharge firearms and utilize various other law enforcement equipment; to operate a motorized vehicle.

Vision, Hearing and Communication: Incumbents in this class require vision consistent with Police Standards set by the State of Oregon. Vision sufficient to read small printed documents, computer screens and other documents. Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person and over the telephone.

Selection Process (evaluated at each step):

• Application screening for minimum qualifications & preferred qualifications
• DMV & Criminal History screening
• Assessment Process including an Oral Bord Interview and Case Presentation
• Thorough Background Investigation
• DPSST Physical Examination
• Pre-Employment Drug Screening
• Psychological Evaluation