Police Officer - Lateral Detective

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

Benefits offered by this job

Investigations premium pay 5%

Take-home vehicle

Clothing allowance $590 semi-annually

Job summary

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

Detectives conduct complex investigations, enforce laws, and may participate in multiagency teams. The position offers base salary with investigations premium pay, a take-home vehicle, and an annual clothing allowance of $590.00 (paid

Qualifications

• Completion of state certified police academy
• Completion of a law enforcement field training program
• Five years as a full-time sworn officer
• Detective experience preferred; if not, related patrol investigations

Responsibilities

• Investigate complex cases including child and sexual abuse, robbery, homicide, and other crimes
• Interview suspects, victims, and witnesses
• Identify, collect, and process evidence
• Prepare search/arrest warrants and other court orders
• Write reports accurately and professionally
• Provide professional courtroom testimony
• Maintain good relationships with businesses, residents, other agencies and prosecutors

Skills

Investigative skills

Interview techniques

Report writing

Court testimony

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College coursework preferred

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 and 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

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

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

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

Position Status

This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is represented by FGPA (Forest Grove Police Association).

New hires will be enrolled in the Oregon PERS retirement plan. Placement in the salary range and other benefit considerations for lateral transfers depends upon qualifications, experience and training. Advancement within the range is considered annually based on performance. Additional compensation is available for qualified employees through the City's incentive program. This is an equal employment opportunity.