Job Information

The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officer positions.

We are a full-service police department with a variety of opportunities for an individual to build an extensive skill set and a fulfilling career in law enforcement. The Gresham Police Department consists of 129 sworn positions. All employees are expected to strive for excellence as they provide services to customers and community members in a positive and respectful manner; while demonstrating a creative and visionary thought process, and insightful problem-solving skills.

Police officers are assigned to one of three shifts (day, swing, and graveyard) based on seniority.

We are proud to offer competitive living-wage salaries with generous benefit and retirement packages, and extensive, ongoing training opportunities to support the current and future needs of a thriving community service and safety department. In addition to base salary, officers are eligible for overtime pay, premium pay for participation in specialty or instructor assignments, and advanced certification pay. Gresham Police department is currently offering a hiring incentive bonus of $6,000. (Paid upon graduating a police academy and second half of payment upon successful completion of a probationary period.)

• Paid vacation: 21.33 hours per month to start.
• Education reimbursement up to $5,000.
• Sick leave for longer-term illnesses.
• Medical, vision, dental and life insurance.
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• City participates in the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Health reimbursement account.
• Flexible spending account.
• Deferred compensation.
• Uniforms, uniform cleaning, weapon and other equipment provided.

Work-life balance
Our police officers are dedicated and hard-working. But when they're off duty, you'll find them hitting the slopes, windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge, and more.

• Skiing or snowboarding at Mt. Hood, less than an hour away.
• Boating or windsurfing at the Columbia River Gorge, less than an hour away.
• 20-minute drive (and an easy commute) to downtown Portland, Oregon's largest city-catch a Trail Blazers game, visit the theater, or explore the food scene.
• Camping and recreational activities with easy access, whether in the mountains or by rivers.
• Scenic two-hour ride to Pacific Ocean coast.
• In town, enjoy Gresham's historic downtown with more than 150 shops, restaurants, and service businesses, or explore the 1,100+ acres of parks, natural areas, and trails within the city.

The City of Gresham Police Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, people of color communities, women, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

As Oregon's fourth-largest city, Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition and heritage meet innovation and opportunity. Gresham is a dynamic and rapidly growing city where families and businesses have a mutual desire and drive to thrive. City of Gresham employees care deeply about the community they serve, and go 'one step beyond' to deliver services in collaborative, inventive, practical, and nimble ways. Our work is challenging, fast-paced and rewarding.

We believe that to deliver the highest level of service to all Gresham community members, it is crucial we employ a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive working environment, and ensure our policies and systems result in equitable outcomes. The City seeks candidates who will support these values by continuously incorporating equity in their daily work and actively contributing to a workplace culture that respects unique viewpoints, life experiences and cultural perspectives. Come build the future with us.

Position Description

Gresham Police Officers are responsible for the protection of life and property to community members and visitors within the City of Gresham. Officers provide emergency aid, security, education and enforcement of State Law and City Ordinances. We respond to requests for information and assistance, participate in various community initiatives, work with community members to solve neighborhood and crime associated problems, ensure proper and equitable enforcement of laws and regulations, investigate criminal activity, and make arrests. Police officers report to an assigned sergeant and we use a chain of command system.

What you will get to do:
The list of duties is a representative sample of the work appropriate to this class and does not include all the essential or marginal duties that may be assigned to a position. The incumbent may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties:

• Patrols assigned areas by car, foot, bicycle, or other means of transportation; observes, reports, and responds to crime and danger; observes and checks buildings, residences, schools, banks, vacant areas, vehicles, suspicious persons, and others; performs onsite testing and interrogation of individuals suspected of intoxication; escorts suspects to various buildings; performs breathalyzer analysis, videotaping, and other testing; performs stakeouts or undercover operations to obtain crime evidence; as required, physically detains and subdues law violators or those resisting arrest; maneuvers a variety of situations, such as moving through heavy underbrush and trees, jumping fences, climbing onto or into buildings, using deadly force, and others in order to protect self and others; issues citations, makes arrests, or takes other appropriate action; ensures enforcement of all applicable laws and regulations.
• Responds to emergency calls, including determining the nature of the call, investigating circumstances, and taking action; takes command at scene of accident or crime; administers first aid and requests medical service as necessary; interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects and takes statements; records information regarding causes and circumstances; conducts welfare checks, completes mental health evaluations, and coordinates with hospitals and clinicians; requests assistance from other departmental staff.
• Reports traffic issues and hazards; directs vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow; enforces vehicle operations and parking regulations; issues warnings or notices of traffic infractions; disburses unruly crowds at public gatherings.
• Conducts investigations of suspected illegal activity; performs follow-up investigations of criminal cases; ensures security of persons and evidence at the crime scene; collects and documents evidence; requests lab analysis as appropriate.
• Serves and enforces court-ordered civil process orders, including restraining, protection, no contact, anti-harassment, subpoenas, and others; serves arrest and search warrants; prepares criminal cases for prosecution; interacts with attorneys and court officials; testifies in court as required.
• Provides information on laws, ordinances, police patrols, filing a formal complaint, crime prevention education, and other law-enforcement related topics; directs community members to appropriate authorities as necessary; works with community members to solve ongoing traffic-related problems; collaborates and maintains relationships with other law enforcement agencies, school officials, and community service agencies; acts as a representative on committees, interagency task forces, special projects, and other community outreach activities as assigned.
• Serves as Field Training Officer for new officers; works on specialty assignments which may include public education, schools, and training; attends meetings, seminars, and other training classes; prepares a variety of records and reports, such as felony and/or misdemeanor charges, arrests, accidents, offenses, property impounded, property damage, investigations, affidavits in support of search warrants, and others; ensures equipment used is maintained and operating properly.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances affecting City and Police Department policies and operations
• City government administration, organization, functions, and services
• Practices, principles, procedures, regulations, and techniques used in police work, including rules of evidence, methods of investigation and apprehension, and others
• Criminal behavior and causes underlying criminality; social, psychological, and physical needs of criminals
• Safe and appropriate use of police vehicles and equipment, including firearms and other specialized tools
• Safety practices, procedures, and precautions; basic first aid and CPR procedures
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff
• Communication principles, practices, and techniques
• Modern office practices and methods, computer equipment, and software applications

• Exercise discretion in confidential and sensitive matters
• Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
• Apply techniques, policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and methods of crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and other aspects of law enforcement; read, understand, and explain complex laws, ordinances, plans, and orders
• Analyze problems quickly; deal effectively with people under hostile and emergency situations; physically handle persons resisting arrest; perform effectively in emergency and stressful situations
• Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents
• Skillfully and safely use firearms and other police-related tools
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external contacts
• Operate police-related equipment and technology tools including personal computers, laptop computers and printers, and body worn cameras
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; present information, proposals, recommendations, and evidence clearly and persuasively
• Physically perform the essential job functions

Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered for the position of Entry Level Police Officer:

1) You must meet all the following State Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) requirements:

• Be a United States Citizen within 18 months of employment.
• Be at least 21 years of age at the date of hire.
• Possess, at a minimum a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Declared by a physician as able to perform the physical duties as required by the occupation. (Following a job offer Gresham PD will send candidates for a department paid Medical/Physical exam.)
• Of good moral fitness, without legal conduct involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, and a conviction of a sex crime, domestic violence and/ or any felony crime.
• Information regarding the minimum qualifications for Oregon law enforcement officers is available in section 259-008-0010 of the Oregon Administrative Rules.

2) You must meet the following City of Gresham Police Department standards:

• Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history.
• Possess the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Display the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and citizens from a variety of racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.

Other qualities needed to perform the duties of a Police Officer include the ability, but are not limited to, the following:

• Apply principles and techniques of modern crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and all other aspects of law enforcement.
• Use firearms and other police-related tools in a skillful and safe manner.
• Physically handle persons resisting arrest or being physically resistive.
• Good interpersonal communication skills and be able to deescalate situations as appropriate.
• Read and comprehend complex laws, ordinances, plans and orders.
• Maintain composure under adverse conditions.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and to recognize actual and potentially dangerous situations, must be able to determine proper courses of action in an ever-changing environment.
• Present evidence in court effectively; skill in observation and remembering details such as names, faces, and incidents.

The physical essential functions of the position may include the following:

• Patrol in an assigned vehicle in the assigned geographical area.
• Exposure to varying and extreme weather conditions.
• A risk of physical hazard from violent, aggressive, and hostile people, a variety of weapons, noise, chemicals, bodily secretions, sharp objects, traffic, drugs and drug paraphernalia and crime scenes.
• Physical exertion is required to climb stairs, go over walls, run, move heavy objects, crawl through tight spaces, kneel in confined areas and sit or stand for protracted periods.
• Physical effort is required to lift materials, equipment and persons exceeding 50 pounds, and subdue combative persons.
• May experience disruption in sleep patterns as a result of rotating shift work, court schedules or other assignments.

Transferable skill and additional preferred qualities in a candidate:

• Ability to speak a second language, in both written communication and verbal conversation. (Preference to Spanish and Russian)
• College degree or college level courses in any discipline.
• A military background
• A Reserve Officer, Cadet, or Corrections Officer

Achievement of a long-term professional commitment. (Long term employment with one or more employers, completion of a certification program, participation in a Police Cadet, Reserve Program, Corrections, etc.)

Selection Process

To apply for this position, click 'Apply' at the top of this job posting.

Required application materials:

• A complete online application (do not leave fields blank or type 'see resume')
• Answers to supplemental questions
  

If you desire a modification of this process to accommodate a disability, please provide your request in writing to HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov, or by phone to 503-618-2800, upon submitting the required documents.

*Note to applicants that have previously applied with the City of Gresham Police Department: Candidates that have previously applied within the last 5 years must check past communications from the City of Gresham Human Resources regarding eligibility to re-apply.

What to expect as an applicant:
The selection process for a Police Officer can take several months from the date an application is received to the date of hire. This job announcement will no longer be available after the recruitment closes. You are encouraged to print the job announcement for future reference.

FY 2024-25 Entry Level Police Officer Selection Process Summary

Phase I: Application & Exam

• Submit an online application & complete the Law Enforcement Frontline Exam conducted by National Testing Network (be sure to select Gresham as an agency to receive your scores). www.NationalTestingNetwork.com . Applicants submitting transcripts verifying that they possess at least a four-year academic degree from an institution recognized by DPSST (OAR 259-008-0045) are exempt from the Law Enforcement Frontline Exam. The City of Gresham do not accept written/reading/video test results (law enforcement frontline exam) from agencies other than NTN. Required passing NTN exam scores are:
• • Written 70%
  • Reading 70%
  • Video 65%
  • DPSST ORPAT Course Video
  • DPSST ORPAT webpage
  Phase II: Interview & Eligible List
  
  • Candidates will be invited to participate in an (in-person or virtual) interview. If you are not available for the dates offered upon receiving an invitation, please notify us via email to arrange for an interview at the next scheduled interview timeframe.
  • Candidates will be placed on a ranked eligibility list based on their Interview timeframe and scores based on the combined average of their NTN scores (if applicable) and panel interview scores. Candidates will remain on the ranked eligibility list for one year from the job opening date. Candidates will be contacted based on their ranked position on the eligibility list and the Police Officer vacancies available for hire. Depending on the candidates' ranking, it may take several more weeks before an update can be provided.
  Phase III: Pre-Suitability Assessment & Preliminary Background Screening
  • Candidates who successfully complete Phase I and II, and next to be considered from the ranked eligible list will be invited to complete pre-suitability exam and personal history questionnaire (PHQ). This exam must be proctored virtually and generally takes 2 hours to complete and PHQ takes additional 1-3 hours to complete. Complete details, technology needs, and equipment requirements will be sent by email message(s). Once the pre-suitability exam is complete, candidates (with suitable results) will be assigned a background investigator, and a link will be sent to them to complete an electronic Statement of Personal History. This link and the requested information are deadline driven and require submission within the specified timeframe. Candidates need to be thorough and honest in completing this information

  Phase IV: Conditional Employment Offer & Background Investigation

  • Once the Statement of Personal History is complete, the candidate will be invited to meet in person or virtually with the background investigator for a Pre-Background interview. This interview generally takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. Upon successful completion of the Pre-Background screening, candidates will have a full and comprehensive background completed based on information provided in the Statement of Personal History and Pre-Background screening. Once the candidate passes a full background, they will receive a conditional offer of employment pending successful completion of a psychological evaluation and full medical/physical exam.
  Phase V: Psychological Evaluation & Job-Related Physical Exam
  
  • Candidates will be scheduled for a psychological exam which will include a proctored pre-interview virtual test followed by an interview with a clinical psychologist.
  • Candidates will also be scheduled with a City of Gresham contracted medical provider to complete a physical exam, treadmill test, and drug screen.
  Phase VI: Chief Interview & Confirmation of Appointment
  • Candidates will meet with the Gresham Police Chief for a final interview. If selected for hire a candidate would later be presented with an employment appointment letter.

  We make every effort to minimize travel for our out of state candidates. If you are a successful candidate, it is likely there will be one trip necessary to include an interview with the Police Chief and complete a job-related physical, treadmill test and drug screen.
  
  Candidates will be notified through the e-mail address provided on their application as to their status in the process. Any updated contact information should be provided by email to HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov as soon as it is available.

  If a modification of this process is needed in order to accommodate a disability, please make your request in writing at the time of submitting an application to HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov, or in person to a Human Resources representative at 1333 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham, OR 97030.

  Veteran's Preference
  The City of Gresham provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law. Any candidate wishing to have their qualifying veteran's preference applied to the process must submit a qualifying document (DD Form 214 or 215) at the time of application providing proof of eligibility that includes discharge status. Disabled veterans must also submit a copy of their Veteran's disability preference letter from the US Department of Veteran Affairs at the time of application, unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215.

  Our Commitment
  The City of Gresham is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without unlawful regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, familial status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, Oregon, or local law.

  Contact Yulee.Kim-Whetstone@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-2800 with questions related to this recruitment.