Entry Level Police Officer Job at City of Gresham in Gresham

Overview

The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officer positions. We are a full-service police department with opportunities 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 creative and visionary thought, and insightful problem-solving skills.

Police officers are assigned to one of three shifts (day, swing, and graveyard) based on seniority. This is an open and continuous recruitment process where an eligible list of candidates will be created and used to fill current and future vacancies with the Police Department. We offer competitive living-wage salaries with generous benefits and retirement packages, plus extensive ongoing training opportunities to support 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.

Benefits

• 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

For information about Employee Benefits, City of Gresham: Employee Benefits | City of Gresham (greshamoregon.gov)

Work-life balance

Our police officers are dedicated and hard-working. When off duty, you’ll find them enjoying outdoor activities in the region and exploring local amenities. Examples of recreation nearby include:

• Skiing or snowboarding at Mt. Hood
• Boating or windsurfing at the Columbia River Gorge
• Easy commute to downtown Portland (24 miles) for cultural and sporting events
• Camping and recreational activities with easy access to mountains or rivers
• Scenic two-hour drive to the Oregon coast
• Gresham’s historic downtown with 150+ shops and restaurants and 1,100+ acres of parks and trails

Gresham values a diverse, inclusive workforce and equitable outcomes. We seek candidates who will support these values by incorporating equity into daily work and respecting diverse viewpoints, life experiences, and cultural perspectives. Come build the future with us.

Role and responsibilities

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

What you will get to do

The following duties are a representative sample and may not include all essential or marginal duties:

• Patrol assigned areas by car, foot, bicycle, or other means; observe and respond to crime and danger; conduct screenings and investigations; escort suspects; perform field sobriety testing, recordings, and other testing; conduct stakeouts or undercover operations as required; detain or subdue violators; issue citations and make arrests; ensure enforcement of laws and regulations
• Respond to emergency calls, investigate circumstances, take action, administer first aid, interview victims/witnesses/suspects, record information, conduct welfare checks, coordinate with hospitals and clinicians, and request assistance as needed
• Report traffic issues and hazards, direct traffic, enforce regulations, issue warnings, and manage crowds at public gatherings
• Conduct investigations, follow up on cases, secure crime scenes and evidence, collect documents, and request lab analysis
• Serve and enforce court-ordered civil processes, serve warrants, prepare cases for prosecution, interact with attorneys and court officials, and testify in court
• Provide information on laws, ordinances, patrols, and crime prevention; educate the public; collaborate with other agencies and community organizations; participate in committees and outreach activities
• Serve as Field Training Officer for new officers; participate in specialty assignments; attend training; prepare records and reports; ensure equipment is maintained
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge of

• Laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances affecting City and Police Department policies
• City government administration, organization, functions, and services
• Police practices, evidence rules, investigation and apprehension techniques
• Criminal behavior and underlying needs of criminals
• Safe use of police vehicles and equipment, including firearms
• Safety practices and first aid/CPR
• Customer service principles
• Communication practices and techniques
• Modern office practices and computer proficiency

Ability

• Exercise discretion in confidential matters
• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
• Apply law enforcement techniques and explain complex laws
• Analyze problems quickly and handle people under stress; arrest/resist situations
• Observe and recall details accurately
• Safely use firearms and police tools
• Establish effective working relationships
• Operate police technology and equipment
• Communicate effectively in speech and writing
• Physically perform essential job functions

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

Minimum qualifications

1) DPSST requirements:

• Be a United States Citizen within 18 months of employment
• Be at least 21 years of age at hire
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be declared by a physician able to perform physical duties
• Of good moral fitness, with no disqualifying conduct, sex crimes, domestic violence, or felony convictions
• Information on minimum qualifications for Oregon officers is available in OR 259-008-0010

2) City standards:

• Possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving history
• Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with diverse groups

Employment Automatic Disqualifiers List (CLICK HERE)

Other qualities include the ability to:

• Apply law enforcement principles, including prevention, investigation, and evidence
• Safely use firearms and police tools
• Physically handle resisting individuals
• Deescalate and communicate effectively
• Read and understand laws and orders
• Maintain composure under pressure
• Assess situations quickly and determine actions
• Present court-evidence effectively

Physical requirements

• Patrol in a vehicle in assigned area
• Exposure to weather and hazards
• Risks from weaponry, noise, chemicals, etc.
• Physical exertion including climbing, running, lifting over 50 pounds, and restraining persons
• Possibility of disrupted sleep due to shift work

Transferable and preferred qualities

• Second language proficiency (Spanish or Russian preferred)
• College degree or coursework
• Military background, Reserve Officer, Cadet, or Corrections Officer experience
• Long-term professional commitment

To apply, click Apply at the top of this job posting. Required materials: online application and answers to supplemental questions. For disability accommodations, contact HR Recruiting. See the original posting for details.

Note to applicants: Candidates who have previously applied within the last 4 years should check communications from City of Gresham Human Resources for eligibility.

What to expect as an applicant

The selection process can take several months from application to hire. This posting will remain until the recruitment closes.

Selected phase summaries include Phase I: Application & Entrance Exam (NTN Frontline Exam) and exemptions; Phase II: Interview & Eligible List; Phase III: Pre-Suitability (PHQ); Phase IV: Executive Interview; Phase V: Personal History, Background Investigation & Conditional Offer; Phase VI: Psychological Evaluation & Physical Exam; Phase VII: Confirmation of Employment.

Notes: There may be travel for out-of-state candidates for required medical testing. Applicants will be notified via email. Veteran’s preference guidelines apply as applicable. For questions, contact HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-2549. For online application assistance, contact NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.