Police Officer Lateral

Salary : $79,892.80 - $101,961.60 Annually
Location : Milwaukie Public Safety Building, OR
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 26-00009
Department: Police
Opening Date: 09/04/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: MPEA


Description


The Milwaukie Police Department is a dedicated team comprised of 35 sworn officers and eight non-sworn staff. We serve a community of approximately 21,000, just south of Portland, along the banks of the Willamette River. Specialty assignments within our agency include Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Public Information Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT Team Member, Hostage Negotiations Team Member, School Resource Officer, Transit Police Officer, Motorcycle Traffic Enforcement Officer and Criminal Reconstruction and Forensic Technician (CRAFT) Team Member. We have eight sergeants, four detectives, two captains, and a chief. We strive to provide excellent traditional police services, combined with great customer service and community engagement.

We are accepting applications from motivated and enthusiastic certified Police Officers seeking a career with Milwaukie PD, one of the leading law enforcement agencies in the state.

To qualify and apply as a lateral police officer you must have at least two years' experience as a sworn law enforcement officer, have worked as a full-time paid law enforcement officer within the past 12 months, and have successfully completed a state certified basic police training academy. Final evaluation of eligibility will be at the discretion of the Chief of Police based on background and experience.


Hiring Process for qualified lateral candidates:

• Bypass written testing and ORPAT
• Initial screening interview
• Chief/Command Staff interview
• Background check
• Psychological and physical exams.
• Salary range placement based on an evaluation of past work experience
• Vacation frontloaded with 40 hours of leave
• Sick leave frontloaded with 48 hours of leave

Incentive pay :
5% for an Associate's degree and/or possessing a DPSST Intermediate Police Officer Certificate.
10% incentive pay for a Bachelor's degree and/or possessing a DPSST Advanced Police Officer Certificate.

Additional Incentives

• Bilingual incentive pay, 5% of base pay
• FTO incentive pay, 7.5% of base pay
• Detective incentive, 7.5% of base pay
• K-9 handler, 5% of base pay
• School Resource Officer, 5% of base pay
• Acting Sergeant incentive, 10% of base pay
• Public Information Officer, 5% of base pay

Additional Benefits

• Medical, Vision & Dental, city pays 95% of the premium, employee pays 5%
• Accrue 10 hours of holiday leave each month, in lieu of holidays
• $100,000 city paid life insurance plan
• City paid PERS retirement
• City paid 3.5% deferred compensation contribution to a 457(b) plan with no match required
• On-site fitness center open 24/7

The city is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications and are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability status, marital status and any other legally protected status. We are seeking a diverse pool of applicants that can bring a variety of skills, expertise and life experience to our workplace, including those who may come from a non-traditional background. The city will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, certifications and experience to meet the minimum position qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the posiiton.

This posting is open until filled, with applications reviewed on a weekly basis.

Essential Functions

• Patrols assigned area and interacts with the public to detect and prevent crime and enhance community livability and public safety. Observes, reports, and acts on conditions conducive to crime and danger. Issues citations, makes arrests, or takes other action as warranted by circumstances. Works on assigned shift on a rotating basis.
• Responds to and handles difficult and emergency situations.
• Responds to crime and traffic scenes; administers first-aid and requests medical services as necessary; takes statements and interviews victims and witnesses; examines situation; records vital information regarding causes and circumstances.
• Uses independent judgment to evaluate complex situations and determine the appropriate police response to support the mission of the police department and the city.
• Physically detains law violators or those who may be resisting arrest including physically subduing suspects, navigating obstacles, and using appropriate force to protect self or others.
• Enforces state and local laws and ordinances.
• Investigates crimes and public safety issues.
• Demonstrates a commitment to community-oriented police work and assists with solving community livability issues. Performs community liaison activities and educates the public about crime prevention through community-based presentations and discussions.
• Prepares forms and reports necessary to file felony and misdemeanor charges. Prepares criminal cases for prosecution. Testifies in legal proceedings.
• Refers non-criminal situations to appropriate source and assists as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in community and neighborhood meetings.
• Maintains departmental equipment, supplies and facilities.
• Maintains positive public relations with community members and responds to their needs.
• Develops safe work habits and contributes to the safety of self, co-workers and the general public.

Education & Experience

Minimum Requirements:
To qualify as a lateral police officer, you must have successfully completed basic police academy, have at least two years' experience as a sworn law enforcement officer, have and worked in another police agency as a sworn law enforcement officer for a recognized state, county or city (municipal) agency, to include sworn Indian Tribal Police within the last 12 months.

• Valid area driver's license and ability to meet the city's driving standards.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalency.
• Ability to read and write the English language.
• Have no disqualifying criminal history within the past seven years or any felony convictions.
• Be able to pass a background investigation/medical and psychological exam and drug screening.
• Have basic computer literacy and keyboard skills.

Out-of-state and less-experienced law enforcement officers are eligible to apply through this posting. A modified selection and training process will apply:

• Bypass written testing and ORPAT
• Initial screening interview
• Chief/ Command Staff interview
• Background check
• Psychological and physical exams.

Military Police, Federal Law Enforcement, Corrections and Parole/Probation DO NOT QUALIFY as Lateral Police Officers.

Additional Information

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Milwaukie, we understand that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources View phone number on click.appcast.io.


Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for positions with the City of Milwaukie. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for veterans' preference for this job, please attach qualifying documents in the application process.
Summary of Employee Benefits
(actual plan documents, policies and bargaining agreements prevail)

The City of Milwaukie offers a generous benefits package to all regular status employees working at least 20 hours per week (benefits are pro-rated for employees working less than full-time). Temporary employees, seasonal workers and part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for benefits. Medical/dental insurance is effective the first of the month following date of hire.

Medical Insurance: You may choose between a traditional indemnity plan (Regence Blue Cross PPO) or a health maintenance organization (Kaiser HMO). Coverage includes you and your dependents. Each plan includes a vision and prescription drug benefit.

Dental Insurance: You and your dependent family members are eligible for a dental insurance plan which includes preventative, routine and major dental care as well as orthodontic benefits. You will have the choice to be covered by either Delta Dental, Willamette Dental or Kaiser's dental plan.

Flexible Spending Account: The City offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). FSAs allow eligible employees to pay for non-covered health related expenses and childcare expenses with tax-free income. Additionally, the employee paid portion of the City's medical and dental insurance premiums are paid through the FSA with pre-tax dollars.

Retirement: The City participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Benefits paid by PERS are funded from two sources,
- Member contributions paid on your behalf by the City (immediately vested); and
- Employer contributions (vested when contributions have been made in each of five calendar years)
Additionally, the city offers a 457 deferred compensation retirement plan. The city makes a contribution of 3.5% to your 457 plan with no contribution required from you. You may contribute additional pre-tax dollars to the 457 plan up to federal limits.

Life Insurance: The city pays for your basic life insurance in the amount of your annual salary to a maximum of $100,000 and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) to a maximum of $100,000.

Long Term Disability Insurance: The city provides you with a long term disability (LTD) plan which provides up to 50% of your salary, up to a maximum benefit of $3,000 per month for qualifying disabilities following a 90-day waiting period.

Employee Assistance Program: Benefit eligible employees and their family can receive up to five free counseling sessions per incident per year from Canopy EAP (formerly Cascade).

Workers' Compensation Insurance: You are provided worker's compensation insurance in accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes (SAIF Corporation).

Holidays
The City recognizes the following paid holidays during the calendar year:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King Birthday
- President's Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veteran's Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- The Friday after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
- One and a half days Floating Holiday

Vacation
Paid vacation time accrues on a yearly basis as follows:
- 1-48 months (up to four years) 8.67 hours per month
- 49-108 months (4-9 years) 10 hours per month
- 109-168 months (9-14 years) 12 hours per month
- 169-228 months (14-19 years) 14 hours per month
- 229 or more months (over 19 years) 16.67 hours per month

Vacation leave may be taken after you have completed six months of employment and may be accrued to a maximum of two years.

Non-represented managers and supervisors who do not receive overtime compensation are eligible for management leave on an annual 'use it or lose it' basis.

Sick Leave: New employees receive 48 hours of sick leave at hire. After six months, sick leave accrues at a rate of eight (8) hours per month.
01


This position requires basic certification as a police officer through Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards & Training or a similar certification from another state. Please share your certification number and state of issuance.
02


Are you claiming Veteran's Preference?

• Yes
• No

03


If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, it is necessary to attach the relevant supporting documents. Have you ensured that these documents are included?

• Yes
• No
• N/A, not claiming veterans' preference

Required Question