Police Officer - Lateral

Bend Police Officer

The Bend Police Department is calling on lateral officers who are driven, community-minded individuals to join our forward-thinking force. We're not just about law enforcement — we're about innovation, collaboration, and building trust with the people we serve. As a Bend Police Officer, you'll be part of a dynamic team that values integrity, excellence, and teamwork. We're proud to serve over 106,000 residents through progressive, community-based policing that puts people first. Whether you're starting your journey or looking to advance your career, this is your opportunity to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference.

The position is represented by the Bend Police Association and is FLSA non-exempt — meaning you're eligible for overtime as you help shape the future of public safety in Bend. Classification Framework: Class Specifications | Police Officer | Class Spec Details. $10,000.00 Hiring Incentive. We offer new lateral police officers that possess a police certification through Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) or state equivalent.

• $5,000.00 to be paid in lump sum during normal payroll cycle
• $5,000.00 upon successful completion of probationary period, to be paid in a lump sum during the normal payroll cycle
• 40 hours of sick leave, available to use immediately with no waiting period
• 40 hours of vacation leave, available to use immediately with no waiting period

Job Highlights for Lateral Officers

• Starting Salary: $90,756.72 up to $120,821.80 (with Advanced DPSST certification)
• Moving expenses reimbursement (up to $3,000)
• Supplied uniform and gear including vest
• 11.25-hour schedule that is four (4) working days followed by four (4) days off
• On-duty workouts, onsite mental health clinician, functional fitness, and more
• Educational Reimbursements
• Community Enhancement Program: Additional 2% to gross wages
• Language Fluency: Qualify for a $2.00 per hour increase for fluency in languages other than English, as approved by the Chief of Police
• VA On-the-Job training program available for our Veterans
• Additional Benefits: As noted within the Collective Bargaining Agreement

Why Bend?

• Floating the Deschutes River
• Skiing at Mt. Bachelor
• Exploring Smith Rock State Park
• Enjoying the natural beauty of Cascade Lakes for hiking, camping and scenic views
• Hunting and Fishing
• Old Mill District: restaurants with review views, walking paths, shopping and an amphitheater for concerts
• Last Blockbuster: visit the world's last remaining Blockbuster Video store for a walk down memory lane

What You'll Do

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

As a Bend Police Officer you will

• Carry out the mission of the agency as defined in the mission statement; models and promotes the core values of the organization.
• First responders to incidents, you serve as a direct link between the department and the public.
• Respond to and investigate incidents and crime scenes, taking action at incidents, proactively patrolling assigned areas, engaging in information leading policing activities and making independent decisions to deter criminal activity.
• Enforce laws and ordinances, making arrests, preserving crime scene evidence and performing preventative community policing.
• Serve arrest and search warrants.
• Direct traffic and patrol areas during incidents or any other occasion of a special or emergency nature.
• Investigate crashes, completes reports, make arrests or issues citations; render first aid.
• Conduct investigations concerning various types of crime, interviews witnesses and suspects, take photographs, fingerprint and gather evidence.
• Attends judicial proceedings, presents evidence and provides credible testimony.
• Participate in departmental meetings and attend in-service training classes and schools.
• Book in prisoners and transport prisoners when necessary.
• Assist other law enforcement agencies.
• Complete reports, conduct follow-up investigations and re-contacts.
• Render assistance to the public.
• Comply with the safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.
• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.
• Provide customer service and communicate effectively with citizens and coworkers.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

Ideal Candidate

Knowledge

• Various law enforcement techniques and procedures.
• Various state and local criminal, traffic and civil laws, codes and ordinances, and their application.
• Federal and State laws regarding custody, interrogations, search and seizure, and other procedural aspects; knowledge of applicable case law, such as court decisions pertaining to search, seizure, and arrest.
• Departmental policies and procedural manual, guidelines, and chain of command.
• Basic investigative techniques.
• Detection and basic identification of hazardous and controlled substances and their effects.
• Operation of various types of firearms and other police equipment.
• Safety and health hazards.
• Use of defensive tactics.
• Court procedures and rules of evidence.
• Report writing techniques, crime coding system, and case preparation techniques.
• Correct and safe usage of police equipment.
• Community resources, such as social services, are available for people in crisis situations.
• Basic crime prevention techniques and information.
• Basic problem-solving techniques and methodology.
• Geographical layout of city.
• Basic interview techniques.
• Principles of First Aid.

Ability

• Analyze complex situations and develop effective responses that may include law enforcement or the utilization of other community resources.
• Identify criminal activities and decide upon appropriate response.
• Evaluate high-risk situations and maintain flexibility; defuse tense situations.
• Make appropriate decisions as to response; use discretion as required and calmly deal with stressful situations.
• Apply knowledge obtained through past experiences and exposures along with skills obtained in training sessions in assessing new situations.
• Apply applicable laws and procedures to specific situations and issue correct citations as applicable.
• Safely operate a police vehicle in a pursuit situation and use defensive driving techniques.
• Operate, use and maintain a variety of police tools in a safe and effective manner, such as police radios, various types of weapons and defensive tools, handcuffs, gas mask, speed measuring devices, Intoxilyzer, flares, fire extinguisher, fingerprint kit, first aid kit, and other specialized equipment. Check equipment and tools for condition and performance.
• Judge when and what type of force is reasonable based on the circumstances.
• Effectively observe assigned areas to identify problems and probable violations of laws.
• Analyze crime scene requirements and investigation techniques.
• Collect, maintain and transport seized evidence in a safe manner.
• Provide testimony in a competent manner.
• Interview/interrogate witnesses and suspects; prepare clear reports and concise diagrams of events; remember names, faces, and details of incidents.
• Communicate well, both orally and in writing, using good grammar and spelling.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports and incident summaries in a timely manner.
• Deal with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and personalities in a tactful and effective manner.
• Access police systems on a computer as needed.
• Must be able to work various shifts and inclement weather as assigned.
• Lift heavy gear and traffic hazards.
• Develop and maintain physical fitness to subdue suspects and use appropriate physical force, move vehicles, and carry people.
• Be flexible and available for rapid response needs and shifting priorities.
• Keep updated