Police Officer - Entry Level

Join The Bend Police Department

Are you ready to make a real impact in one of Oregon's most vibrant cities? The Bend Police Department is calling on 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.

If you're passionate about public service and ready to rise to the challenge, we want to hear from you.

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

Candidates must maintain a drug-free lifestyle as a condition of consideration for employment. Law enforcement agencies expect applicants to demonstrate sound judgment, personal responsibility, and long-term reliability, and an individual's substance-use history is a significant factor in that assessment. Illegal drug use or the misuse of prescription medication may result in disqualification, delays in the hiring process, or concerns regarding integrity and accountability.

A sustained commitment to remaining drug-free reflects maturity, professionalism, and readiness to uphold the high standards required to serve and protect the community.

Please note that while marijuana is legal in the State of Oregon, it remains illegal under federal law and must be disclosed accordingly during the hiring process.

Job Highlights for Officers:

• Starting Salary: $86,435.28 up to $105,062.40 (not including overtime or other pay incentives)
• Additional Certification Pay: 10% for Intermediate and 15% for Advanced certifications
• Uniforms and Gear: Supplied.
• Work Schedule: 11.25-hour schedule, four working days followed by four days off to enjoy Central Oregon.
• Wellness Programs: On-duty workouts, onsite mental health clinician, functional fitness, and more.
• Educational Reimbursements: Available.
• Incentives: Walking, biking, or carpooling to work.
• Additional Benefits: As noted within the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Community Enhancement Program: Additional 2% to gross wages.
• Language and American Sign 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.

As a Bend Police Officer you will:

• Carry out the mission of the agency as defined in the mission statement; model and promote the core values of the organization.
• First responders to incidents serve as a direct link between the department and the public.
• Respond to and investigate incidents and crime scenes, take action at incidents, proactively patrolling assigned areas, engage in information lead policing activities and making independent decisions to deter criminal activity.
• Enforce laws and ordinances, make arrests, preserve crime scene evidence and perform 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, complete reports, make arrests or issue citations; render first aid.
• Conduct investigations concerning various types of crime, interviews witnesses and suspects, take photographs, fingerprints 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.
• Renders assistance to the public.
• Complies 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 on criminal intelligence, criminal/municipal statutes, training events and other briefing bulletins.
• Must be able to be observant and aware while performing multiple tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; AND
• At least two years of college coursework at time of application; OR
• Have served in the military with an Honorable Discharge; OR
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required