Police Officer - Lateral

Job Title: Police Officer

The posted salary range reflects base compensation only and does not include additional incentive or premium pay. The Forest Grove Police Department is seeking motivated Lateral Police Officers looking to grow and develop in their law enforcement career in a great community. This opportunity will be an open and continuous recruitment process until further notice. Do you want to be part of a progressive and dynamic team where service, compassion, and innovation define your success? The City of Forest Grove, Police Department, is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer from candidates willing to make law enforcement a career life choice. Candidates must understand the intrinsic value of serving others while also committing to the courage and professionalism required as a code of honor in the law enforcement profession. If you believe in Service, Integrity, and Professionalism, then you just might find a home with the Forest Grove Police Department. The Police Officer performs a variety of duties in the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; conducts investigations and provides protection to safeguard citizens' lives and property; provides support and assistance to special department programs; and performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. This position is represented by the Forest Grove Police Association.

The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

1. Perform a variety of duties in the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; conduct investigations; provide protection to safeguard citizens' lives and property.
2. Patrol the City to preserve law and order; discover and prevent the commission of crimes and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; issue warnings and citations; direct traffic at fires, special events and emergency situations.
3. Respond to general public service calls and complaints involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints and related incidents, missing persons, and threats to public safety or health.
4. Conduct investigations of criminal violations and/or activities; review and analyze crime reports for pertinent facts; interview victims and witnesses; interrogate suspects; conduct visual and photographic surveillance of criminal activity; prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; apprehend and arrest offenders.
5. Execute powers of arrest and control including full search, rights advisement and warrant execution.
6. Perform duties using appropriate force to gain compliance from threats; defend self with or without weapons; discharge firearms.
7. Operate emergency vehicles in hazardous road conditions and during high speed pursuits and responses.
8. Testify in juvenile, civil, traffic, municipal and criminal courts, and parole and Department of Motor Vehicles hearings; prepare and present evidence.
9. Participate in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills and general policing skills.
10. Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems; preserve good relationships with the general public.
11. Prepare a variety of reports on activities, operations, arrests and unusual incidents observed.
12. As assigned, schedule, organize, plan and implement training programs; evaluate training requirements; schedule and maintain records on all mandated training; conduct training courses; evaluate program effectiveness.
13. Perform related duties and responsibilities when assigned to specialized department areas, including gang enforcement, neighborhood watch or drug enforcement programs.
14. Perform related duties and responsibilities as a property/evidence officer when assigned.
15. Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
16. Contribute to a positive work environment.
17. Maintain regular, predictable attendance and punctuality

CLASSIFICATION ASSIGNMENTS Police officers may be assigned duties and responsibilities focused in an area of specialty that is consistent with the job classification, including but not limited to: Patrol -- responsible for the first response to calls for service, traffic enforcement, accident investigation, drug enforcement, preliminary criminal investigations and media relations. Detective -- responsible for the follow-up of serious criminal offenses, conducting background investigations on new employees, Crime Stoppers, drug/gang enforcement, informant and intelligence files and the sex offender registration program. School Resources Officer (SRO) -- the SRO is an advocate for students and youth in the community, investigates crime, provides classroom instruction, attends extra-curricular events and acts as a mentor and role model for students in the area of alcohol abuse resistance, decision making, self-esteem enhancement and positive alternative choices. The SRO will assist in enhancing communication between police and youth in the community, facilitating the partnership between the schools, parents, the community and youth.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must possess a valid basic Oregon DPSST certification. Applicants must have the equivalent to high school graduation, be a United States citizen, possess a valid driver's license, have an acceptable criminal history and driving record, and be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. College-level coursework and Spanish/English bilingualism preferred. Level 1 Lateral: Currently or has been a sworn police officer within the past three years at the time of appointment who is also currently certified as a police officer in good standing and has completed a certified basic police academy and field training evaluation training program - as a police officer in a government agency (municipality, county, state, tribal or federal agency). Level 2 Lateral: An individual who has successfully completed the basic police academy in Oregon through DPSST within the past 5 years.

Additional Information

Physical Demands and Working Conditions Environment: Emergency Peace control environment; travel from site to site; exposure to hostile environments, traffic hazards, and inclement weather conditions; extensive public contact. Willingness and ability to work rotating shifts (including nights), weekends, holidays and extended hours. Officers may rotate shifts every three months. Days off and shifts are selected on a seniority basis. Mobility: Incumbents require sufficient mobility to restrain or subdue individuals; physical endurance in running and climbing; heavy, moderate or light lifting; good balance and hearing; discharge firearms and utilize various other law enforcement equipment; to operate a motorized vehicle. Vision, Hearing and Communication: Incumbents in this class require vision consistent with Police Standards set by the State of Oregon. Vision sufficient to read small printed documents, computer screens and other documents. Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person and over the telephone. Selection Process: Application screening for minimum qualifications & preferred qualifications DMV & Criminal History screening Interview Process Chief's interview Background investigation DPSST Physical examination Pre-employment drug screening Psychological Evaluation Submit completed City application online by the posted deadline. Appropriate documentation verifying veteran status, including DD-214 or DD-215 plus the City of Forest Grove's Veterans Preference Form, (Download PDF reader) must be submitted if claiming veteran's preference. Applications will be screened through an evaluation of skills, experience and work history. Please note that the Education and Experience sections of the application must be filled out completely and truthfully. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the required application. Incomplete applications may be disqualified from the selection process. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process. References will be checked on finalist. A thorough background investigation will be completed on the selected candidate. Successful completion of post-offer drug screening, DPSST physical and psychological examination will be required prior to a confirmation offer of employment. New hires will be enrolled in the Oregon PERS retirement plan. Placement in the salary range and other benefit considerations for lateral transfers depends upon qualifications, experience and training. Advancement within the range is considered annually based on performance. Additional compensation is available for qualified employees through the City's incentive program. This is an equal employment opportunity. Please be sure to include in your application a valid email address you check frequently (including spam and junk folders), as candidates may be notified via email.