Entry Level Police Officer

Do you want to make a lasting impact, inspire others, and positively influence the people you encounter every day? Are you seeking a fast-paced, dynamic environment that supports professional growth, continuous learning, and active community involvement? Look no further!Watch this video about Gresham Police

The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officer positions.

We are a full-service police department with a variety of opportunities for employees to build diverse skill sets and rewarding careers in law enforcement. The Gresham Police Department consists of 136 sworn positions. All employees are expected to strive for excellence while providing exceptional service to community members and customers in a positive and respectful manner. Employees are also expected to demonstrate creativity, vision, sound judgment, and effective problem-solving skills.

Police officers are assigned to one of three shifts (day, swing, or night), according to a semiannual seniority-based bidding process.

This is an open and continuous recruitment process. Qualified candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list, which will be used to fill current and future vacancies within the police department.

We are proud to offer competitive, living-wage salaries, comprehensive benefit and retirement packages, and extensive ongoing training opportunities designed to support employee growth and the evolving needs of a dynamic public safety organization. In addition to their base salary, officers may earn added compensation through overtime opportunities, specialty and instructor assignments, and advanced certification pay.

Benefits include:

• Paid vacation: 21.33 hours per month to start
• Education reimbursement up to $5,000
• Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
• Sick leave for longer-term illnesses
• Medical, vision, dental and life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health reimbursement account
• Flexible spending account
• Deferred compensation
• Uniforms, uniform cleaning, service weapon and other equipment provided

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

Grow your Career

At Gresham, police officers can pursue a variety of full-time and ancillary specialty assignments, develop diverse skill sets, and build a long-term career through competitive promotional opportunities. These opportunities include, but are not limited to:

• SWAT
• Crisis Negotiation
• K-9
• sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder)
• Explosive Detection Unit (EDU)
• Rapid Response Team (RRT- crowd management)
• Traffic Unit (including motorcycles)
• Vehicular Crimes Team (VCT)
• Detectives
• FBI Safe Streets Task Force
• Ceasefire (gun violence reduction)
• School Resources Officers (SRO)
• Public Information Officer (PIO)
• Field Training Officers (FTO)
• Training Instructors (firearms, PVO, survival skills, etc.)
• Behavior Health Unit (BHU)
• Honor Guard
• Internal promotional opportunities (sergeant, lieutenant, captain, assistant chief)

Work-life balance

While on the job, our police officers are dedicated, hard-working professionals. When off duty, they enjoy the many recreational and lifestyle opportunities our region has to offer.

• Ski or snowboard on Mt. Hood, located less than an hour away
• Boat, windsurf or hikeinthescenic ColumbiaRiverGorge,also lessthananhouraway
• Explore downtown Portland, just 15 miles away, where you can attend a Trail Blazers game, enjoy live theater, or experience the city's diverse dining scene

• Enjoy easy access to camping, hunting, fishing, and a variety of other outdoor recreational activities
• Take a scenic two-hour drive to the Oregon Coast and Pacific Ocean
• In Gresham, discover the charm of the historic downtown district, featuring more than 150 shops, restaurants, and service businesses, or explore over 1,100 acres of parks, natural areas, and trails throughout the city

The City of Gresham Police Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, people of color communities, women, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

As Oregon's fourth-largest city, Gresham is a welcoming community where hard-working people, rich traditions, and a strong sense of heritage come together with innovation and opportunity. As a dynamic and growing city, Gresham is home to families and businesses that share a commitment to success and a desire to thrive.

City of Gresham employees care deeply about the community they serve and go “one step beyond” to deliver services in collaborative, innovative, practical, and responsible ways. Our work is challenging, fast-paced and rewarding, offering our employees opportunities to make a meaningful difference each day.

We believe that to deliver the highest level of service to all Gresham community members, it is crucial we employ a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive working environment, and ensure our policies and systems result in equitable outcomes. The city seeks candidates who will support these values by continuously incorporating equity in their daily work and actively contributing to a workplace culture that respects unique viewpoints, life experiences and cultural perspectives. Come build the future with us.

Gresham police officers are responsible for the protection of life and property of community members and visitors throughout the City of Gresham. Officers provide emergency aid, public safety services, education, and enforcement of state law and city ordinances. Our officers respond to requests for services and assistance, participate in community engagement initiatives, collaborate with community members to solve neighborhood concerns and crime-related issues, ensure the fair and equitable enforcement of laws and regulations, investigate criminal activity, and make arrests when appropriate.

What you will get to do:

• Patrol and Enforcement: Patrol assigned areas by vehicle, foot, bicycle, or other means of transportation. Observe, identify, and respond to criminal activity, public safety concerns, suspicious circumstances, and quality-of-life issues. Conduct security checks of businesses, residences, schools, banks, vacant properties, vehicles, and other locations. Issue warnings and citations, make arrests, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Detain, restrain, and arrest individuals when necessary. Navigate a variety of challenging environments and situations, including traversing rough terrain, climbing fences and structures, and using force, including deadly force, when legally justified to protect life and safety.
• Emergency Response and Public Safety: Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service by assessing situations, conducting preliminary investigations, and taking appropriate action. Assume command of accident, crime, or emergency scenes as necessary. Provide first aid and request emergency medical services when needed. Conduct welfare checks, complete mental health assessments, and coordinate services with hospitals, clinicians, community partners, and other public safety agencies. Request assistance from other personnel and agencies as appropriate.
• Traffic Enforcement and Crowd Management: Monitor and address traffic-related concerns and hazards. Direct pedestrian and vehicle traffic, enforce traffic and parking regulations, issue citations and warnings, and maintain public order at special events, demonstrations, and public gatherings. Perform field sobriety testing and administer breath alcohol testing and other evidentiary procedures.
• Criminal Investigations and Evidence Collection: Investigate suspected criminal activity and conduct follow-up investigations. Interview victims, witnesses, suspects, and other involved parties; obtain statements; and document relevant information regarding incidents and circumstances. Conduct surveillance, stakeouts, and undercover operations as assigned. Secure crime scenes, protect people and evidence, collect and document evidence, and coordinate laboratory testing and analysis as appropriate.
• Court and Legal Processes: Serve and enforce court orders, including restraining orders, protective orders, no-contact orders, anti-harassment orders, subpoenas, and other legal documents. Execute arrest and search warrants. Prepare criminal cases for prosecution, coordinate with attorneys and court personnel, and testify in court proceedings as required. Prepare affidavits, warrants, reports, and case documentation, and other correspondence related to law enforcement activities.

• Community Engagement and Partnership Building: Provide information and assistance regarding laws, ordinances, police services, crime prevention, and community resources. Partner with community members to address neighborhood concerns, crime trends, and traffic-related issues. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with other law enforcement agencies, schools, community organizations, and service providers. Represent the department on committees, task forces, special projects, and community outreach initiatives.

• Training, Professional Development, and Administrative Responsibilities: Serve as a field training officer and mentor new officers as assigned. Participate in specialty assignments, public education programs, school-based initiatives, and training activities. Attend meetings, conferences, and professional development opportunities. Maintain department equipment and ensure it remains in proper working condition.

• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances affecting city and police department policies and operations
• City government administration, organization, functions, and services
• Practices, principles, procedures, regulations, and techniques used in police work, including rules of evidence and methods of investigation and apprehension
• Criminal behavior and underlying causes of criminality; social, psychological, and physical needs of criminals
• Safe and appropriate use of police vehicles and equipment, including firearms and other specialized tools
• Safety practices, procedures, and precautions; basic first aid and CPR procedures
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and city staff
• Communication principles, practices, and techniques
• Modern office practices and methods, computer equipment, and software applications

Ability to:

• Exercise discretion in confidential and sensitive matters
• Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
• Apply techniques, policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and methods of crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and other aspects of law enforcement; read, understand, and explain complex laws, ordinances, plans, and orders
• Analyze problems quickly; deal effectively with people under hostile and emergency situations; physically handle people resisting arrest; perform effectively during emergencies and/or stressful situations
• Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents
• Skillfully and safely use firearms and other police-related tools
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts
• Operate police-related equipment and technology tools including personal computers, laptop computers and printers, and body worn cameras
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; present information, proposals, recommendations, and evidence clearly and persuasively
• Physically perform the essential job functions

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

1) You must meet all the following Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) requirements:

• Be a United States Citizen within 18 months of employment
• Be at least 21 years of age by the date of hire
• Possess, at a minimum,a high school diploma or equivalent
• Declared by a physician as able to perform the physical duties as required by the occupation(Following a job offer, Gresham PD will send candidates for a department-paid medical/physical exam)
• Be of good moral fitness, with no history of behavior involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or a conviction of a sex crime, domestic violence and/or any felony crime

Information regarding the minimum qualifications for Oregon law enforcement officers is available in section 259-008-0010 of the Oregon Administrative Rules.

2) You must meet the following City of Gresham Police Department standards:

• Possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history
• Possess the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, bothverbally and in writing
• Display the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and citizens from a variety of racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds

Employment Automatic Disqualifiers List (CLICK HERE) (Download PDF reader)

Other qualities needed to perform the duties of a police officer include, but are not limited to, the ability to:

• Apply principles and techniques of modern crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and all other aspects of law enforcement
• Use firearms and other police-related tools in a skillful and safe manner
• Physically handle people resisting arrest or being physically resistive
• Use good interpersonal communication skills and be able to deescalate situations as appropriate
• Read and comprehend complex laws, ordinances, plans and orders
• Maintain composure under adverse conditions
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and recognize actual and potentially dangerous situations. Be able to determine proper courses of action in an ever-changing environment
• Present evidence in court effectively; skill in observation and remembering details such as names, faces, and incidents

The essential physical functions of the position may include the following:

• Patrolling in an assigned vehicle, in the assigned geographical area
• Exposure to varying and extreme weather conditions
• A risk of physical hazard from violent, aggressive, and hostile people, a variety of weapons, noise, chemicals, bodily secretions, sharp objects, traffic, drugs and drug paraphernalia, and crime scenes
• Physical exertion required to climb stairs, go over walls, run, move heavy objects, crawl through tight spaces, kneel in confined areas, and sit or stand for protracted periods
• Physical effort required to lift materials, equipment and people exceeding 50 pounds, and subdue combative people
• Disruption in sleep patterns as a result of rotating shift work, court schedules or other assignments

Transferable skill and additional preferred qualities:

• Ability to speak a second language, in both written communication and verbal conversation
• College degree or college level coursesin any discipline
• A military background
• A reserve officer, cadet, or corrections officer

Achievement of a long-term professional commitment. (Long-term employment with one or more employers, completion of a certification program, participation in a police cadet or reserve program, corrections, etc.)

Required application materials:

• A complete online application (do not leave fields blank or type 'see resume')
• Answers to supplemental questions

If you desire a modification of this process to accommodate a disability, please provide your request in writing to View email address on click.appcast.io, upon submitting the required documents.

*Note to applicants who have previously applied with the City of Gresham Police Department: Candidates who have previously applied within the last four (4) years must check past communications from the City of Gresham Human Resources regarding eligibility to be considered for the position.

What to expect as an applicant:

The selection process for a police officer can take several months from the date an application is received to the date of hire. This job announcement will no longer be available after the recruitment closes. You are encouraged to print the job announcement for future reference.

FY 2026-27 Entry Level Police Officer Selection Process Summary

Phase I: Application & Entrance Exam

• Submit an online application & complete the Law Enforcement Frontline Exam conducted by National Testing Network (be sure to select Gresham as an agency to receive your scores).
• Applicants submitting transcripts, verifying they possess at least a four-year academic degree from an institution recognized by DPSST (OAR 259-008-0045), are exempt from the Law Enforcement Frontline Exam. The City of Gresham does not accept written/reading/video test results (law enforcement frontline exam) from agencies other than NTN. Required passing NTN exam scores are:
  • Written 70%
  • Reading 70%
  • Video 65%
• Please note, the City of Gresham Police Department does not require the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) as a screening tool in our selection process. However, once hired, police officers are required to pass the ORPAT (in 5 minutes and 30 seconds or less) which is a pass/fail testing process during the police academy. Please visit the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) website to find more information about the ORPAT. Below are some helpful links:

• DPSST ORPAT Course Video
• DPSST ORPAT webpage

Phase II: Interview & Eligible List

• Candidates will be invited to participate in an (in-person or virtual) interview. If you are not available for the dates offered upon receiving an invitation, please notify us via email to arrange for an interview at the next scheduled interview timeframe (if applicable).
• Candidates will be placed on a ranked eligibility list based on their interview timeframe and scores based on the panel interview score. Candidates will remain on the ranked eligibility list for one year from the job opening date. Candidates will be contacted based on their ranked position on the eligibility list and the police officer vacancies available for hire. Depending on a candidate’s ranking, it may take several more weeks before an update can be provided.

Phase III: Pre-Suitability Assessment

• Candidates who successfully complete Phase I and II, and are selected for further consideration from the ranked eligibility list, will be invited to complete a pre-suitability exam and personal history questionnaire (PHQ). This exam must be proctored virtually and generally takes 2 hours to complete and PHQ takes additional 1-3 hours to complete. Complete details, technology needs, and equipment requirements will be sent by email message(s).
• Once the pre-suitability exam is complete, candidates (with suitable results) will be invited to an executive interview.

Phase IV: Executive Interview

• Candidates will meet with members of the Gresham Police