Police Officer-Entry Level

Police Officer

The Eugene Police Department (EPD) is a progressive, professional law-enforcement agency that serves the city of Eugene, Oregon. In fulfillment of the public trust, the Eugene Police Department works in partnership with our community to promote safety and security, enforce laws, prevent crimes, and safeguard the constitutional rights of all people.

EPD is seeking new candidates to come serve with us. Invitations to the testing phase of the recruitment process will be sent on a rolling basis to those applicants with a complete application who qualify. If you'd like to be eligible to receive an early invitation to schedule your testing, please make sure to submit your complete application as soon as possible. By submitting your application early, you will also be provided access to a paid practice test and a testing study guide as well as the opportunity to participate in an ORPAT practice session.

This position performs a variety of law enforcement duties; first responder to incidents; serves as direct link between the department and the public; responds to, and investigates, incident scenes; assesses appropriate actions to incidents; patrols assigned areas; enforces laws and ordinances; makes arrests; preserves crime scene evidence; summarizes events in report format; and performs preventative community policing for diverse neighborhoods.

Applications received during this application period will be considered for a December 14, 2026 hire date.

Salary Range: All Entry-Police Officers will start at Step 1. Applicants with a minimum of 3 years of full-time police service experience, exercising police powers at a City (Municipal), County or State police agency responsible for responding to emergency 9-1-1 calls, can apply to the Lateral Police Officer posting.

The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more info, click the Benefits Tab, or visit this summary page as well as this benefits package page.

Work Location: Eugene Police Department 300 Country Club Rd. Eugene, OR. Must reside within 45 minutes of Eugene, OR.

Union Representation: Eugene Police Employees' Association (EPEA)

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: Police Officer

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferrable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age by December 30, 2026
• No felony convictions. No Class A Misdemeanor convictions within 24 months of application
• Must be able to work various shifts; nights, weekends, and holidays. Officers assigned to a patrol team are currently working a 4/10 work schedule
• Must meet State requirements including vision, hearing, and standards for basic certification as a law enforcement officer by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). To view the standards set by DPSST for certification view Oregon Administrative Rule 259-008-0010.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Experience

Two years of work experience, college coursework, or military experience.

License and Certificate

A valid Oregon driver's license, or ability to obtain by date of hire; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard. Oregon law requires that an of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).

CPR certification within twelve months of appointment.

Background

MUST PASS A POLICE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION. Fluency in a language in addition to English is desirable. Preference for Spanish or Sign Language ability may be given.

Must pass a physical assessment and drug test. Drug Screen, Hearing Test and Visual Acuity Test - as required by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). To view the standards set by DPSST for certification, please visit DPSST's website and view Oregon Administrative Rule 259-008-0011.

Selection Process

Dates at-a-glance:

• ORPAT practice sessions Saturday, July 25, 2026. 9-11 a.m. (optional) Apply by July 23, 2026 to get more information about the ORPAT practice session.
• Written test* and ORPAT Saturday, August 22, 2026. The City reserves a right to select candidates from a standby list for available testing sessions. Weapons and backpacks are not allowed at any portion of the testing process. You may be subject to a search when entering a facility for testing.

Interviews: August 23-25, 2026 (Sunday-Tuesday.) Out of state applicants will be given preference for interviews on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

Full Background completed by October 22, 2026

Chief Interview: October 28, 2026

Psychological Evaluation and Medical Exam: November 4-11, 2026

Projected Date of Hire: December 14, 2026

City of Eugene requires all candidates to test directly with the City of Eugene for the written and physical abilities test each recruitment process. At this time, we are not able to accept prior results, National Testing Network results, or results from other agencies.

Eligibility List

This posting may also be used to establish an eligibility list of applicants for future vacancies. Candidates that are placed on the eligibility list will be notified via email which will include the duration of the list and how notification of call up will occur.

Salaries and Fringe Benefits

Recruit Police Officers receive a beginning annual salary of $80,849.60 annually; with experience, education, and training officers can advance to the top step of $103,064.00* annually. After three years of employment, officers are eligible for premium pay for education and certification. Premium pay can be worth up to 15% of an officer's base salary. In addition, Police Officers can qualify for a 5% increase for demonstrated fluency in an eligible language (such as Spanish or American Sign Language). Up to 5% shift differential.

Bilingual Pay Benefit

Per the EPEA Contract, the City shall pay an employee at 5% of base wages for a required intermediate or advanced level competency. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee must have demonstrated fluency in the required language and successfully pass a fluency examination administered by the City's Employee Resource Center division.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.