Police Officer (Lateral)

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified lateral police officer candidates must have passed a law enforcement academy and have at least three years' experience as a law enforcement officer. Candidates must be certified as a police officer by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), or by another state's equivalent public safety standards agency, and must be currently employed as a police officer or have separated from service within the past 24 months.

If you do not meet the qualifications for a lateral police officer position but are a certified police officer or with prior experience, please contact Lt. Monty Fox at View email address on click.appcast.io to discuss possible consideration of a streamlined intermediate police officer process.

Tigard offers an exceptional opportunity for lateral police officers, with a variety of specialty assignments, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a prime location near the Portland metropolitan area. The region features vibrant arts and cultural attractions, scenic public beaches, snowcapped mountains for hiking and climbing, and world-class fishing along some of the most serene rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Tigard is also home to a strong public school district, numerous private school options, and convenient access to several colleges and universities. The Tigard Police Department is deeply committed to community policing and actively collaborates with the public through a wide range of programs and outreach efforts.

Bordering the City of Portland and located within a short drive to the Pacific Ocean, Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood, the City of Tigard provides access to the full spectrum of Oregon’s natural beauty. The city itself features over 550 acres of parkland, making it an ideal suburban community for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

Tigard police officers enjoy the best of both worlds—serving in a department small enough to foster a close-knit, family-like atmosphere (with just under 100 sworn officers), while also having access to the specialized opportunities typically found in larger agencies. As the 12th largest police department in Oregon, Tigard offers assignments including participation in the countywide major crimes team, commercial crimes investigations, bike and ATV patrols, school resource officers, tactical and negotiation positions on the county tactical team, FBI and DEA teams, K-9 handlers, motorcycle patrol, crisis response teams focused on behavioral and mental health and field training officer roles.

Tigard’s central location and rapid regional development have contributed to significant population growth and increased commuter traffic, with Interstate 5 and several major arterial highways running through the Police Department’s patrol area. With attractions such as Washington Square Mall and a thriving business community, Tigard regularly hosts a daytime population nearing 100,000, substantially more than the city’s residential population of just under 60,000.

The City of Tigard values diverse perspectives, backgrounds and life experiences. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve, one that draws strength from inclusion and promotes innovation through diverse voices. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about public service and community engagement to apply.

If you need assistance in completing the employment application or navigating the hiring process, please contact Liz Upton at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Tigard police officers perform a range of law enforcement and crime prevention duties, including patrol and investigations.

• Patrols assigned jurisdiction, enforces traffic and criminal laws; observes and investigates unusual conditions in facilities, property or other areas; conducts investigations of felony and misdemeanor criminal activities; secures crime scenes as appropriate; investigates suspicious persons, vehicles, circumstances; deters crime by providing high visibility; takes appropriate action or makes arrests; transports arrested individuals for booking, as required; issues citations and warnings; investigates accidents; reports public safety hazards; directs traffic.
• Assists the public regarding directions, laws, and other information as needed; assists disabled motorists; participates in meetings with the public representing the department's interests and responsibilities.
• Observes, monitors and controls routine and unusual traffic situations; stops and warns drivers or issues citations as appropriate; assists motorists with inoperable vehicles and arranges for immediate removal of stranded vehicles if they are stolen or a hazard; provides direction and traffic control in accident or incident situations, special events, or other congested situations.
• Responds to a wide variety of emergency calls for service, disturbances, thefts, burglaries, vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, suspicious activities, and other incidents to protect public safety and property, resolve problems, diffuse situations, and enforce laws and ordinances; determines appropriate action; calls for assistance as needed.
• Prepares case records and reports on major activities within the jurisdiction; prepares affidavits for search warrants; serves arrest and search warrants and subpoenas as required.
• Prepares and writes a variety of reports, forms, records and files; interacts with prosecutors, attorneys, and court officials; appears in court as required.
• Maintains effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies and personnel.
• Assists other officers as needed.
• May serve as a field training officer for orientation and training of new officers.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Completion of high school or GED
• At least three (3) years of experience as a law enforcement officer
• College-level law enforcement coursework desirable

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a US citizen
• Must be 21 years or older at time of hire
• Possess a valid Oregon/Washington driver’s license
• Must be legally authorized and physically able to carry a firearm
• Ability to work all shifts, including swing, nights, weekends, holidays on a rotating basis
• Must be able to read and write the English language
• Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred

Applicants must have the ability to learn and apply laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances and procedures; ability to give credible testimony in a court of law; ability to operate a motor vehicle and assigned equipment skillfully, safely and in conformance with applicable laws and department policies; ability to prepare accurate, concise, informative and grammatically correct reports; ability to understand and act upon complex oral and written instructions; ability to deal courteously and firmly with the public, other agencies and all levels of City staff.

STREAMLINED HIRING PROCESS FOR LATERAL OFFICERS

• After application is received, a Command Staff interview
• Pre-Offer Evaluation (if applicable)
• Background Investigation
• Interview with Chief of Police

Upon a conditional job offer, you will be required to undergo:

• Psychological Evaluation
• Medical Examination
• Drug Test

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Work history will be considered when setting base pay and vacation accruals.

UNION RESPRESENTION:

TPOA (Tigard Police Officers' Association)