Police Officer - Entry Level

Police Officer Entry Level

The Police Department is recruiting for Police Officer Entry Level utilizing the National Testing Network (NTN) and Public Safety Testing (PST) as the first step in the hiring process. This posting is set to close on Monday, December 28, 2026. Applications will be reviewed approximately every 30 days. NTN or PST testing and the City of Hillsboro application must be completed according to the schedule below:

Application Open - July 21, 2026

Application Close - December 28, 2026

Application review and invitations to an interview will occur after each listed date:

1. August 28, 2026
2. September 28, 2026
3. October 26, 2026
4. November 30, 2026
5. December 28, 2026

Timeline subject to change based on City needs*

General Description of Duties A professional, sworn position that performs law enforcement and crime prevention work including patrol and investigation; apprehension of criminals, preservation of peace and protection of life and property; enforces Federal, State and local laws; practices the principles of Community Policing; does related work as required. The Police Officer position is covered under the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement.

Eligible persons who are qualified and interested in applying for the position must follow the selection process instructions listed below.

Selection Process

City of Hillsboro application and National Testing Network (NTN) or Public Safety Testing (PST) Directions:

Step 1 - Eligible persons who are qualified and interested in applying for the positions must login and sign-up with the National Testing Network ( or Public Safety Testing ( Select Police Officer/Law Enforcement Officer and sign up for Hillsboro Police Department (Oregon). NTN or PST testing must be completed and scores released to Hillsboro Police Department by the closing date of Monday, December 28, 2026. You do not need to take both exams. If tested prior to our opening date of July 21, 2026, contact NTN or PST to transfer score to our current process. The City of Hillsboro does not accept exam results from other agencies outside of NTN or PST.

Schedule and pass the written exam with the National Testing Network (NTN) or Public Safety Testing (PST).

Minimum passing score for NTN is: Video 65%, Writing 70% and Reading 70%.

Minimum passing score for PST is: Law Enforcement Written Exam 70%

National Testing Network (NTN) help desk: View phone number on click.appcast.io, 8 am – 5 pm, PST. Public Safety Testing (PST) help desk: View phone number on click.appcast.io, 8 am – 5 pm, Monday-Saturday. Questions may also be referred to Cindy Tucker at View email address on click.appcast.io.

OR

1b. Submit transcripts verifying that they possess at least a four-year academic degree from an institution recognized by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), and would be exempt from the National Testing Network (NTN) and Public Safety Testing (PST) exams. A transcript showing the award of at least a bachelor's degree must be included with your application to be considered and complete, in lieu of the NTN or PST Exam. For more information about recognized academic institutions by DPSST, click here: OAR 259-008-0045

Step 2 – The City of Hillsboro/Hillsboro Police Department will review the applications of those who have successfully passed NTN or PST and supplied a completed City of Hillsboro Application which includes a cover letter and resume. Applications will be evaluated based on minimum and required work experience, training and skills presented in the employment application.

Step 3 - Applicants who successfully pass the application review phase will be invited to participate in the Oregon Physical Agility Test (ORPAT). If an applicant has taken ORPAT and passed within 12 months of submitting a complete City of Hillsboro Governmentjobs application, you will not need to retest. Prior ORPAT scores may be attached to your application. We do not accept PAT scores for other states.

Step 4 - Selected applicants will be invited to participate in other stages of the selection process including oral board interview, extensive background investigation, and Executive Staff interview. All applicants will be notified in writing of the final status of their application.

Step 5 – Any applicant who receives a conditional offer of employment will be subject to passing a pre-employment physical, drug screen and psychological evaluation.

Examples of Essential Work

• Patrols assigned geographical areas in the City by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot to aid in preventing crime and to enforce Federal, State, and City laws and municipal codes.
• Observes, reports, and acts on conditions conducive to crime and danger, such as checking buildings for security; observing residences, schools, banks and vacant areas; checking suspicious persons and vehicles. Issues citations, makes arrests or takes other action as warranted by circumstances.
• Reports traffic hazards and directs pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow when necessary. Disburses unruly crowds at public gatherings. Enforces vehicle operation and parking regulations; issues warning or notice of traffic infraction as appropriate.
• Responds to emergency calls; determines the nature of a call, investigates the circumstances, and takes any necessary and prudent action. May call for assistance or superior officers if necessary.
• Takes command at the scene of a crime or accident; administers first aid and requests medical service as necessary; takes statements and interviews victims and witnesses; examines situation; records vital information regarding causes and circumstances.
• Performs on-site tests and interrogations of individuals suspected of intoxication. When further testing is warranted, escorts suspect to Department headquarters and conducts intoxilyzer analysis or other applicable tests. Prepares records and reports per departmental procedure.
• As required, physically detains law violators or those who may be resisting arrest; activity may require physically subduing person(s), moving through heavy underbrush and trees, jumping fences, and climbing onto or into buildings. Activity may require using deadly force to protect self or others.
• Conducts investigation assignments of suspected illegal activity or follow-up investigations of criminal cases. May also conduct specialized investigations. Conducts interviews of victims, witnesses and suspects. Collects and documents evidence and requests lab analysis as appropriate. Submits progress reports on cases under investigation. Attempts to link crime with others of a similar nature.
• Performs stake-outs or undercover operations to obtain sufficient evidence to prosecute or identify participants perpetrating a crime.
• Prepares all forms and reports necessary to file felony and/or misdemeanor charges. Prepares criminal cases for prosecution with either the City or County Prosecutor. Interacts with prosecutors, attorneys, and court officials; testifies in court as required.
• Performs community liaison activities; educates the public about crime prevention. Provides general information on laws and ordinances; explains process of filing a formal complaint, the extent of police patrols, and alternatives available to citizens. Directs citizens to appropriate authorities as necessary.
• Serves and enforces civil processes issued by the courts to include restraining orders, orders for protection, no contact orders, anti-harassment orders, and subpoenas. Serves arrest and search warrants.
• Prepares and writes a variety of reports and records, such as reports on crimes, arrests, property impounded, accidents, offenses, damages to property, results of investigations, affidavits, search warrants and operations orders.
• May use computer; telecommunications equipment.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by college-level coursework; • Some experience in law enforcement, military or other fields (for example, psychology, social service, customer service) that demonstrates desired knowledge, skills and abilities; OR • Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work will be considered. • Be at least 21 years of age by the date of appointment; • Possess or be able to obtain a valid State of Oregon Driver's License; • Have a safe driving record; • Be a United States citizen at time of appointment; • Be able to possess a Basic certificate from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) within 12 months of employment; • Be in good physical and mental health as determined by a medical and psychological examination; • Must pass an extensive background investigation and be free of felony conviction.