Lateral Police Officer

Lateral 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!

The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting applications for Lateral 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: From 21.33 hours per month*
• 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

*Initial vacation accrual will be determined using a matrix in the police union contract, based on total years of previous experience as a full-time public safety employee at another law enforcement agency (or agencies), including time served with the Gresham Police Department.

Starting Salary Information: A new employee (certified or certifiable) with police experience in Oregon or another state, hired under the criteria of the City's lateral entry program, shall be credited one pay step for each completed year of previous full-time paid experience as a sworn officer, up to a maximum starting pay of one step below the top step of the police officer salary range, which is currently Step 6. A lateral entry employee will be eligible to advance one step, and additional subsequent steps, on the salary schedule after successful completion of twelve (12) months of service in each step.

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)

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 hike in the scenic Columbia River Gorge, also less than an hour away
• 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.

The duties listed below are representative of work performed in this classification and are not intended to include all essential or marginal duties that may be assigned. Employees in this classification may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties:

• 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