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? The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting applications for Lateral Police Officer positions. We are a full‑service police department with 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. Officers 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 semi‑annual 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 department. We offer competitive, living‑wage salaries, comprehensive benefits and retirement packages, and ongoing training opportunities designed to support employee growth and the evolving needs of a public‑safety organization. In addition to base salary, officers may earn added compensation through overtime, specialty and instructor assignments, and advanced certification pay. Paid vacation: 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 agency, including time served with Gresham. Starting Salary Information Oregon or out‑of‑state experience: A new employee (certified or certifiable) with police experience in Oregon or another state, hired under the City’s lateral entry program, will 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 (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. 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. Opportunities include: 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 Off‑duty, officers enjoy recreational and lifestyle opportunities in the region. Ski or snowboard on Mt. Hood, Boat, windsurf, or hike in scenic Columbia River Gorge, Explore downtown Portland (15 mi away) – theater, dining, sports Access to camping, hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation Drive to the Oregon Coast and Pacific Ocean Discover historic downtown Gresham – 150+ shops, restaurants, service businesses; explore 1,100+ acres of parks and trails 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 any other status protected by applicable law. We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, people of color communities, women, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. Law enforcement officers provide protection of life and property, emergency aid, public safety services, education, enforcement of state law and city ordinances, community engagement, investigative work, and court‑related duties. What you will get to do 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 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; observe, identify, and respond to criminal activity and safety concerns; conduct security checks; issue warnings and citations; make arrests; navigate challenging environments. Emergency Response and Public Safety – respond to emergency and non‑emergency calls; assess situations; provide first aid; coordinate with hospitals and community partners; request assistance from other agencies. Traffic Enforcement and Crowd Management – monitor traffic, enforce regulations, issue citations, maintain public order at events and demonstrations; perform sobriety testing and administer breath tests. Criminal Investigations and Evidence Collection – investigate suspected criminal activity; interview victims, witnesses and suspects; conduct surveillance, stakeouts, capture evidence, coordinate laboratory testing. Court and Legal Processes – serve and enforce court orders; execute warrants; prepare cases for prosecution; coordinate with attorneys; testify in court; prepare affidavits and reports. Community Engagement – provide information and assistance; partner with community members; build and maintain relationships with other agencies and organizations; represent department on committees and task forces. Training, Professional Development, and Administrative Responsibilities – serve as field training officer; participate in specialty assignments; attend meetings, conferences and training; maintain equipment. Other Duties – perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge of Laws, rules, regulations and ordinances affecting city and police policies. City government functions and services. Police work practices, procedures, regulations, and evidence rules. Criminal behavior and social/psychological needs of criminals. Safe and appropriate use of police vehicles and equipment. Safety practices and first aid procedures. Customer service techniques. Communication principles and techniques. Modern office practices and computer skills. Ability to Exercise discretion with confidential matters. Interpret and apply policies, procedures and laws. Apply crime‑prevention, investigation and apprehension techniques. Analyze problems quickly and handle stressful situations. Observe and recall details accurately. Use firearms and equipment safely. Maintain effective relationships internally and externally. Operate police equipment and technology tools. Communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Physically perform essential job functions. Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered for the position of Lateral Police Officer: 1) Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training requirements: U.S. Citizen within 18 months of employment. At least 21 years of age by hire date. High school diploma or equivalent. Physically able to perform duties as declared by a physician. Good moral fitness with no convictions of moral turpitude, fraud, sex crime, domestic violence or felony. 2) City of Gresham Police Department standards: Current driver’s license and acceptable driving history. Clear verbal and written communication skills. Ability to establish effective relationships with diverse community members. Additional preferred qualities: Second language proficiency. College degree or college‑level courses. Military, reserve officer, cadet or corrections background. Long‑term professional commitment. Required application materials: Complete online application (do not leave fields blank). Answers to supplemental questions. Documents verifying completion of a law enforcement field training program or certified police academy. For questions related to the application process, contact View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Veteran's Preference The City of Gresham provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law. Equal Employment Opportunity The City of Gresham is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without unlawful regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, familial status, or any other status protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Gresham, OR