Police Officer - Entry Level

Salary : $86,508.00 - $108,948.00 Annually
Location : Police Department, 250 SE 10th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123, OR
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2027-23
Department: Police
Division: POLICE
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 12/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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. (Please see below for NTN and PST directions.) 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 OpenJuly 21, 2026Application CloseDecember 28, 2026

Application review and invitations to an interview will occur after each listed date: August 28, 2026
September 28, 2026
October 26, 2026
November 30, 2026
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:

Step1- 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%
(Test must be completed prior to submitting application). 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:


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.

Scanning the QR Code leads to 's City Web Page
Examples of Essential Work
1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Performs stake-outs or undercover operations to obtain sufficient evidence to prosecute or identify participants perpetrating a crime.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

Additional Information
Here's a snapshot of just a few of our amazing benefits:

• City of Hillsboro pays police union employee's 6% PERS Pick-up;
• Hillsboro Police Department offers Bi-Lingual Pay: Employees who are qualified by the department as bi-lingual in English and Spanish or Japanese, American Sign Language or a language spoken by over ten percent (10%) of City residents as documented by the most recent U.S. Census will receive a monthly premium of five percent (5%) of their regular base pay.
• Hillsboro Police Department offers Special Assignment Pay for any additional units or job responsibilities under the HPOA Contract.
• Employees in the bargaining unit shall accrue time off for holidays, at the rate of 9.33 hours per month, for a total of 112 hours per year.
• Insurance coverage begins the 1st of each month.

For full HPOA contract details regarding pay, benefits, special assignment pay, etc. click here.
AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS

The following standards have been adopted by the Hillsboro Police Department as AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS from a police department hiring process.
Additional information related to the items listed below or otherwise discovered through subsequent investigation may also disqualify a candidate.

1. Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Ability to possess a valid Oregon Driver's License. Ability to drive safely. Ability
to control a motor vehicle at high speeds. Ability to operate a motor vehicle in all
types of weather conditions.
A. Receipt of two or more moving violations within three years prior to application
may be disqualifying depending on the nature of the violations. A moving
violation for which there is a factual finding of innocence shall not be included.
B. Involvement as a driver in two or more chargeable collisions within three
years prior to date of application shall be disqualifying.
C. Conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs within three
years prior to application shall be disqualifying.
D. Suspension of a driver's license once within the past three years shall be
disqualifying.

2. Integrity
Refusing to yield to temptation of bribes, gratuities, payoff, etc. Refusing to tolerate
unethical or illegal conduct on the part of other law enforcement personnel. Showing
strong moral character and integrity in dealing with the public. Being honest in
dealing with the public.
A. Any material misstatement of fact or significant admission or omission during
the application or background process shall be disqualifying.

3. Credibility as a Witness in a Court of Law
Ability to give testimony in a court of law without being subject to impeachment due
to his/her character for honesty or veracity or due to prior felony conviction.
A. Conviction of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Oregon Law as an
adult shall be disqualifying.
B. Conviction of any offense classified as a misdemeanor under Oregon Law while
employed as a Police Officer shall be disqualifying.
C. Commission of any act while employed as a Police Officer involving
untruthfulness, falsification of any official report or document, or theft shall be
disqualifying.
D. All male U.S. citizens and male aliens born after 1960 and residing in the United
States who are 18 through 25 years of age are REQUIRED to register with the
Selective Service. Failure to have registered is an automatic disqualifier.

4. Dependability
A. Missing any scheduled appointment during the hiring process without prior
permission shall be disqualifying.
B. Having been disciplined by any employer as an adult for abuse of leave, gross
insubordination, dereliction of duty or persistent failure to follow established
policies and regulations shall be disqualifying.
C. Having been involuntarily dismissed (for reasons other than lay-off) from two or
more employers as an adult shall be disqualifying.

5. Illegal Use or Possession of Drugs
The following types of illegal drug use or possession will be considered automatic
disqualification in the pre-employment selection process for police personnel,
with no exceptions:
A. Any adult use or possession of a drug classified as a hallucinogenic within five
years prior to application for employment shall be disqualifying. Any other
illegal drug use within the last five years shall be disqualifying.
City of Hillsboro is proud to offer robust benefit packages to employees. Please check out our for benefit guides for our non-represented full-time employees and part-time employees. Benefits may vary for positions identified in Police, Fire, and Library collective bargaining agreements, which can also be found on the Salary and Benefits page.
01


Please prepare responses to each of the following items. Provide as much detail as you believe will fully describe your experience and training. Applications without test scores or transcripts, a cover letter, resume and supplemental responses will not be considered.Do you understand these requirements?

• Yes
• No

02


If Applicable - Attach prior ORPAT scores if passed within one year at the time of this application.

• I have attached my ORPAT scores to my application.
• I have not taken the ORPAT yet.

03


All Entry Level Police Officer applicants must successfully complete the National Testing Network (NTN), OR Public Safety Testing (PST) exams to be considered further for the position. You are not required to take both exams.
Applicants submitting transcripts verifying that they have successfully completed or possess at least a four-year academic degree from an institution recognized by DPSST (OAR 259-008-0045) are exempt from NTN and PST Exams. Please select an option that applies to you.

• I have or will complete the required exams through the National Testing Network (NTN).
• I have or will complete the required exams through the Public Safety Testing (PST).
• I am submitting a transcript as an attachment with my application verifying that I possess at least a four-year academic degree from an institution recognized by DPSST (OAR 259-008-0045) for the exemption from completing the NTN exams or PST exams.For additional information on academic institutions recognized by DPSST (OAR 259-008-0045), please refer to the link included in the job posting under section 1b.

Required Question