Police Officer - Entry Level

ABOUT THE ROLE 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. The role enforces Federal, State, and local laws and practices the principles of Community Policing. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Patrol assigned geographical areas by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot to prevent crime and enforce laws. - Observe, report, and act on conditions conducive to crime and danger, issuing citations or making arrests as warranted. - Respond to emergency calls, investigate circumstances, and take necessary and prudent action. - Take command at crime or accident scenes, administer first aid, and interview victims and witnesses. - Conduct investigations of suspected illegal activity, collect and document evidence, and submit progress reports. - Prepare forms and reports to file felony or misdemeanor charges and testify in court as required. - Perform community liaison activities and educate the public about crime prevention. - Serve and enforce civil processes, arrest warrants, and search warrants. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by college-level coursework, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. - 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 with a safe driving record. - United States citizen at the time of appointment. - Able to possess a Basic certificate from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) within 12 months of employment. - Good physical and mental health as determined by medical and psychological examination. - Free of felony conviction and able to pass an extensive background investigation. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Automatic disqualifiers include: 2 or more moving violations or chargeable collisions within 3 years, DUI conviction within 3 years, driver's license suspension within 3 years, material misstatement of fact during the application process, 2 or more misdemeanor convictions as an adult, failure to register with Selective Service (if applicable), missing scheduled hiring appointments, involuntary dismissal from 2 or more employers, and illegal drug use or possession (hallucinogens within 5 years, any other illegal drug use within 5 years). - Physical demands may require subduing persons, moving through heavy underbrush, jumping fences, climbing, and potentially using deadly force to protect self or others. SELECTION PROCESS 1. Complete the National Testing Network (NTN) or Public Safety Testing (PST) written exam and release scores to the Hillsboro Police Department by the closing date, OR submit transcripts verifying a four-year academic degree from a DPSST-recognized institution to be exempt from the exam. 2. Application review, which occurs approximately every 30 days, evaluating minimum and required work experience, training, and skills. 3. Oregon Physical Agility Test (ORPAT). Prior ORPAT scores within 12 months may be attached to the application. 4. Oral board interview, extensive background investigation, and Executive Staff interview. 5. Pre-employment physical, drug screen, and psychological evaluation for candidates receiving a conditional offer. HOW TO APPLY Submit a completed City of Hillsboro application, including a cover letter and resume, along with NTN or PST test scores or qualifying degree transcripts, through the City of Hillsboro employment portal before the closing date. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Hillsboro - Location: Police Department, 250 SE 10th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123, OR - Department: Police - Division: POLICE - Job Type: Full Time - Job Number: 2027-23 - Opening Date: 07/21/2026 - Closing Date: 12/28/2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana - Benefits: City pays police union employee's 6% PERS Pick-up, Bi-Lingual Pay (5% premium for qualified languages), Special Assignment Pay, holiday accrual (112 hours per year), and insurance coverage beginning the 1st of each month.