Police Officer - Entry Level

City of Hillsboro • Or 97123, OR

13d • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by college-level coursework; OR Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work will be considered.
• Some experience in law enforcement, military or other fields (for example, psychology, social service, customer service) that demonstrates desired knowledge, skills and abilities.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• Receipt of two or more moving violations within three years prior to application may be disqualifying depending on the nature of the violations.
• Involvement as a driver in two or more chargeable collisions within three years prior to date of application shall be disqualifying.
• Conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs within three years prior to application shall be disqualifying.
• Suspension of a driver's license once within the past three years shall be disqualifying.
• Any material misstatement of fact or significant admission or omission during the application or background process shall be disqualifying.
• Conviction of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Oregon Law as an adult shall be disqualifying.
• Conviction of any offense classified as a misdemeanor under Oregon Law while employed as a Police Officer shall be disqualifying.
• Commission of any act while employed as a Police Officer involving untruthfulness, falsification of any official report or document, or theft shall be disqualifying.
• 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.
• Missing any scheduled appointment during the hiring process without prior permission shall be disqualifying.
• 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.
• Having been involuntarily dismissed (for reasons other than lay-off) from two or more employers as an adult shall be disqualifying.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• If tested prior to our opening date of July 21, 2026, contact NTN or PST to transfer score to our current process.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• City of Hillsboro pays police union employee’s 6% PERS Pick-up
• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED