Entry Level Police Officer

City of Gresham•Gresham, OR

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting applications for Entry Level 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.

Requirements

Be a United States Citizen within 18 months of employment
Be at least 21 years of age by the date of hire
Possess, at a minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent
Declared by a physician as able to perform the physical duties as required by the occupation
Be of good moral fitness, with no history of behavior involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or a conviction of a sex crime, domestic violence and/or any felony crime
Possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history
Possess the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
Display the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and citizens from a variety of racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds
Apply principles and techniques of modern crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and all other aspects of law enforcement
Use firearms and other police-related tools in a skillful and safe manner
Physically handle people resisting arrest or being physically resistive
Use good interpersonal communication skills and be able to deescalate situations as appropriate
Read and comprehend complex laws, ordinances, plans and orders
Maintain composure under adverse conditions
Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and recognize actual and potentially dangerous situations.
Be able to determine proper courses of action in an ever-changing environment
Present evidence in court effectively; skill in observation and remembering details such as names, faces, and incidents
Patrolling in an assigned vehicle, in the assigned geographical area
Exposure to varying and extreme weather conditions
A risk of physical hazard from violent, aggressive, and hostile people, a variety of weapons, noise, chemicals, bodily secretions, sharp objects, traffic, drugs and drug paraphernalia, and crime scenes
Physical exertion required to climb stairs, go over walls, run, move heavy objects, crawl through tight spaces, kneel in confined areas, and sit or stand for protracted periods
Physical effort required to lift materials, equipment and people exceeding 50 pounds, and subdue combative people
Disruption in sleep patterns as a result of rotating shift work, court schedules or other assignments
Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances affecting city and police department policies and operations
Knowledge of city government administration, organization, functions, and services
Knowledge of practices, principles, procedures, regulations, and techniques used in police work, including rules of evidence and methods of investigation and apprehension
Knowledge of criminal behavior and underlying causes of criminality; social, psychological, and physical needs of criminals
Knowledge of safe and appropriate use of police vehicles and equipment, including firearms and other specialized tools
Knowledge of safety practices, procedures, and precautions; basic first aid and CPR procedures
Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and city staff
Knowledge of communication principles, practices, and techniques
Knowledge of modern office practices and methods, computer equipment, and software applications

Nice To Haves

Ability to speak a second language, in both written communication and verbal conversation
College degree or college level courses in any discipline
A military background
A reserve officer, cadet, or corrections officer
Achievement of a long-term professional commitment. (Long-term employment with one or more employers, completion of a certification program, participation in a police cadet or reserve program, corrections, etc.)

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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 scenes, protect people and evidence, collect and document evidence, and coordinate laboratory testing and analysis as appropriate.
Serve and enforce court orders, including restraining orders, protective orders, no-contact orders, anti-harassment orders, subpoenas, and other legal documents.
Execute arrest and search warrants.
Prepare criminal cases for prosecution, coordinate with attorneys and court personnel, and testify in court proceedings as required.
Prepare affidavits, warrants, reports, and case documentation, and other correspondence related to law enforcement activities.
Provide information and assistance regarding laws, ordinances, police services, crime prevention, and community resources.
Partner with community members to address neighborhood concerns, crime trends, and traffic-related issues.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with other law enforcement agencies, schools, community organizations, and service providers.
Represent the department on committees, task forces, special projects, and community outreach initiatives.
Serve as a field training officer and mentor new officers as assigned.
Participate in specialty assignments, public education programs, school-based initiatives, and training activities.
Attend meetings, conferences, and professional development opportunities.
Maintain department equipment and ensure it remains in proper working condition.
Perform other duties as assigned.