Police Officer - Out-of-State Lateral

Job Summary

The City of Salem Police Department is hiring a Police Officer – Out-of-State Lateral. Candidates who have served as a police officer outside Oregon within the past 12 months with at least three years of full-time experience are invited to apply.

Pay is based on experience level. Hourly rates range from $39.11 to $49.92, corresponding to monthly salaries between $6,779.07 and $8,652.80. Additional incentives and benefits include:

• 2%–10% for certifications, training, and college incentives
• 2.5%–5% for extra duty/specialized assignment incentive
• 5% for bilingual incentive
• Up to 80 hours of vacation and 40 hours of sick leave from the date of hire
• Empower‑paid PERS contribution of 6%
• Voluntary pre‑tax contributions to a 457(b) account
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Voluntary long‑term care
• Employee wellness, assistance and health clinic programs
• Free, secure parking and access to a department gym

• Patrol assigned areas to enforce laws and ordinances.
• Respond to and investigate citizen complaints and reports.
• Examine crime and accident scenes and preserve evidence.
• Engage with the public, attend community meetings, and provide safety information.

• High School graduate or GED with a Basic Police Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) or an out‑of‑state equivalent.
• Currently employed or recently employed (past 12 months) as a full‑time police officer with at least three years of service.
• Valid Oregon Class C driver’s license or equivalent with a clean driving record.
• Ability to work periodic overtime and 24‑hour rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends.
• At least 21 years old at the time of hire.
• U.S. citizen or ability to become one within 18 months.
• Success in competitive testing (physical fitness, reading comprehension, writing skills, vision, hearing, psychological exams) and a thorough background investigation.
• Pass a pre‑employment drug test (including marijuana).
• Pass a pre‑employment background check.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and family.
• Paid vacation and sick leave per City policy.
• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Employer‑paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunities for voluntary pre‑tax contributions to a 457(b) account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long‑term care plan.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.
• Free, secure parking.
• Use of department gym.
• City offers an extensive compensation and benefits package (details available upon request).

Women, veterans, and minorities are encouraged to apply. The City of Salem is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply, click the green “Apply” button, complete your application, and specify how you meet the qualifications outlined above. Only complete applications will be considered.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited for interviews. Finalists will receive a conditional offer and must complete a background investigation, medical and psychological assessment, and drug testing as part of the hiring process.

Sgt. Robert Dowd