Police Officer - Entry Level

Salem Police Department Core Values

Collaboration | Honor | Integrity | Compassion

• Step 1 – $39.11 (Hourly) / $6,779.07 (Monthly)
• Step 2 – $41.07 / $7,118.80
• Step 3 – $43.12 / $7,474.13
• Step 4 – $45.28 / $7,848.53
• Step 5 – $47.54 / $8,240.27
• Step 6 – $49.92 / $8,652.80
• Longevity Rate – $51.42

2% - 10%

2.5% - 5%

5%

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family;
Employer‑paid PERS contribution of 6%; paid vacation and sick time; voluntary pre‑tax contributions to 457(b); health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts; voluntary long‑term care; employee wellness program; employee assistance program; employee health clinic; free, secure parking; department gym.

• Be at least 21 years old at date of hire.
• Be a U.S. citizen or have the ability to become one within 18 months of hire.
• Participate in competitive testing including physical fitness testing, reading comprehension, writing skills, written, physical/vision, hearing and psychological examinations, and be able to pass strict Police Department background investigation.
• Must pass the pre‑employment drug test (including marijuana).
• Must pass the pre‑employment background check.
• Oregon's minimum standards to work as a law enforcement officer and background disqualifiers can be found in OAR 259‑008.
• Must be able to work periodic overtime and a variety of 24‑hour rotating shifts including holidays and weekends.
• High School graduate or have completed a G.E.D.
• Provide detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.

• Ability to complete departmental recruit training course and to gain eligibility for Basic Certificate issued by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).
• A valid Oregon driver's license, or out‑of‑state equivalent, or ability to obtain by date of hire; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard.

• OAR 259‑008.
• No felony convictions.
• No convictions for crimes involving domestic violence.
• No dishonorable discharge from any branch of military service.
• No more than three (3) traffic (moving) convictions in the last three (3) years.

Applicants must submit a completed application and provide valid test results for NTN Frontline National Test (NTN) and Oregon Physical Agility Test (ORPAT) or out‑of‑state PAT equivalent by August 23, 2026 to be considered in the hiring process.

• 70% in Writing
• 70% in Reading
• 65% in Video/Media

If you have a valid PAT test from another state or the military, you may submit your score with your application, provided it is less than 12 months old from the job announcement closing date. Hired applicants are eligible for a $100 reimbursement for NTN and ORPAT testing costs.

The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities. To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application. Specify how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification and complete the application.

Sgt. Robert Dowd