1

Community Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Ferrum, VA · On-site

$38K - $40K/yr

Duties shall consist of, but are not limited to, general police responsibilities necessary to the safety and good order of the community. A police officer shall : * Identify criminal offenders and ...

Police Officer/Lateral

Gardena, CA · On-site

$102K - $131K/yr

Police Officers communicate with members of the community to identify problems and needs of the ... area and make recommendations for improvements in safety and quality of life. Police Officers also ...

Police Officer (Lateral)

Folsom, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

To visit the City of Folsom's Police Department web page, click here In addition to the benefit of working in a wonderful, supportive community, police officers can also receive: * On-duty workout ...

Police Officer (Lateral)

Folsom, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

In addition to the benefit of working in a wonderful, supportive community, police officers can also receive: On-duty workout time Bilingual pay (after passing a proficiency test) 2.5% FTO pay 5% ...

Police Officer/Lateral

Gardena, CA · On-site

$102K - $131K/yr

Police Officers communicate with members of the community to identify problems and needs of the ... area and make recommendations for improvements in safety and quality of life. Police Officers also ...

Police Officers detect and prevent crime, complete assignments and participate in community safety programs. La ciudad de Topeka está buscando individuos interesados en seguir una Carrera en la ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Community Police Officer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do community police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for community police officer in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Police Officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement principles, local laws, and public safety procedures, typically supported by police academy training and state certification. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, incident reporting systems, and communication radio technology is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and conflict resolution abilities help officers build trust and effectively engage with diverse communities. These skills are crucial for fostering positive community relations, preventing crime, and ensuring public safety.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Community Police Officers can typically start their careers at age 21 or older, and 27 is generally considered a suitable age to begin training and meet hiring requirements. Many departments value maturity and life experience, which can be advantageous in law enforcement roles.

What are Community Police Officers?

Community Police Officers are law enforcement professionals who focus on building relationships and working closely with members of their local communities. Their primary role is to prevent crime, address safety concerns, and foster trust between the police department and the public. They often engage in outreach activities, attend community meetings, and collaborate with local organizations to identify and solve neighborhood issues. By being visible and accessible, Community Police Officers aim to create safer, more connected communities.

What are some typical challenges faced by Community Police Officers when building trust within diverse neighborhoods?

Community Police Officers often encounter challenges in building trust with residents from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Establishing open communication and demonstrating consistent, fair enforcement of laws are key to overcoming skepticism or past negative experiences some community members may have had with law enforcement. Officers need to engage actively with local organizations, attend community meetings, and participate in outreach events to foster relationships and understand residents' unique concerns. Patience, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal skills are essential for creating lasting, positive partnerships with the community.

What is the difference between Community Police Officer vs Police Officer?

AspectCommunity Police OfficerPolice Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, police academy training, possibly community policing certificationsHigh school diploma, police academy training, standard law enforcement certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, neighborhoods, public eventsVarious locations including streets, crime scenes, patrol areas
Employer & IndustryLocal police departments, community agenciesLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Job FocusCommunity engagement, crime prevention, building public trustEnforcing laws, investigating crimes, maintaining public order

Both roles require law enforcement training and serve in police departments, but Community Police Officers focus more on community engagement and crime prevention, while Police Officers handle broader law enforcement duties across various settings.

Do community officers carry guns?

Community police officers typically do not carry firearms as part of their standard duties, focusing instead on community engagement, crime prevention, and problem-solving. However, in some areas or specific assignments, officers may be authorized to carry guns, often after specialized training and certification. Policies vary by jurisdiction and department protocols.

Which actor is a cop in real life?

Several actors have played police officers on screen and are not actual law enforcement officers. However, some actors, like Dennis Farina and Fred Ward, had real police experience before acting. For a community police officer role, the job requires law enforcement training and certification, not acting experience.

What does a community cop do?

A community police officer is responsible for engaging with the local community to prevent crime, build relationships, and address public safety concerns. They often conduct patrols, provide crime prevention education, and work with residents and organizations to improve neighborhood safety. Community officers typically have strong communication skills and may use tools like community meetings and social media to connect with residents.
What cities are hiring for Community Police Officer jobs? Cities with the most Community Police Officer job openings:
What states have the most Community Police Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Community Police Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Community Police Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, 56% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Community Police Officer (Open Continuous) - Updated

Community Police Officer (Open Continuous) - Updated

City of Portland

Portland, OR

$84K - $120K/yr

Other

PTO

Posted 13 days ago


City Of Portland (Oregon) rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Position Effective March 1, 2026, there will be a change in the qualification process due to a new system and process being implemented. Please see Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Recruitment Process section, below. The Portland Police Bureau invites applications for Entry and Lateral Community Police Officers.

Why Join Portland Police. To learn more about becoming a Police Officer: Visit www.joinportlandpolice.com Speak with a Recruiter: Fill out this form to text with a PPB recruiter. Join us for a Hiring Workshop: https://www.joinportlandpolice.com/workshops The Portland Police Bureau Hiring Workshops are back

You will have the opportunity to talk with PPB recruiters and background investigators and learn more about the hiring process and the career paths we offer. Interested candidates can also participate in the Oregon Physical Agilities Test (ORPAT). City of Portland Core Values: Anti-racism | Communication | Collaboration | Equity | Transparency | Fiscal Responsibility These values guide our actions as we serve the community and engage our workforce.

To learn more about the City's core values, please click here. Wellness Benefit Paid time (1 hour) to participate in wellness activities each shift On-site fitness center locations and classes Discounts to local fitness clubs Chronic care coaching programs Worksite wellness screenings Tuition Reimbursement Program Paid Leave One hundred twelve (112) hours of vacation each year initially. This accrual will increase yearly.

Sick leave typically accrues up to a maximum rate of one hundred four (104) hours per calendar year. Ten (10) paid holidays each year. Forty (40) personal hours accrue each year.

Union Representation: The Portland Police Association (PPA) represents this classification. To view this labor agreement, please go to https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor-agreements and click on the appropriate link. Salary Information: $84,000.00 - $120,000.00 annually plus overtime (time and a half) & pay incentive (up to 30% more)

Entry Police Officers start at the entry rate. Lateral Police Officers will go through a Pay Equity Analysis upon job offer. To view the Police Officer Salary Calculator, please click here.

Language Pay: This position is eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees. Hiring Incentives Amount at Swear-In Amount at End of Probation Amount Upon Completion of 3 Years of Service Total New Officer $1,000 $1,000 $3,000 $5,000 *65.1.4.1 The hiring incentives for new officers as set forth in the above table are payable separately upon the new officer's completion of each of the following events: swear-in, end of probation, and three years of service with the City. This provision does not apply to lateral hires

General Questions. Please Contact: PPBRecruiter@police.portlandoregon.gov Questions About the Application Process. Contact Information Anna Morgan, Senior Recruiter Bureau of Human Resources Anna.Morgan@portlandoregon.gov To Qualify ALL APPLICANTS must meet each of the following conditions: Must be at least 20.5 years old at the time of application

Must possess a High School Diploma or GED. Must be a U.S. Citizen within eighteen (18) months of date of hire, or a nonimmigrant legally admitted to the United States under a Compact of Free Association https://www.doi.gov/oia/COFAinUS

Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. Application for U.S. citizenship requires five (5) years of residency

Must possess a valid driver's license (in the current state of residence) at the time of application. LATERAL POLICE OFFICER QUALIFICATIONS Must have three (3) years of continuous service in another police agency as a sworn police officer from a recognized state, county, or city (municipal) agency, to include sworn Indian tribal police, AND must have been employed there within the last two (2) years. NOTE: Military police, Federal Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Parole/Probation DO NOT QUALIFY for a Lateral Police Officer.

DISQUALIFIERS AND ELIMINATING FACTORS: Cannot have any offensive forms of body art or tattoos. Tattoos above the collar or on the hand may be considered on a case-by-case basis. More information can be found at https://www.joinportlandpolice.com/faq/ Must have vision correctable to 20/30

Additional information on medical requirements can be found on the DPSST F-2 form Marijuana Use: As a sworn position, the candidate must not have used Marijuana (not including CBD) within 12 months of application. Have no felony convictions. Have no convictions for crimes involving domestic violence.

Have no dishonorable discharge from any branch of military service. Have no more than three (3) traffic (moving) convictions in the last three (3) years. Please visit https://www.joinportlandpolice.com/entry-minimum-requirementsfor a more detailed list of disqualifiers and Eliminating Factors for becoming a Police Officer in Oregon

The Recruitment Process Please be aware, the recruitment and selection process can take approximately 5 months. Candidates may be eliminated from consideration at any phase of the recruitment process. Please visit https://www.joinportlandpolice.com/entry#hiring-process to learn more about each phase of the recruitment process

Phase 1: Apply Online (2-3 weeks) Once your application is submitted, you will hear within 3 weeks regarding the next steps. Your answers to the supplemental questions will be scored. Applicants passing the supplemental question review will advance to next step.

Complete the NTN Written Exam, if required. Additional information can be found at https://www.joinportlandpolice.com/entry#phase-1-the-test Phase 2:Personal History Questionnaire (2 weeks) Personal History Questionnaires will be reviewed by a subject matter expert to determine if the application will advance to the next step. Phase 3: Personal History Statement (2 weeks) Applicants that that pass the Personal History Questionnaire review and submit a Personal History Statement will be placed on an equally ranked eligible list and advance to the Background Investigation phase

Phase 4: Background Investigation (1-3 months) Pass the Physical Ability Test Additional information can be fount at https://www.joinportlandpolice.com/entry#background-investigation Phase 5: Command Interview Phase 6: Psychological Evaluation Phase 7: Medical Exam Additional information on medical requirements can be found on the DPSST F-2 form (Download PDF reader). Application Tips To Request Veterans' Preference: Submit Required Documentation: Upload a copy of your DD214/DD215 with your application. If you have a service-connected disability, you must also include a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs stating your disability rating

All documentation must be submitted by the application deadline. Identify as a Veteran: In the "Agency Wide Questions" section of the application, check the box to identify yourself as a Veteran and request veterans' preference. Veterans' Preference Will Now Carry Forward: Starting March 3, 2025, if you make the eligible list for a City of Portland recruitment and qualify for veterans' preference, your documents will automatically apply to future recruitments.

You will not need to resubmit your veteran documents. To Update or Remove Your Veterans' Preference: If you wish to update or remove your veteran preference from a specific recruitment or from your master profile, please contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement. Supplemental Questions: Your application and answers to the supplemental questions will be reviewed and scored.

PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE QUESTIONS PRIOR TO ANSWERING. Review your answers before submitting the application. Reach out if you need additional clarification before submitting your application.

Applicants who are disqualified based on their supplemental questionnaire responses will not be able to reapply for the position for six (6) months and may have their eligibility impacted. Additional Information Click here for additional information regarding the following: Veteran Preference ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations Work Status Equal Employment Opportunity An Equal Opportunity Employer


What City Of Portland (Oregon) employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom