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Entry Level Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview This is an information post outlining the hiring process for an Entry Level Police Officer with the Tigard Police Department. Please read below for more information about our application and ...

August 26, 2025 The City of Redding is accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Police Officer within the Redding Police Department. We are seeking motivated individuals with a strong ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Tigard, OR · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Police Opening Date: 06/04/2026 Overview This is an information post outlining the hiring process for an Entry Level Police Officer with the Tigard Police Department. Please read below for more ...

The Tumwater Police Department is continuously looking for Entry Level Police Officer candidates. We're searching for individuals to diversify and enhance our excellent team. To be considered for the ...

Class Title: Entry Level Police Officer Department: Police Department Union: Yes-Duvall Police Officers' Association (DPOA-FOP) This is a continous recruitment GENERAL PURPOSE: The Duvall Police ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Sumner, WA · On-site

$88K - $113K/yr

The City utilizes a continuous testing process for entry level Police Officer positions. The City contracts with Public Safety Testing (PST) to administer both the written and physical agility ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Duvall, WA · On-site

$38.64 - $40.17/hr

Class Title: Entry Level Police Officer Department: Police Department Union: Yes-Duvall Police Officers' Association (DPOA-FOP) This is a continous recruitment GENERAL PURPOSE: The Duvall Police ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Fife, WA · On-site

$6.8K - $8.9K/mo

The City utilizes a continuous testing process for entry level Police Officer positions. The City contracts with Public Safety Testing (PST) to administer both the written and physical agility ...

Police Officer Position Hiring Levels: Entry Level Police Officer: 0 years' experience as a fully commissioned law officer. Exceptional Entry Police Officer: Less than 2 years' experience as a fully ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Fife, WA · On-site

$6.8K - $8.9K/mo

Police Officer Position Hiring Levels: Entry Level Police Officer: 0 years' experience as a fully commissioned law officer. Enhanced Entry Police Officer: Less than 2 years' experience as a fully ...

Police Officer Position Hiring Levels: Entry Level Police Officer: 0 years' experience as a fully commissioned law officer. Enhanced Entry Police Officer: Less than 2 years' experience as a fully ...

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Entry Level Police information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do entry level police jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police 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 an Entry Level Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or GED, completion of police academy training, and knowledge of law enforcement procedures. Familiarity with radio communication systems, report-writing software, and law enforcement databases is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers effectively serve and protect the community. These skills and qualities ensure officers can uphold the law, respond to emergencies, and build trust within the community.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level police officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level police officers often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, handling stressful or unpredictable situations, and learning to apply law enforcement procedures in real-world scenarios. Building effective communication skills with both colleagues and the public is essential, as is balancing enforcement duties with community relations. Officers are also expected to quickly master report writing and legal documentation, all while working under close supervision and receiving ongoing training.

What are entry level police officers?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a law enforcement agency and are beginning their careers in policing. They are typically responsible for basic law enforcement duties such as patrolling assigned areas, responding to calls for service, writing reports, and assisting the public. Entry level officers usually undergo training at a police academy before starting fieldwork, where they learn about criminal law, procedures, and community relations. As they gain experience, they may have opportunities for advancement within the department.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police vs Correctional Officer?

AspectEntry Level PoliceCorrectional Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, correctional officer training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionPrison facilities, detention centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsCorrectional facilities, prisons
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Police officers and Correctional Officers both require similar credentials and work in related environments within law enforcement. While police officers focus on patrolling and community safety, correctional officers manage inmates in detention facilities. Both roles serve the criminal justice system but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

More about Entry Level Police jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Police jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Police job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs? The most popular types of Police jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Police jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Police jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Entry Level Police Officer

Entry Level Police Officer

City of Tigard

Portland, OR

$86K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Overview This is an information post outlining the hiring process for an Entry Level Police Officer with the Tigard Police Department. Please read below for more information about our application and testing process, or visit Join Tigard Police. Learn more about the Tigard Police Department by watching our latest video and checking out our YouTube channel.

Examples of Duties Tigard Police Officers perform a wide range of law enforcement and crime prevention work, including patrol and investigation. Sworn officers enforce state and local laws, regulations and ordinances and perform a variety of duties including, but not limited to, the following: Responds to a variety of radio calls including theft, domestic disturbances, welfare checks and CPR calls. Investigates crashes, deaths, and criminal complaints.

Makes arrests and issues citations when required. Patrols roads, highways, businesses and residential areas of the City. Enforces applicable criminal and traffic laws.

Prepares case records and reports. Participates in the prosecution of cases in court. Serves criminal warrants, applicable court orders, and subpoenas.

Accomplishes the Police Department Mission to "To protect and serve all who live, play and work in Tigard." The Tigard Police Department provides a variety of career possibilities for Police Officers in specialty assignment positions including K9 handler, Drone Operator, Police Motorcycle, Detective, School Resource Officer, Crisis Negotiations, TNT (Tactical Negotiations Team), Commercial Crimes Unit, Drug Investigations and more. Minimum Qualifications EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Completion of high school or GED One (1) year of experience working with the public Some college-level coursework and/or volunteer law enforcement experience desirable REQUIREMENTS: Must be a US citizen Must be 21 years or older at time of hire Possess a valid Oregon/Washington driver's license Must be legally authorized and physically able to carry a firearm Ability to work all shifts, including swing, nights, weekends, holidays on a rotating basis Must be able to read and write the English language Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred Applicants must have the ability to learn and apply laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances and procedures; ability to give credible testimony in a court of law; ability to operate a motor vehicle and assigned equipment skillfully, safely and in conformance with applicable laws and department policies; ability to prepare accurate, concise, informative and grammatically correct reports; ability to understand and act upon complex oral and written instructions; ability to deal courteously and firmly with the public, other agencies and all levels of City staff. Supplemental Information TESTING PROCESS: The City of Tigard partners with the National Test Network (NTN) to administer a portion of the entry level police officer testing (this requirement is waived for applicants who hold a four-year bachelor's degree; please email us to waive this requirement)

In-person and remote testing options are available. A list of frequently asked questions and answers are available here. Please be aware there is a fee associated with taking this test.

Proctored tests at alternative sites (NTN Testing Centers) are available upon request. For additional information, interested candidates are encouraged to call 855-821-3761. Sign Up for Testing on the National Testing Network website: Go to National Testing Network Law Enforcement Positions.

Scroll to Tigard Police Department and check the box to select our agency, hit continue. Confirm you meet the requirements, hit continue. Select your testing location (in-person or virtual), hit continue and follow the additional instructions.

Please note: if you don't have an account with NTN you will need to create one. APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants who pass the reading, writing and video portions of the NTN test with a score of at least 70% each will be invited to submit a job application (this requirement is waived for applicants who hold a four-year bachelor's degree; please email us to waive this requirement). An email with an internal link to the Entry Level Police Officer position will be sent once verified NTN scores are received.

HIRING PROCESS: Take the NTN test (must pass with at least 70%) or submit a degree waiver via email Candidates will receive an email to schedule an in-person panel interview called an Oral Board Take a Pre-Offer Suitability Evaluation (test proctored at Tigard Police Department) Pass an Oregon Physical Agility Test (ORPAT) (see details below) Background Investigation (detailed and time-intensive process that can take weeks to months to complete) Interview with the Chief of Police Upon a conditional job offer, you will be required to undergo: Psychological Evaluation Medical Examination Drug Test OREGON PHYSICAL ABILITIES TEST (ORPAT): The Tigard Police Department will request proof of passing the ORPAT within the last 12 months prior to entering the background process. We use the ORPAT as a screening tool to help select the most qualified applicants to continue in our application process for police officer positions. Applicants may provide ORPAT scores from other agencies or testing companies, however, we require all the standards set by the DPSST (obstacle course, push pull complex, dummy drag).

Please watch the ORPAT video from DPSST for more information. If you have not yet completed the ORPAT, several local testing options are available. The Tigard Police Department hosts ORPAT testing days on occasion.

UNION RESPRESENTION: TPOA (Tigard Police Officers' Association)