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Entry Level Police Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-23

Entry Level Police information

See Portland, OR salary details

$34.5K

$65.9K

$109.8K

How much do entry level police jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police in Portland, OR is $65,909.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,400.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level police officer?

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 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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Police jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Police jobs in Portland, OR?

For Entry Level Police jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Police jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Police jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Entry Level Police jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Entry Level Police job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Police job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,909 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Certified Police Officer (Sworn Officer) - Lateral transfer

City of Newberg Oregon

Newberg, OR • On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 hours ago


Job description

Description TO APPLY FOR THIS JOB YOU MUST ALREADY BE A SWORN POLICE OFFICER. The City currently has one vacant position, which may be filled by either a lateral transfer or entry level applicant. The salary for this position will depend on the experience of the officer.

Previously Applied for This Role: If you previously advanced to the Chief interview stage but were not selected to move forward in the recruitment process, you must wait one year from the date of that interview before becoming eligible to be considered again for this position. Why we think YOU would enjoy working here: We are a close-knit department of individuals who signed up to be active police officers within the community we serve. Nearly half of our sworn patrol staff have come to the Newberg-Dundee Police Department from other agencies where they have found a place to thrive.

Our rotating (4 10-hour shifts with 3 days off) patrol schedule is not based upon seniority, so new employees will have a variety of possible shifts (including weekends off) throughout the year. Balance: You will find a nice balance between calls for service, self-initiated activity, and community engagement, depending on your professional goals and style. Do you appreciate the opportunity to investigate your own criminal cases as far as they can take you.

Do you enjoy chatting with community members and responding to specific problems unique to your patrol area. Do you enjoy being out on the road conducting traffic enforcement. There are opportunities to perform in all of these categories with the encouragement and freedom to do so.

Location: We provide policing services for the neighboring cities of Newberg and Dundee. We are right in the heart of Oregon's growing wine industry, with all the beautiful scenery that comes along with it. You can drive an hour west to the Oregon Coast or travel east t find the ski slopes of Mt.

Hood in about two hours. If you prefer the experiences of the big city, it is less than an hour drive into Portland which also has a wealth of entertainment and professional sporting events. GENERAL PURPOSE Performs police patrol, investigation, traffic enforcement, and related law enforcement activities.

This series of classifications are represented by the Newberg-Dundee Public Safety Association. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant. SUPERVISION EXERCISED None.

Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Works rotating shifts performing patrol duty, traffic enforcement, and investigations, administers first aid when needed, apprehends and arrests persons involved in crimes, issues citations, and provides general public safety. Works an assigned shift using own judgment in deciding course of action being expected to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance. Maintains normal availability by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent.

Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances. Patrols City streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic, prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies, and other law violations and to otherwise serve and protect. Responds to emergency and non-emergency radio calls and investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc.

Takes appropriate law enforcement action. Interviews suspects, witnesses, and drivers. Preserves, collects, and seizes evidence.

Arrests violators. Investigates and renders assistance at scene of vehicular accidents. Summons ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles.

Takes measurements and draws diagrams of scene. Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift. Seeks out and questions victim, witnesses and suspects.

Develops leads and tips. Searches scene of crimes for clues. Analyzes and evaluates evidence and arrests offenders.

Prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in court proceedings. Prepares a variety of reports and records including reports of investigation, field interrogation report, alcohol reports, influence reports, Intoxilyzer check list, bad check form, vehicle impoundment form, miscellaneous service report, types police reports with proper grammar, spelling and in a logical and appropriate manner consistent with law enforcement police reports. Use computers for a variety of functions.

Undertakes community-oriented police work, and assists citizens with such matters as crime prevention, group presentations, drug abuse resistance education, traffic safety, problem solving, etc. Participates in investigating crimes, violations, infractions of city ordinances, obtains evidence and compiles information regarding crimes, prepares cases for filing of charges and related activities. Conducts patrol activities including directing traffic, investigation of reported or observed violations of law, city ordinances, traffic violations and crimes.

Coordinates activities with other Officers or other City departments as needed, exchanges information with Officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney, Court Administrator, and Municipal Prosecutor's Office regarding cases, policies, and procedures, as needed and assigned. Maintains contact with Police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provide general information about Department activities. Maintains departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities.

Maintains contact with general public, court officials, and other City officials in the performance of Police operating activities. Serves as a member of various employee committees. May be assigned to perform the duties of a Police Detective, Traffic Enforcement Officer, Evidence Officer, School Resource Officer, or Community Resource Officer.

When assigned to perform one of these duties, the employee remains responsible to perform all duties listed within this position description, as well as those duties related to the special assignment. Performs other duties as assigned by a department supervisor. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.

The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Typical Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent. A college degree in Police Science, Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.

DPSST Intermediate Certification Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus. Equivalent combination of law enforcement education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to meet the position requirements may be considered. Special Requirements: Entry Level Minimum age of 21 years at the time of hire.

Ability to provide documentation of United States citizenship by time of hire. Must be able to read and write the English language. Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid Oregon Driver's License.

Must pass at 75% or higher a DPSST-certified entry level written exam. Must pass DPSST Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT.) Must possess a DPSST Basic police officer certification within one year of hire. Lateral Entry Must meet all Entry Level requirements listed above

Must be able to be certified by DPSST as a Police Officer upon hiring. Valid United States Driver's License with a good driving record. Regular attendance is required.

Using the court case Brady vs. Maryland (1963) as a guideline, our employees must maintain the ability to provide credible testimony in a court of law. Employees must not have a record of untruthfulness, bias, or commission of crimes.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment. Skill in operating the tools and equipment listed below. Ability to learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations.

Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions, sometimes under stressful conditions. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to learn the City's geography and community resources.

Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition. Ability to wear personal protective equipment and gear. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with City staff, other organizations and agencies, public officials and the general public. Ability to project and maintain a professional image while managing demands. Ability to meet the special requirements listed above.

Supplemental Information TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED Must be able to proficiently and safely operate a Police car, Police radio, radar gun, AR-15 rifle, handgun, Taser, baton, pepper spray and any other weapons or equipment issued by the Police Department including handcuffs, Intoxilyzer, pager, Mobile Data Terminal, computer, spike strips, first aid equipment and computer utilizing a word processing program. Personal protective equipment and gear. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to meet the needs of a qualified individual with limitations who can perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand; walk; run, use hands, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. By use of weapon(s) or physical abilities and when lawful and justified, the employee must be able to make an arrest, protect self, protect co-workers, protect other persons, protect property, perform defensive tactics, and physically control and detain suspects.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to wear personal protective equipment/gear.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives.

The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, and moderately loud while in the field. This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

SELECTION GUIDELINES Formal application - review of qualifications, written test, physical fitness test, oral interview, background investigation, medical examination with drug screen, and, psychological examination.