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Police Explorer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lateral Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$2M - $2M/yr

The Police Department is seeking Lateral Police Officers of sound moral character. The Police ... explore the food scene. Camping and recreational activities with easy access, whether in the ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$81K - $103K/yr

Police Opening Date: 07/01/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Overview Do you have a desire to impact ... explore the food scene. * Camping and recreational activities with easy access, whether in the ...

... explore the food scene. Camping and recreational activities with easy access, whether in the ... The City of Gresham Police Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion ...

Take a deep dive into exploring POST's vital role in shaping law enforcement across the state ... S.T. Regular Basic Course A Police Trainee is a temporary, non-sworn position Under close ...

Police Trainee

Antioch, CA · On-site

$66K/yr

Police Department Opening Date: 06/25/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description Have you ever ... Take a deep dive into exploring POST's vital role in shaping law enforcement across the state ...

Police Officer

Yreka, CA · On-site

$63K - $77K/yr

August 31, 2026 Police Officer Annual Salary * $63,743.48 - $77,480.62 (effective July 6, 2025 ... Yreka offers close access to exploring the Pacific Crest Trail, Klamath National Forest, water ...

Police Captain

Bartow, FL

$51.03 - $61.71/hr

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Deputy Chief of Police. Essential Duties and ... Explores, and challenges, the status quo; strives for excellence in all operations. Keeps ...

Police Officer

Goldsboro, NC · On-site

$51K - $81K/yr

Police Opening Date: 08/11/2020 Closing Date: Continuous SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Hiring range is ... For best results, please use Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft Edge, and Google Chrome when uploading ...

... Explores, and challenges, the status quo; strives for excellence in all operations. • Keeps ... police planning and management. • Assists with the development of goals, objectives, policies ...

Police Officer

Goldsboro, PA · On-site

$51K - $81K/yr

For best results, please use Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft Edge, and Google Chrome when uploading ... Police Officer Benefits*** Take Home Cars: Officers residing in the County of Wayne are eligible ...

Police Cadet

Chino, CA · On-site

$23.98 - $29.15/hr

Chino Police Department, 5450 Guardian Way, Chino, CA Job Type: Part-time Job Number: 202600048 ... Experience: Participation in a Law Enforcement Explorer Program and/or enrollment in college ...

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Police Explorer information

See salary details

$24K

$60.6K

$84K

How much do police explorer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for police explorer in the United States is $60,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Police Explorer programs are typically designed for teenagers and young adults, often ages 14 to 21, to gain early exposure to law enforcement. Becoming a police officer usually requires meeting minimum age requirements, which vary by jurisdiction but are often 21 or older, so starting a law enforcement career at 27 is generally feasible and common. Age is rarely a barrier if you meet the other qualifications, such as education, background checks, and physical fitness standards.

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

To thrive as a Police Explorer, you need a basic understanding of law enforcement principles, a strong academic record, and often must meet age and background requirements set by the program. Familiarity with police radio communication, basic first aid, and occasionally simulation tools or reporting systems is helpful. Strong teamwork, discipline, and communication skills help Explorers stand out as they learn from and interact with law enforcement professionals. These abilities are important because they prepare participants for real-world scenarios, foster responsibility, and lay the groundwork for potential future careers in public safety.

What does a police explorer do?

A police explorer is a youth program participant who assists law enforcement officers with community outreach, administrative tasks, and event support. They learn about police work, develop leadership skills, and may observe ride-alongs under supervision. The role often requires a background check and adherence to safety protocols.

What kinds of real-life experiences can I expect as a Police Explorer, and how do they prepare me for a future law enforcement career?

As a Police Explorer, you'll participate in ride-alongs, community events, and scenario-based training that closely mirrors real-world police work. These experiences help you develop critical skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving while exposing you to the structure and expectations of law enforcement agencies. You'll also learn firsthand about the challenges officers face daily and work alongside experienced professionals, which can clarify your interest in pursuing a law enforcement career and build a strong foundation for future advancement.

How to become a NYPD explorer?

To become a Police Explorer, applicants typically need to be at least 14 or 15 years old, maintain good academic standing, and demonstrate an interest in law enforcement. Candidates must complete an application, pass a background check, and often attend an orientation or interview; some programs also require parental consent and participation in training activities.

What is the difference between Police Explorer vs Police Cadet?

AspectPolice ExplorerPolice Cadet
Required CredentialsTypically high school students; background checks often requiredUsually high school students or young adults; background checks often required
Work EnvironmentCommunity events, ride-alongs, training sessionsStation duties, community outreach, ride-alongs
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies for youth engagementPolice departments for training and recruitment
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding youth programs in law enforcementExploring career pathways in policing

Police Explorers and Police Cadets both serve as youth programs within law enforcement, offering community engagement and early exposure to police work. Explorers focus on educational activities and community service, while Cadets often participate in more hands-on training and station duties. Both roles help build skills and interest in law enforcement careers, but they differ slightly in responsibilities and program structure.

Do police explorers get guns?

Police explorers typically do not carry or are issued firearms as part of their program, since their role is educational and community-focused. They often participate in ride-alongs and training but do not handle weapons unless explicitly authorized and trained for specific law enforcement duties. Safety protocols and supervision are emphasized at all times.

What are Police Explorers?

Police Explorers are young individuals, usually between the ages of 14 and 21, who participate in a program affiliated with local police departments to learn about law enforcement careers. The program provides hands-on experiences, training, and mentorship to help Explorers understand the responsibilities of police officers. Participants often take part in community service, ride-alongs, and educational activities, preparing them for potential future careers in law enforcement. The program also promotes leadership, teamwork, and good citizenship.
More about Police Explorer jobs
Infographic showing various Police Explorer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, and 69% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,629 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
Lateral Police Officer

Lateral Police Officer

City of Gresham

Gresham, OR • On-site

$2M - $2M/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Overview Are you looking for a lateral growth opportunity working in a fast-paced, learning environment. Do you have the desire to impact, inspire and influence those you encounter each day. The City of Gresham is accepting applications for Lateral Police Officers.

The Police Department is seeking Lateral Police Officers of sound moral character. The Police Officers are expected to be self-disciplined and highly motivated, while demonstrating honesty and integrity in representing the core values of the community. Successful candidates will reinforce the department's efforts to achieve goals and objectives in providing public safety to the community and its citizens.

Our agency is proud to offer our Police Officers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits and retirement package, and extensive ongoing training opportunities to support the current and future needs of a thriving community service and safety department. You can find more information about Police salary and benefits: Employee benefits and salary (greshamoregon.gov) This is an open and continuous recruitment process where eligible list of candidates will be created and used to fill current and future vacancies with the Police Department. Why Gresham

Work-life balance Our police officers are dedicated and hard-working. But when they're off duty, you'll find them hitting the slopes, windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge, and more. Skiing or snowboarding at Mt.

Hood, less than an hour away. Boating or windsurfing at the Columbia River Gorge, less than an hour away. 20-minute drive (and an easy commute) to downtown Portland, Oregon's largest city-catch a Trail Blazers game, visit the theater, or explore the food scene.

Camping and recreational activities with easy access, whether in the mountains or by rivers. Scenic two-hour ride to Pacific Ocean coast. In town, enjoy Gresham's historic downtown with more than 150 shops, restaurants and service businesses, or explore the 1,100+ acres of parks, natural areas and trails within the city.

Grow your Career Whatever your interest, we've got an opportunity for you. Challenge yourself with new specialty assignments and build your future here with promotional opportunities. SWAT Crisis Negotiation Vehicle Collision Team (VCT) Explosive Detection Unit K-9 Detectives FBI Safe Streets Task Force School Resources Officers Field Training Officers Training Instructors Service Coordination Team UAV Pilots Honor Guard Financial Stability We offer competitive living-wage salaries with generous benefit packages.

In addition to base salary, officers are eligible for overtime pay, premium pay for participation in specialty or instructor assignments, certification pay, shift differential, and other incentives. Benefits include: Paid Time Off (vacation): From 21.33 hours per month* Sick leave for longer-term illnesses. Medical, vision, dental and life insurance

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance. City participates in the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System. Long-term disability insurance.

Employee assistance program. Health reimbursement account. Flexible spending account.

Deferred compensation. Uniforms, uniform cleaning, weapon and other equipment provided. *Starting PTO accrual will be determined using the accrual matrix in GPOA contract and based on total years of previous experience as a full-time public safety employee at another law enforcement agency (or agencies) plus time served at the Police Department.

Starting Salary Information: OREGON OR OUT-OF-STATE EXPERIENCE. A new employee (certified or certifiable) with police experience in Oregon or another state and hired under the criteria of the City's lateral entry program shall be credited one pay step for each completed year of previous full-time paid experience as a sworn officer, up to a maximum starting pay of one step below the top step of the police officer salary range, which is currently Step 6. A lateral entry employee will be eligible to advance one step and additional subsequent steps on the salary schedule after successful completion of twelve (12) months of service in each step.

We are pleased to offer: A referral bonus of $1,000 once the referral has been sworn in Educational reimbursements up to $5,000 per year The City of Gresham Police Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities; women, protected veterans; and all other qualified Police Officer applicants looking for lateral opportunities. As Oregon's fourth-largest city, Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition and heritage meet innovation and opportunity.

Gresham is a dynamic and rapidly growing city where families and businesses have a mutual desire and drive to thrive and prosper. City of Gresham employees care deeply about the community members they serve. Employees strive to deliver services in collaborative, innovative, practical, and nimble ways that go "one step beyond!".

The work is challenging, fast-paced and rewarding. We believe that to deliver the highest level of service to all Gresham community members, it is crucial we employ a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive working environment, and ensure our policies and systems result in equitable outcomes. The City seeks candidates who will support these values by continuously incorporating equity in their daily work, and actively contributing to a workplace culture that respects unique viewpoints, life experiences, and cultural perspectives.

Come build the future with us. Position Description Gresham Police Officers provide emergency aid, security, and protection of life and property for the citizens of Gresham by patrolling business, rural, and residential areas. They respond to requests for information and assistance, investigate criminal activity, subdue combative suspects, make arrests, work with people to solve problems associated with crime and neighborhood problems, and ensure proper enforcement of laws and regulations.

The ideal candidate will have current knowledge and understanding of the following: Federal, State of Oregon, Multnomah County, and City of Gresham laws, regulations, and ordinances. Criminal behavior and causes underlying criminality and social, psychological and physical needs of criminals. Standard police practices, methods, and procedures.

Safety standards, procedures, and precautions utilized in police activities. Methods of investigation, apprehension, and rules of evidence. Basic first aid and CPR procedures.

The safe and appropriate use of firearms and other police related equipment. An ideal candidate will also have the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. They will apply principles and techniques of community policing, modern crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and all other aspects of law enforcement.

Be able to skillfully and safely use firearms and other police related equipment while maintaining composure under adverse conditions such as public harassment, critical injuries, and death. A competitive candidate will show how they can establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and citizens from a variety of racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated history of positive community engagement.

They will also demonstrate how to effectively analyze situations quickly and objectively and are able to recognize actual and potentially dangerous situations, and to determine the proper course of action. Ability to present evidence in court effectively. Be able to display a skill in observation and remembering details such as names, faces, and incidents.

Police officers need to maintain the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, which also includes the physical ability to handle persons resisting arrest. Qualifications To be considered a lateral applicant you must meet all of the following minimum qualifications: Have completed a state certified police academy, Have completed a law enforcement field training program or passed a probationary period of not less than one (1) year with a law enforcement agency as a full-time sworn officer. Have been employed as a full-time sworn officer within the five (5) year period prior to appointment to this position.

Have at least a High School Diploma or G.E.D Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the date of hire Have no felony criminal record Be a US Citizen within 18 months from the hire date Have a driving record that meets the department standards Candidates must have the ability to: Pass a pre-suitability assessment screening Pass a comprehensive background investigation Pass a post job offer psychological evaluation, medical examination, and drug screen Employment Automatic Disqualifiers list (CLICK HERE) Selection Process All candidates must apply online. Faxed and emailed resumes, in lieu of an application, will not be accepted or considered. Incomplete applications will also not be considered

To apply for this position, click 'Apply' at the top of this job posting. Required application materials: A complete online application (do not leave fields blank or type 'see resume') Answers to supplemental questions High school diploma/G.E.D. or latest official education transcript Document(s) to verify completion of a law enforcement field training program and/or completion of a state certified police academy Note to applicants that have previously applied with the City of Gresham Police Department: Candidates that have previously applied within the last 5 years must check past communications from the City of Gresham Human Resources regarding eligibility to re-apply

What to expect as an Applicant: Phase I: Application All applications will be reviewed and screened for minimum requirements and automatic disqualifiers. Phase II: Interview & Eligible List Candidates will be invited to participate in an (in-person or virtual) interview. If you are not available for the dates offered upon receiving an invitation, please notify us via email to arrange for an interview at the next scheduled interview timeframe (if applicable).

Candidates will be placed on a ranked eligibility list based on their Interview timeframe and scores based on the panel interview score. Candidates will remain on the ranked eligibility list for one year from the job opening date. Candidates will be contacted based on their ranked position on the eligibility list and the Police Officer vacancies available for hire.

Depending on the candidates' ranking, it may take several more weeks before an update can be provided. Phase III: Pre-Suitability Assessment Candidates who successfully complete Phase I and II, and next to be considered from the ranked eligible list will be invited to complete pre-suitability exam and personal history questionnaire (PHQ). This exam must be proctored virtually and generally takes 2 hours to complete and PHQ takes additional 1-3 hours to complete.

Complete details, technology needs, and equipment requirements will be sent by email message(s). Once the pre-suitability exam is complete, candidates (with suitable results) will be invited to an executive interview. Phase IV: Executive Interview Candidates will meet with members of the Gresham Police Department Command staff.

Successful candidates will then be placed on an eligibility list for backgrounds. Phase V: Statement of Personal History, Background Investigation & Conditional Employment Offer Once assigned to a background investigator, an email link will be sent to the candidate to complete an electronic Statement of Personal History. This link and the requested information are deadline driven and require submission within the specified timeframe.

Candidates need to be thorough and honest in completing this information. Once the Statement of Personal History is complete, the candidate will be invited to meet in person or virtually with the background investigator for a Pre-Background interview. This interview generally takes between 1.5 to 2 hours

Upon successful completion of the Pre-Background screening, candidates will have a full and comprehensive background completed based on information provided in the Statement of Personal History and Pre-Background screening. Once the candidate passes a full background, they will receive a conditional offer of employment pending successful completion of a psychological evaluation and full medical/physical exam. Phase VI: Psychological Evaluation & Job-Related Physical Exam Candidates will be scheduled for a psychological exam which will include a proctored pre-interview virtual test followed by an interview with a clinical psychologist.

Candidates will also be scheduled with a City of Gresham contracted medical provider to complete a physical exam, treadmill test, and drug screen. Phase VI: Confirmation of Employment letter If selected for hire, a candidate will be presented with a confirmation of employment letter to include hire date and swearing in. We make every effort to minimize travel for our out of state candidates.

If you are a successful candidate, it is likely there will be one trip necessary to include an interview with the Police Chief and complete a job-related physical, treadmill test and drug screen. Candidates will be notified through the e-mail address provided on their application as to their status in the process. Any updated contact information should be provided by email to HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov as soon as it is available

If a modification of this process is needed in order to accommodate a disability, please make your request in writing at the time of submitting an application to HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov, or in person to a Human Resources representative at 1333 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham, OR 97030. Veteran's Preference The City of Gresham provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law. Any candidate wishing to have their qualifying veteran's preference applied to the process must submit a qualifying document (DD Form 214 or 215) at the time of application providing proof of eligibility that includes discharge status

Disabled veterans must also submit a copy of their Veteran's disability preference letter from the US Department of Veteran Affairs at the time of application, unless the inf...