Police Officer - Lateral

About The Role

This recruitment is only open to current police officers or those who meet the minimum qualifications outlined in the minimum qualifications section of this job announcement.

Are you ready to make a real impact in one of Oregon’s most vibrant cities? The Bend Police Department is calling on Lateral Officers who are driven, community-minded individuals to join our forward-thinking force. We’re not just about law enforcement — we’re about innovation, collaboration, and building trust with the people we serve.

As a Bend Police Officer, you’ll be part of a dynamic team that values integrity, excellence, and teamwork. We’re proud to serve over 106,000 residents through progressive, community-based policing that puts people first. Whether you're starting your journey or looking to advance your career, this is your opportunity to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference.

The position is represented by the Bend Police Association and is FLSA non-exempt — meaning you’re eligible for overtime as you help shape the future of public safety in Bend.

Classification Framework: Class Specifications | Police Officer | Class Spec Details

$10,000.00 Hiring Incentive

We offer new lateral police officers that possess a police certification through Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) or state equivalent.

• $5,000.00 to be paid in lump sum during normal payroll cycle
• $5,000.00 upon successful completion of probationary period, to be paid in a lump sum during the normal payroll cycle
• 40 hours of sick leave, available to use immediately with no waiting period
• 40 hours of vacation leave, available to use immediately with no waiting period
  
  

Job Highlights for Lateral Officers

• Starting Salary: $90,756.72 up to $120,821.80 (with Advanced DPSST certification)
• Moving expenses reimbursement (up to $3,000)
• Supplied uniform and gear including vest
• 11.25-hour schedule that is four (4) working days followed by four (4) days off
• On-duty workouts, onsite mental health clinician, functional fitness, and more
• Educational Reimbursements
• Community Enhancement Program: Additional 2% to gross wages
• Language Fluency: Qualify for a $2.00 per hour increase for fluency in languages other than English, as approved by the Chief of Police
• VA On-the-Job training program available for our Veterans
• Additional Benefits: As noted within the Collective Bargaining Agreement
  
  

Lateral Opportunities

Benefits

For experienced lateral candidates who are certified officers and have successfully completed their previous agencies Field Training program, we offer competitive wages and benefits based on your level of police experience. The pay scale matrix and other lateral incentives are outlined below:

• Pay Step 2: $7,563.06 (6-18 months of solo officer experience)
• Pay Step 3: $7,941.22 (18-30 months of solo officer experience)
• Pay Step 4: $8,338.30 (30-42 months of solo officer experience)
• Pay Step 5: $8,755.20 (42 or more months of solo officer experience)
• Lateral Police Officers may earn up to an additional 10% or 15% premium pay (depending on qualifications through DPSST)
• For out of state applicants, we are experienced in requesting reciprocity for your certifications and can guide you through the process
  
  

Why Bend?

Our police officers demonstrate unwavering dedication in their service. During their time off, they enjoy the benefit of residing in a region that boasts over 290 days of sunshine annually, to take full advantage of Central Oregon.

• Floating the Deschutes River
• Skiing at Mt. Bachelor
• Exploring Smith Rock State Park
• Enjoying the natural beauty of Cascade Lakes for hiking, camping and scenic views
• Hunting and Fishing
• Old Mill District: restaurants with review views, walking paths, shopping and an amphitheater for concerts
• Last Blockbuster: visit the world’s last remaining Blockbuster Video store for a walk down memory lane
  
  

What You'll Do

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

As a Bend Police Officer you will

• Carry out the mission of the agency as defined in the mission statement; models and promotes the core values of the organization.
• First, responders to incidents, you serve as a direct link between the department and the public.
• Respond to and investigate incidents and crime scenes, taking action at incidents, proactively patrolling assigned areas, engaging in information leading policing activities and making independent decisions to deter criminal activity.
• Enforce laws and ordinances, making arrests, preserving crime scene evidence and performing preventative community policing.
• Serve arrest and search warrants.
• Direct traffic and patrol areas during incidents or any other occasion of a special or emergency nature.
• Investigate crashes, completes reports, make arrests or issues citations; render first aid.
• Conduct investigations concerning various types of crime, interviews witnesses and suspects, take photographs, fingerprint and gather evidence.
• Attends judicial proceedings, presents evidence and provides credible testimony.
• Participate in departmental meetings and attend in-service training classes and schools.
• Book in prisoners and transport prisoners when necessary.
• Assist other law enforcement agencies.
• Complete reports, conduct follow-up investigations and re-contacts.
• Render assistance to the public.
• Comply with the safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.
• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.
• Provide customer service and communicate effectively with citizens and coworkers.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.
  
  

Ideal Candidate

Knowledge

• Various law enforcement techniques and procedures.
• Various state and local criminal, traffic and civil laws, codes and ordinances, and their application.
• Federal and State laws regarding custody, interrogations, search and seizure, and other procedural aspects; knowledge of applicable case law, such as court decisions pertaining to search, seizure, and arrest.
• Departmental policies and procedural manual, guidelines, and chain of command.
• Basic investigative techniques.
• Detection and basic identification of hazardous and controlled substances and their effects.
• Operation of various types of firearms and other police equipment.
• Safety and health hazards.
• Use of defensive tactics.
• Court procedures and rules of evidence.
• Report writing techniques, crime coding system, and case preparation techniques.
• Correct and safe usage of police equipment.
• Community resources, such as social services, are available for people in crisis situations.
• Basic crime prevention techniques and information.
• Basic problem-solving techniques and methodology.
• Geographical layout of city.
• Basic interview techniques.
• Principles of First Aid.
  
  

Ability

• Analyze complex situations and develop effective responses that may include law enforcement or the utilization of other community resources.
• Identify criminal activities and decide upon appropriate response.
• Evaluate high-risk situations and maintain flexibility; defuse tense situations.
• Make appropriate decisions as to response; use discretion as required and calmly deal with stressful situations.
• Apply knowledge obtained through past experiences and exposures along with skills obtained in training sessions in assessing new situations.
• Apply applicable laws and procedures to specific situations and issue correct citations as applicable.
• Safely operate a police vehicle in a pursuit situation and use defensive driving techniques.
• Operate, use and maintain a variety of police tools in a safe and effective manner, such as police radios, various types of weapons and defensive tools, handcuffs, gas mask, speed measuring devices, Intoxilyzer, flares, fire extinguisher, fingerprint kit, first aid kit, and other specialized equipment. Check equipment and tools for condition and performance.
• Judge when and what type of force is reasonable based on the circumstances.
• Effectively observe assigned areas to identify problems and probable violations of laws.
• Analyze crime scene requirements and investigation techniques.
• Collect, maintain and transport seized evidence in a safe manner.
• Provide testimony in a competent manner.
• Interview/interrogate witnesses and suspects; prepare clear reports and concise diagrams of events; remember names, faces, and details of incidents.
• Communicate well, both orally and in writing, using good grammar and spelling.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports and incident summaries in a timely manner.
• Deal with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and personalities in a tactful and effective manner.
• Access police systems on a computer as needed.
• Must be able to work various shifts and inclement weather as assigned.
• Lift heavy gear and traffic hazards.
• Develop and maintain physical fitness to subdue suspects and use appropriate physical force, move vehicles, and carry people.
• Be flexible and available for rapid response needs and shifting priorities.
• Keep updated on criminal intelligence, criminal/municipal statutes, training events and other briefing bulletins.
• Must be able to be observant and aware while performing multiple tasks.
  
  

Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information and your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a minimum age of 21 years.
• 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 last five (5) year period prior to the appointment of this position.
• Be able to obtain reciprocity or already have; law enforcement certification by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
  
  

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation including a criminal history check.
• Current and valid Driver’s License per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Ability to obtain Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) Certification.
  
  

National Testing Network Testing: No need to take a test before your interview.

If you are selected and receive an invitation to an Oral Board, the City of Bend Police Department will sponsor your NTN testing at the Bend Police Department. Applicants who hold a four-year degree or already hold a DPSST Officer certification in Oregon are exempt from this requirement. If you have tested within the past 12 months we will honor your scores.

Work Environment

Work in a 24-hour environment with varied shifts including weekends and holidays. Duties are primarily performed on patrol in an assigned geographical area where the employee is exposed to varying and extreme weather conditions. When responding to emergencies, employee risks physical hazard from violent, aggressive, and hostile people, a variety of weapons, noise, chemicals, bodily secretions, sharp objects, traffic, drugs and drug paraphernalia and crime scenes. Physical exertion is required to climb stairs, go over walls, run, move heavy objects, crawl through tight spaces, kneel in confined areas and sit for a long period of time during surveillance. Physical effort is required to lift materials, equipment, and persons exceeding 75lbs, and subdue combative persons.

What To Know Before Applying

Application Requirements

Required

To be considered, applicants must complete an online application including the following attachments (failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification):

• A completed online application
• A formal Cover letter addressing why you want to be an officer with the Bend Police Department.
• Attached valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing
  
  

Anticipated Hiring Process

Phase I – Application and Screening

• Submitting online application and required cover letter: Open Continuous
• Screening for Minimum Qualifications and Cover letter review: Ongoing
  
  

Phase II – Teams Interview

• Candidates who successfully pass Phase I will be invited to participate in a 15-minute Team’s Interview: Ongoing
• The Teams interview will consist of three (3) interview questions and will have three – four (3-4) panel members.
  
  

Phase III – Oral Board Interview

• Candidates who successfully pass Phase l and Phase II will be invited for a 50 minute in-person oral board interview: Ongoing
• The oral board will consist of 10 interview questions and will have three – four (3-4) panel members.
• Complete the Oregon Physical Agility Test in 5 minutes and 30 seconds or less – being offered: 8/19 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM & 8/20 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  
  

Phase IV – Chief Interview

• Candidates who successfully pass Phase l – lll will be invited for a 50 minute in-person interview with Mike Krantz, Chief of Police: Ongoing
  
  

Phase V – Preliminary Employment Offer & Background Investigation

• Candidates who successfully pass Phase I-IV will be moved forward to our Background Investigation process: Ongoing
  
  

Phase VI: Psychological Evaluation & Job-Related Physical Exam

• Candidates who successfully pass Phase I-V will be scheduled for a psychological exam and a Physical Exam: Ongoing
  
  

Phase VlI: Employment Offer

• If selected for hire, a candidate will be presented with a confirmation of employment letter to include hire date of November 10, 2026.
  
  

Phase Vlll: New Hire Orientation

• New Hire Orientation: 11/10-11/27
  
  

Veterans' Preference: Applicants must provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive veteran's preference. For more information click here .

Equity Statement: The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race and ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bend's Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request.

Benefits: The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for Employees and Dependents for health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program. Details are available on the benefits tab of the job posting.

Starting Compensation: Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate's education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information in your application.

Please note that this announcement establishes an eligibility list that at any time may be canceled at the discretion of the Police Chie f.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.