Entry Level Police Officers

Cottage Grove, OR
Cottage Grove Police Department

Salary: $61,200 Per Year.

Position Summary:

Performs law enforcement and crime prevention work including patrol and investigation; enforces federal, state, and local laws; does related work as required. An employee in this class performs general law enforcement work. Work is normally performed under general supervision of a sergeant who assigns and reviews work for conformance to laws and departmental rules and regulations. Although supervision is not normally a responsibility of positions in this classification, employees may be requested to provide work guidance and/or training to new officers.

Essential Functions:

  • Patrols streets, businesses, and residential areas to enforce traffic and criminal laws; issues warnings or citations for violations; performs security checks for suspicious persons or vehicles.
  • Responds to calls, including major crimes, civil complaints, thefts, assaults, family disputes, and takes appropriate action.
  • Maintains written records and prepares reports necessary for accident and crime investigations, crime prevention, prosecution and office activities.
  • Conducts investigation and interrogations; gathers evidence and interviews victims and witnesses.
  • Serves criminal warrants, applicable court orders, and subpoenas.
  • Performs crime prevention activities that include surveillance patrols and dissemination of information to the public.
  • Makes arrests, books, and searches prisoners; transports prisoners; releases prisoners.
  • Testifies in court.
  • Enforces animal control laws; apprehends stray dogs and transports them to kennel: issues citations or warrants for violations.
  • Participates in public relations programs, which may include speaking to citizens and/or school groups.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Must have ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, policies and rules in order to do job safely, and be able to complete forms and reports as required by the position.
    a. Minimum of 2 years of experience in law enforcement, preferred.
    b. Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Preference will be given to lateral candidates with DPSST Basic Police Certification or the ability to obtain certification within one year of hire date. Or similar certification from another state, two years law enforcement experience, or police reserve experience with academy training, two years of college.
  • Must be 21 year or older at the time of employment.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen within 18 month of hire date.
  • Must be available to work all shifts, weekends and holidays as needed.
  • Must be able to proficiently and effectively read, speak and write the English language.
  • Must possess or obtain a valid Oregon driver’s license.
  • Must pass a thorough background investigation and interview that establishes strong moral character. Felony convictions and disqualifying criminal histories are not allowed.
  • Must successfully complete psychological and medical evaluation prior to employment.
  • Must be able to obtain police officer certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training within 12 months of employment.