Many of the answers to general questions asked are addressed on our website.  Additionally, see the City of Portland's home page.  This site should be most helpful with general information about life in Portland including: schools, parks, recreation, arts and culture, transportation and tourism.

Some of the most common questions and answers are listed below.

HOW DO I GET STARTED ON THE APPLICATION PROCESS?  HOW CAN I GET HELP WITH THE WRITTEN TEST?

Information is listed on our website which includes the next date for application and the date of the next written test.  A person will need to pass the written test before they can proceed in the hiring process.  Information is available on the website for the pre-test workshops, a sample test and answers to Frequently Asked Test Questions concerning the application process.  Use this link for additional information.

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR BECOMING A PORTLAND COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICER?

The qualifications are many and are listed on the website.  Use this link for specific information.

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE PHYSICAL ABILITIES TEST AND THE ORAL INTERVIEW?  WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T PASS?

A detailed diagram of the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) is available.  Just click on this link. Many applicants tell us that the PAT is not as easy as it seems however most people in reasonably good physical condition pass this portion of the process.

During the oral interview the applicant will be asked questions by a board of three persons.  We will assess your judgment and communication skills. Be prepared to answer questions regarding scenarios that are presented to you.  This interview takes about one hour.  When the PAT and oral interview are successfully completed, the applicant moves to the background phase.  If not successful, the applicant can take the next written test to restart the process.

HOW LONG WILL I BE IN TRAINING?  IS THE TRAINING PAID?

The Basic Police Academy is located in Salem, Oregon and is 16 weeks in length (400 hours).  For a sample class schedule follow this link.  You are given a dorm room but are not required to stay there during the week or weekends.  However, study time is at a premium and it is suggested the new officer use their off duty time wisely.  The recruit will be paid an entry level police officer wage during their training periods.  An additional advanced academy, in Portland, will be provided during the recruits 18 month probation period.  This advanced academy will be an additional 14 weeks.

HOW MANY POSITIONS ARE OPEN?

The number of openings varies depending on retirements and other factors.  Currently, the bureau has a goal of hiring 100 officers a year.  We generally hire when applicants can successfully pass the background, psychological and medical tests.  We usually hire every month of the year and schedule the new hires in the next available police academy.

I AM IN THE MILITARY.  SHOULD I APPLY NOW?  I AM IN COLLEGE. SHOULD I APPLY NOW?

An applicant should keep in mind that they must be available for the written test, Physical Abilities Test (PAT) and oral interview.  We are able to make some accommodations for out of town applicants on a case by case basis.  Generally, an out of town applicant needs to be in Portland two times during the testing.  If the applicant is scheduled for the background investigation, it can take an additional 2-6 months, depending on responses from reference checks.  The applicant will take a Psychological and Medical test on the third visit, upon receiving a conditional offer of employment.  With a successful passing of all phases, the applicant can be hired for the next available Basic Police Academy.

HOW LONG DOES THE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION TAKE?

The testing and background investigations are divided into several phases.  The applicant must pass the written test, PAT and oral interview before they progress to the background phase.  The background phase can take an additional 2-6 months depending on the time it takes to gather all the information needed.  The psychological and medical phases take two days with a short waiting period needed for the lab results.  Hiring can occur as quickly as two weeks after passing the medical screening.

The background investigation times vary with the depth of investigation needed and the timely responses of references, employers and other sources.  The investigation can proceed more smoothly if you tell your references to respond promptly.

WHAT IS THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM LIKE?  WHAT ARE THE WAGES AND BENEFITS?

Follow this link for lateral and entry level pay, benefits and retirement information.

IS PORTLAND HIRING LATERAL TRANSFERS FROM OTHER AGENCIES?

Absolutely.  Laterals have certain additional benefits and pay incentives.  See this link.  For a definition of what is considered a lateral transfer check the above site.

I ONLY WANT TO BE A DETECTIVE (OR A CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR).  DO I HAVE TO BE A PATROL OFFICER FIRST? 

Promotions are available (to Detective, Sergeant and Criminalist) after serving four and a half years as an officer and passing a promotion examination.

IS THERE A RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT?

No.  You are not required to live in Portland or the State of Oregon.  Some of our employees live in Washington State.

WHO CAN I TALK TO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS THAT ARE NOT COVERED IN THE WEBSITES MENTIONED?

We have a staff of recruiters and background investigators that can answer questions.  If you can not find the answers online follow this link for additional contact information.

Ride-Along Request

Please contact the precinct you would like to visit to make a Ride-Along request. Please allow approximately two weeks to have a Ride-Along set up with an officer.
View the precincts and addresses here

Ride-Along Request Form [PDF]

General Requirements

A) Within three (3) months of test date, possess either an Associate Degree or 60-semester or 90-quarter hours from an accredited college or university. Courses must be 100 level or above.
OR
B) Possess a High School Diploma or GED AND A MINIMUM OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
2 years of active-duty or 4 years reserve U.S. Military service under honorable conditions, OR

2 years of continuous service working in law enforcement agencies (including 911-dispatchers) within the State of Oregon, OR

2 years of service as a reserve police officer (after initial training and with a minimum of 500 hours of service rendered), OR

2 years service as a police cadet (after initial training, minimum of 500 hours of service, and meeting the minimum age requirement of 21 years at the time of appointment), OR

3 years of continuous service in another police agency as a sworn police officer for a recognized state, county or city (municipal) entity.

• At date of testing, be at least 21 years of age.
• Within one (1) year of employment, become a U.S. citizen. As a note, application for U.S. citizenship requires 5 years of residency.
• Pass all phases of the examination process.
• At time of application, possess or be able to obtain a valid driver's license and have no excessive traffic violations.
• No conviction of a crime punishable as a felony in any jurisdiction or a crime involving domestic violence (applicants with lesser criminal records will be evaluated on an individual basis).
• No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the military.
• At time of appointment, members will not expose any offensive forms of body art while on duty, including when wearing a short ­ sleeved uniform shirt. Offensive forms of Body Art include images which are sexually explicit, racially and or sexually biased or could be viewed as discriminatory in nature. Visible Body Art on the face and neck are prohibited except of reasonable cosmetic purposes. Body art is defined as procedures used to alter the body's appearance including, but not limited to branding, scarification and tattoos.
• Vision must be correctable to 20/30. If worse than 20/100, you must wear soft contact lenses to meet the 20/30 requirement.

The Recruitment and Hiring Process:

Phase 1- Written Examination
Phase 2- Physical Ability Test
Phase 3- Oral Interview
Phase 4- Background Investigation
Phase 5- Psychological Evaluation
Phase 6- Medical Evaluation

YOU CANNOT BE A PORTLAND POLICE OFFICER IF:

• You cannot obtain a valid driver's license in your state of residence.
• You will not be 21 years old at time of testing.
• You will not be a U.S. citizen within one year of being hired. NOTE: You must be a U. S. resident for five (5) years before you can become a U. S. citizen.
• You have been convicted of D.U.I.I. (Drunk Driving) within the past 3 years or have two or more D.U.I.I. convictions. A diversion or similar action is the same as a conviction.
• You have been convicted of Reckless Driving, Attempting to Elude, Hit and Run (Failure to perform the duties of a driver) or Felony Driving While Suspended or Revoked within the last two years.
• You have been convicted of a domestic violence assault.
• You have been convicted of a felony.
• You have been convicted of any crime involving controlled substances.
• You have a dishonorable discharge from the armed services.
• You do not have an AA degree, or 90-quarter hours or 60-semester hour's college credit from an accredited college or university or possess a High School Diploma AND

A MINIMUM OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING at time of hire:

• 2 years of active-duty or 4 years reserve U.S. Military service under honorable conditions, OR
• 2 years of continuous service working in law enforcement agencies (including 911-dispatchers) within the State of Oregon, OR
• 2 years continuous service as a reserve police officer (after initial training and with a minimum of 500 hours of service rendered), OR
• 2 years service as a Police Cadet (after initial training, minimum of 500 hours of service, and meeting the minimum age requirement of 21 years at the time of appointment), OR
• 3 years of continuous service in another police agency as a sworn police officer for a recognized state, county or city (municipal) entity.

The State of Oregon will not provide police officer certification if you have been convicted of:

• ORS 162.065 Perjury
• ORS 162.075 False Swearing
• ORS 162.085 Unsworn Falsification
• ORS 163.335 Rape III
• ORS 163.365 Rape II
• ORS 163.375 Rape I
• ORS 163.385 Sodomy III
• ORS 163.395 Sodomy II
• ORS 163.405 Sodomy I
• ORS 163.408 Sexual Penetration with a Foreign Object II
• ORS 163.411 Sexual Penetration with a Foreign Object I
• ORS 163.415 Sex Abuse III
• ORS 163.425 Sex Abuse II
• ORS 163.427 Sex Abuse I
• ORS 163.435 Contributing to the Sexual Delinquency of a Minor
• ORS 163.445 Sexual Misconduct
• ORS 163.465 Public Indecency
• ORS 163.515 Bigamy
• ORS 163.525 Incest
• ORS 163.575 Endangering the Welfare of a Minor
• ORS 163.670 Using Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct
• ORS 163.684 Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse I
• ORS 163.686 Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse II
• ORS 167.007 Prostitution
• ORS 167.012 Promoting Prostitution
• ORS 167.017 Compelling Prostitution
• ORS 167.065 Furnishing Obscene Materials to Minors
• ORS 167.070 Sending Obscene Materials to Minors
• ORS 167.075 Exhibiting Obscene Performance to a Minor
• ORS 167.080 Displaying Obscene Materials to Minors

YOU ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE HIRED AS A PORTLAND POLICE OFFICER IF:

• Your traffic record (police contact and accident involvement) shows a continuing and recent pattern of poor decision making.
• Your personal life shows a history of poor judgment and refusal to confront problems. (Examples: nonpayment of child support, ignoring overdue bills, etc).
• You have recently or are currently misrepresenting yourself or ignoring any laws. (Example: not paying taxes, using a false address for school tuition purposes, etc).
• You have provided controlled substances to others or have been involved in long-term criminal activity.
• Your work history shows a pattern of unexcused absences, discipline, or discharge.
• People who know you have doubts about your honesty or character.