The data provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 5,510 Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers were employed in the state of Oregon in 2019. The employment level per 1,000 stood at 2.89.
If you aspire to join the police force in Oregon, then you need to meet certain qualifications and requirements. This article will outline what you need to do to become a police officer in Oregon.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Outlook
The job outlook for Police and Detectives is quite positive all across the US. As per BLS, Police and Detectives will enjoy a 5% growth in jobs between 2019 and 2029.
Steps to Become a Police Officer in Oregon
Complete the following steps to become a police officer in Oregon.
Get the Required Education
You will have to get at least a high school diploma or a GED certificate to be eligible to apply for the position of a police officer.
Clear the NTN Frontline Law Enforcement Exam
You will have to pass the NTN Frontline Law Enforcement Exam which has the following three parts:
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Video.
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Writing.
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Reading.
You will have to score 65% in the video part and 70% each in the writing and reading components to clear this test.
Complete an Online Application
You will then have to complete an online application as the next step of the process.
Clear the ORPAT (Oregon Physical Abilities Test)
If your application is approved, you will have to clear the Oregon Physical Abilities Test.
Clear the Pre-Psychological Risk Assessment
You will have to take the California Psychological Inventory exam, also known as CPI. You will also have to take the Johnson Roberts & Associates Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Please check the complete guidelines before taking these two tests.
Clear an Initial Interview
You will have to clear an initial interview that will be conducted by the staff of the OSP.
Clear a Background Check
You will have to clear a thorough background check which will be carried out by the Training and Recruitment staff.
Sit for a Command Interview
The Oregon State Police Commanders will conduct this interview and it will be conducted face-to-face.
Get a Conditional Employment Letter
If you successfully clear the above-mentioned steps, you will be given a conditional letter of employment.
Pass a Medical Screening and Psychological Evaluation
If you accept the conditions in the letter of employment, you will have to clear a medical screening and a thorough psychological evaluation.
Get Appointed as a Police Officer
Once you complete all the conditions mentioned in the appointment letter, you will have to spend around 4 to 6 weeks at a training academy. After that, you will have to attend the DPSST Basic Police Academy for 16 weeks. Once that is done, you will have to spend 4 to 6 weeks at the OSP Post-Academy.
Duration to Become a Police Officer in Oregon
The timeframe for you to become a police officer in Oregon will depend on various factors like the education you get and how long you take to complete the entire process. The entire process is quite lengthy so you will have to be patient.
Requirements to Become a Police Officer in Oregon
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Meet the minimum education requirements.
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Should be 21 years old.
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Should be a US citizen.
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Should have a driver’s license (valid).
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Should fulfill all medical and psychological requirements.
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Should have a good moral character.
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Complete the entire recruitment process.
How Much Can I Earn as a Police Officer in Oregon?
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers in Oregon earned $73,300 as mean annual income which was higher than the national mean average of $67,600. These figures are for 2019.