Job details

Police Officer - Entry and Lateral

Position Number: 7287762
Location: Bend, OR
Position Type: Campus Safety and Police

Join the Bend Police Department and Step into a Career That Matters!

Are you ready to make a real impact in one of Oregon's most vibrant cities? The Bend Police Department is calling on 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.

If you're passionate about public service and ready to rise to the challenge, we want to hear from you.

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.

Candidates must maintain a drug-free lifestyle as a condition of consideration for employment. Law enforcement agencies expect applicants to demonstrate sound judgment, personal responsibility, and long-term reliability, and an individual's substance-use history is a significant factor in that assessment. Illegal drug use or the misuse of prescription medication may result in disqualification, delays in the hiring process, or concerns regarding integrity and accountability.

A sustained commitment to remaining drug-free reflects maturity, professionalism, and readiness to uphold the high standards required to serve and protect the community.

Please note that while marijuana is legal in the State of Oregon, it remains illegal under federal law and must be disclosed accordingly during the hiring process.

Job Highlights for Officers

Starting Salary: $86,435.28 up to $105,062.40 (not including overtime or other pay incentives)

Additional Certification Pay: 10% for Intermediate and 15% for Advanced certifications

Uniforms and Gear: Supplied.

Work Schedule: 11.25-hour schedule, four working days followed by four days off to enjoy Central Oregon.

Wellness Programs: On-duty workouts, onsite mental health clinician, functional fitness, and more.

Educational Reimbursements: Available.

Incentives: Walking, biking, or carpooling to work.

Additional Benefits: As noted within the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Community Enhancement Program: Additional 2% to gross wages.

Language and American Sign 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.

As a Bend Police Officer you will

Carry out the mission of the agency as defined in the mission statement; model and promote the core values of the organization.

First, responders to incidents serve as a direct link between the department and the public.

Respond to and investigate incidents and crime scenes, take action at incidents, proactively patrolling assigned areas, engage in information lead policing activities and making independent decisions to deter criminal activity.

Enforce laws and ordinances, make arrests, preserve crime scene evidence and perform 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, complete reports, make arrests or issue citations; render first aid.

Conduct investigations concerning various types of crime, interviews witnesses and suspects, take photographs, fingerprints 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.

Renders assistance to the public.

Complies 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.

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

High school diploma or equivalent; AND
At least two years of college coursework at time of application; OR
Have served in the military with an Honorable Discharge; OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.
Must be a minimum age of 21 years.
Oregon Driver's License upon hire.
Academy Certification: be able to obtain certification by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training - DPSST Minimum Standards of Employment as a Law Enforcement Officer as noted by DPSST www.oregon.gov/DPSST (Administrative Rule) within the first 12 months of employment
Required Qualifications

Must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation including criminal history check
Obtain an Oregon State Police Criminal Justice Information Systems clearance.
Information regarding the minimum qualifications for Oregon law enforcement officers is available in section 259-008-0010 of the Oregon Administrative Rules.

Application Deadline: Application will close Wednesday, July 23, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time. To apply Police Officer - Entry Level | Job Details tab | Career Pages

Application Requirements: 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 completed cover letter addressing the following:
- What motivates you to pursue a career as a police officer, and why do you believe the City of Bend Police Department is the right place for you to serve?