Police Department

Become a Police Officer

  • Be notified when the City is accepting applications for police officer positions by completing a job interest card.

    The Gresham Police Department offers competitive compensation and benefits.

    Make a difference

    Gresham is the fourth largest city in Oregon. As a mid-sized agency, the police department continues to grow to meet the challenges of a growing community.

    • Gresham police officers are frequently called upon to work cooperatively with other metropolitan agencies to address criminal behavior, quality of life issues and crime trends.
    • Officers have a variety of professional opportunities and experiences within the department and with regional task forces and teams.
    Specialty assignments
    • Detectives
    • K9 Unit
    • Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
    • Metropolitan Explosives Disposal Unit (Bomb Squad)
    • Gang Enforcement Team
    • Special Enforcement Team (SET)
    • Crisis Negotiation Team
    • Child Abuse Investigation Team
    • Field Training Officers
    • Traffic Officer/Motors
    • Honor Guard
    • School Resource Officers
    • Training Instructors
    • Vehicular Crimes Team

    Police officer qualifications

    • High school diploma or GED and at least 21 years old.
    • No felony criminal record or crime involving domestic violence.
    • Must be a U.S. citizen.
    • Good driving record, or the ability to obtain a valid driver's license by date of hire.
    • Ability to pass pre-assessment suitability screening.
    • Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation.
    • Ability to pass a psychological, medical and drug screen exam.
    • Ability to complete the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Police Academy.
    • Bilingual skills are highly desirable.

    How to apply

  • Entry-level applicant

    An entry-level applicant is one who has never been a certified police officer in any state.

    To apply:
    • Visit the City's job openings and select Entry Level Police Officer. If you do not have a profile in the NeoGov application system, you will need to create one.
    •  When you receive an email confirmation that your application has been received, you must schedule an appointment with the National Testing Network to take a required written test and physical abilities assessment.
    • The City will review applications, minimum qualifications and test scores to develop a list of qualified candidates.
    • Qualified applicants will be contacted by Human Resources to schedule an interview.
    Oregon lateral police officer

    An in-state lateral applicant is one who:  

    • Holds an active DPSST Police Officer certification.
    • Has passed a probationary period of at least one year with a law enforcement agency as a sworn officer.
    • Has been employed as a full-time sworn officer within the past five years.

    Oregon lateral applicants are not required to take a written test or physical abilities assessment.

    To apply:
    • Visit the City's job openings and select Lateral Police Officer. If you do not have a profile in the NeoGov application system, you will need to create one.
    • You will receive an email confirmation that your application has been received by the City.
    • Qualified applicants will be contacted by Human Resources to schedule an interview.
    Out-of-state lateral police officer

    An out-of-state lateral applicant is one who:

    • Holds and active Police Officer certification in their respective state.
    • Has passed a probationary period of at least one year with a law enforcement agency as a sworn officer.
    • Has been employed as a full-time sworn officer within the past five years.
    To apply:

    Visit the City's job openings and select Lateral Police Officer. If you do not have a profile in the NeoGov application system, you will need to create one at this time. 

    When you receive an email confirmation that your application has been received, you must schedule an appointment with the National Testing Network to take a required written test and physical abilities assessment. 

    The City will review applications, minimum qualifications and test scores to develop a list of qualified candidates. Qualified applicants will be contacted by Human Resources to schedule an interview.

  • Contact

    For more information about a career with the Gresham Police Department contact Sergeant Pierce at 503-618-2528 or PoliceRecruitment@GreshamOregon.gov.