Police Officer - Entry Level

Police Officer - Entry Level

The Eugene Police Department (EPD) is a progressive, professional law-enforcement agency that serves the city of Eugene, Oregon. In fulfillment of the public trust, the Eugene Police Department works in partnership with our community to promote safety and security, enforce laws, prevent crimes, and safeguard the constitutional rights of all people. Beginning on January 6, 2026, EPD is seeking new candidates to come serve with us. Invitations to the testing phase of the recruitment process will be sent on a rolling basis to those applicants with a complete application who qualify. If you'd like to be eligible to receive an early invitation to schedule your testing, please make sure to submit your complete application as soon as possible. By submitting your application early, you will also be provided access to a paid practice test and a testing study guide as well as the opportunity to participate in an ORPAT practice session.

This position performs a variety of law enforcement duties; first responder to incidents; serves as direct link between the department and the public; responds to, and investigates, incident scenes; assesses appropriate actions to incidents; patrols assigned areas; enforces laws and ordinances; makes arrests; preserves crime scene evidence; summarizes events in report format; and performs preventative community policing for diverse neighborhoods.

Application Deadline : Monday, March 2, 2026 at 5 p.m. P.T. Accepting Online Applications Only. Applications received during this application period will be considered for a June 29, 2026 hire date. Salary Range : All Entry-Police Officers will start at Step 1. Applicants with a minimum of 3 years of full-time police service experience, exercising police powers at a City (Municipal), County or State police agency responsible for responding to emergency 9-1-1 calls, can apply to the Lateral Police Officer posting.

Work Location : Eugene Police Department 300 Country Club Rd. Eugene, OR. Must reside within 45 minutes of Eugene, OR. Schedule : Must be able to work various shifts, nights, weekends and holidays. Officers assigned to a patrol team are currently working a 4 / 10 work schedule. Emergency response time for a Police Officer requires reporting to work and being ready for duty within 45 minutes of notification.

Union Representation : Eugene Police Employees' Association (EPEA)

Living & Working in Eugene : For more information on living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more, visit this page.

Examples of Duties Performed - Duties may include but are not limited to the following. To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification : Police Officer.

Qualifications : Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferrable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.

Minimum Qualifications :

• At least 21 years of age by July 15, 2026
• No felony convictions. No Class A Misdemeanor convictions within 24 months of application
• Must be able to work various shifts; nights, weekends, and holidays. Officers assigned to a patrol team are currently working a 4 / 10 work schedule
• Must meet State requirements including vision, hearing, and standards for basic certification as a law enforcement officer by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)

Education : High school diploma or GED

Experience : Two years of work experience, college coursework, or military experience.

License and Certificate : A valid Oregon driver's license, or ability to obtain by date of hire; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard. Oregon law requires that an of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355). CPR certification within twelve months of appointment.

Background : MUST PASS A POLICE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Fluency in a language in addition to English is desirable. Preference for Spanish or Sign Language ability may be given. Physical : Must pass a physical assessment and drug test. DRUG SCREEN, HEARING TEST and VISUAL ACUITY TEST - as required by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).

Selection Process Dates at-a-glance :

Salaries and Fringe Benefits : Recruit Police Officers receive a beginning annual salary of $78,187.20 annually; with experience, education, and training officers can advance to the top step of $99,673.60

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion : The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply. The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.

If a job posting indicates this position is temporary (not limited duration) then the employee serves at will. Temporary employees do not receive benefits through the City of Eugene unless required by City, State or Federal code / statute. Employees in this classification are represented by the Eugene Police Employees' Association (EPEA), and their salaries may be subject to a monthly payroll deduction after 31 days of employment. Salary and Benefits : The normal starting salary is the first step shown on the posting. Other placement in the salary range may be considered depending on qualifications and experience. Periodic advancement through the salary range is dependent upon merit. The City provides a full range of benefits, including holidays, vacation, sick leave, retirement benefit, and life insurance. Health, dental, and vision benefits are available. To view a summary of benefits, benefit premium rates, and / or the EPEA contract click the respective link.