Police Officer - Lateral

Police Officer - Lateral

Salary

$86,431.90 - $105,058.30 Annually

Location

Police Station - 555 NE 15th St, Bend, OR

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026.13

Department

Police

Opening Date

07/01/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

About the Role

This recruitment is only open to current police officers or those who meet the minimum qualifications outlined in the minimum qualifications section of this job announcement.

Are you ready to make a real impact in one of Oregon's most vibrant cities? The Bend Police Department is calling on Lateral Officers who are 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 youre starting your journey or looking to advance your career, this is your opportunity to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference.

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.

Classification Framework: Class Specifications | Police Officer | Class Spec Details

$10,000.00 Hiring Incentive

We offer new lateral police officers that possess a police certification through Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) or state equivalent.

• $5,000.00 to be paid in lump sum during normal payroll cycle
• $5,000.00 upon successful completion of probationary period, to be paid in a lump sum during the normal payroll cycle
• 40 hours of sick leave, available to use immediately with no waiting period
• 40 hours of vacation leave, available to use immediately with no waiting period

Job Highlights for Lateral Officers

• Starting Salary: $90,756.72 up to $120,821.80 (with Advanced DPSST certification)
• Moving expenses reimbursement (up to $3,000)
• Supplied uniform and gear including vest
• 11.25-hour schedule that is four (4) working days followed by four (4) days off
• On-duty workouts, onsite mental health clinician, functional fitness, and more
• Educational Reimbursements
• Community Enhancement Program: Additional 2% to gross wages
• 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
• Additional Benefits: As noted within the Collective Bargaining Agreement

Lateral Opportunities

For experienced lateral candidates who are certified officers and have successfully completed their previous agencies Field Training program, we offer competitive wages and benefits based on your level of police experience. The pay scale matrix and other lateral incentives are outlined below:

• Pay Step 2: $7,563.06 (6-18 months of solo officer experience)
• Pay Step 3: $7,941.22 (18-30 months of solo officer experience)
• Pay Step 4: $8,338.30 (30-42 months of solo officer experience)
• Pay Step 5: $8,755.20 (42 or more months of solo officer experience)
• Lateral Police Officers may earn up to an additional 10% or 15% premium pay (depending on qualifications through DPSST)
• For out of state applicants, we are experienced in requesting reciprocity for your certifications and can guide you through the process

Why Bend?

Our police officers demonstrate unwavering dedication in their service. During their time off, they enjoy the benefit of residing in a region that boasts over 290 days of sunshine annually, to take full advantage of Central Oregon.

• Floating the Deschutes River
• Skiing at Mt. Bachelor
• Exploring Smith Rock State Park
• Enjoying the natural beauty of Cascade Lakes for hiking, camping and scenic views
• Hunting and Fishing
• Old Mill District: restaurants with review views, walking paths, shopping and an amphitheater for concerts
• Last Blockbuster: visit the world's last remaining Blockbuster Video store for a walk down memory lane

What Youll Do

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

As a Bend Police Officer you will

• Carry out the mission of the agency as defined in the mission statement; models and promotes the core values of the organization.
• First, responders to incidents, you serve as a direct link between the department and the public.
• Respond to and investigate incidents and crime scenes, taking action at incidents, proactively patrolling assigned areas, engaging in information leading policing activities and making independent decisions to deter criminal activity.
• Enforce laws and ordinances, making arrests, preserving crime scene evidence and performing 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, completes reports, make arrests or issues citations; render first aid.
• Conduct investigations concerning various types of crime, interviews witnesses and suspects, take photographs, fingerprint 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.
• Render assistance to the public.
• Comply 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.

Ideal Candidate

Knowledge

• Various law enforcement techniques and procedures.
• Various state and local criminal, traffic and civil laws, codes and ordinances, and their application.
• Federal and State laws regarding custody, interrogations, search and seizure, and other procedural aspects; knowledge of applicable case law, such as court decisions pertaining to search, seizure, and arrest.
• Departmental policies and procedural manual, guidelines, and chain of command.
• Basic investigative techniques.
• Detection and basic identification of hazardous and controlled substances and their effects.
• Operation of various types of firearms and other police equipment.
• Safety and health hazards.
• Use of defensive tactics.
• Court procedures and rules of evidence.
• Report writing techniques, crime coding system, and case preparation techniques.
• Correct and safe usage of police equipment.
• Community resources, such as social services, are available for people in crisis situations.
• Basic crime prevention techniques and information.
• Basic problem-solving techniques and methodology.
• Geographical layout of city.
• Basic interview techniques.
• Principles of First Aid.

Ability

• Analyze complex situations and develop effective responses that may include law enforcement or the utilization of other community resources.
• Identify criminal activities and decide upon appropriate response.
• Evaluate high-risk situations and maintain flexibility; defuse tense situations.
• Make appropriate decisions as to response; use discretion as required and calmly deal with stressful situations.
• Apply knowledge obtained through past experiences and exposures along with skills obtained in training sessions in assessing new situations.
• Apply applicable laws and procedures to specific situations and issue correct citations as applicable.
• Safely operate a police vehicle in a pursuit situation and use defensive driving techniques.
• Operate, use and maintain a variety of police tools in a safe and effective manner, such as police radios, various types of weapons and defensive tools, handcuffs, gas mask, speed measuring devices, Intoxilyzer, flares, fire extinguisher, fingerprint kit, first aid kit, and other specialized equipment. Check equipment and tools for condition and performance.
• Judge when and what type of force is reasonable based on the circumstances.
• Effectively observe assigned areas to identify problems and probable violations of laws.
• Analyze crime scene requirements and investigation techniques.
• Collect, maintain and transport seized evidence in a safe manner.
• Provide testimony in a competent manner.
• Interview/interrogate witnesses and suspects; prepare clear reports and concise diagrams of events; remember names, faces, and details of incidents.
• Communicate well, both orally and in writing, using good grammar and spelling.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports and incident summaries in a timely manner.
• Deal with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and personalities in a tactful and effective manner.
• Access police systems on a computer as needed.
• Must be able to work various shifts and inclement weather as assigned.
• Lift heavy gear and traffic hazards.
• Develop and maintain physical fitness to subdue suspects and use appropriate physical force, move vehicles, and carry people.
• Be flexible and available for rapid response needs and shifting priorities.
• Keep updated on criminal intelligence, criminal/municipal statutes, training events and other briefing bulletins.
• Must be able to be observant and aware while performing multiple tasks.

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

• Must be a minimum age of 21 years.
• Have completed a law enforcement field training program or passed a probationary period of not less than one (1) year with a law enforcement agency as a full-time sworn officer.
• Have been employed as a full-time sworn officer within the last five (5) year period prior to the appointment of this position.
• Be able to obtain reciprocity or already have; law enforcement certification by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation including a criminal history check.
• Current and valid Driver's License per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Ability to obtain Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) Certification.

National Testing Network Testing: No need to take a test before your interview.

If you are selected and receive an invitation to an Oral Board, the City of Bend Police Department will sponsor your NTN testing at the Bend Police Department. Applicants who hold a four-year degree or already hold a DPSST Officer certification in Oregon are exempt from this requirement. If you have tested within the past 12 months we will honor your scores.

Work Environment

Work in a 24-hour environment with varied shifts including weekends and holidays. Duties are primarily performed on patrol in an assigned geographical area where the employee is exposed to varying and extreme weather conditions. When responding to emergencies, employee risks physical hazard from violent, aggressive, and hostile people, a variety of weapons, noise, chemicals, bodily secretions, sharp objects, traffic, drugs and drug paraphernalia and crime scenes. Physical exertion is required to climb stairs, go over walls, run, move heavy objects, crawl through tight spaces, kneel in confined areas and sit for a long period of time during surveillance. Physical effort is required to lift materials, equipment, and persons exceeding 75lbs, and subdue combative persons.

What to Know Before Applying

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 formal Cover letter addressing why you want to be an officer with the Bend Police Department.
• Attached valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing

Anticipated Hiring Process

Phase I - Application and Screening

• Submitting online application and required cover letter: Open Continuous
• Screening for Minimum Qualifications and Cover letter review: Ongoing

Phase II - Teams Interview

• Candidates who successfully pass Phase I will be invited to participate in a 15-minute Team's Interview: Ongoing
• The Teams interview will consist of three (3) interview questions and will have three - four (3-4) panel members.

Phase III - Oral Board Interview

• Candidates who successfully pass Phase l and Phase II will be invited for a 50 minute in-person oral board interview: Ongoing
• The oral board will consist of 10 interview questions and will have three - four (3-4) panel members.
• Complete the Oregon Physical Agility Test in 5 minutes and 30 seconds or less - being offered: 8/19 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM & 8/20 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Phase IV - Chief Interview

• Candidates who successfully pass Phase l - lll will be invited for a 50 minute in-person interview with Mike Krantz, Chief of Police: Ongoing

Phase V - Preliminary Employment Offer & Background Investigation

• Candidates who successfully pass Phase I-IV will be moved forward to our Background Investigation process: Ongoing

Phase VI: Psychological Evaluation & Job-Related Physical Exam

• Candidates who successfully pass Phase I-V will be scheduled for a psychological exam and a Physical Exam: Ongoing

Phase VlI: Employment Offer

• If selected for hire, a candidate will be presented with a confirmation of employment letter to include hire date of November 10, 2026.

Phase Vlll: New Hire Orientation

• New Hire Orientation: 11/10-11/27

Veterans Preference: Applicants must provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive veterans preference. For more information click here.

Equity Statement: The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race and ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bends Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request.

Benefits: The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for Employees and Dependents for health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program. Details are available on the benefits tab of the job posting.

Starting Compensation: Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidates education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information in your application.

Please note that this announcement establishes an eligibility list that at any time may be canceled at the discretion of the Police Chief.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we dont just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.

Employee Benefit Overview

August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2026

Regular Full Time Benefits:

Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire.

(If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.)

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Medical, Vision and Prescription Coverage

Underwritten by PacificSource Health Plans

Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total monthly premium. Benefit-eligible part-time employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly-scheduled hours, either at 50% (employees working 20-29 hours per week) or 75% (employees working 30-39 hours per week) of the full monthly premium.

Employee monthly premium:EmployeeEmployee & DependentsFull-time Employees$71.48$178.70Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)$178.72$446.77Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)$357.43$893.54

Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

Third Party Administrator -- PacificSource Administrators (PSA)

This is an employer-funded account designed to reimburse employees for IRS-qualified medical expenses. Reimbursements are tax-free, and any unused HRA Comp-A fund amounts at the end of the plan year are transferred to the employee's VEBA account following first full year of employment (see below for VEBA account information). Coinsurance (Med-G) funding remaining at plan year end is forfeited and does not roll to the VEBA.

Employee monthly premium portion:

Employee

Employee & Dependents

Full-time EmployeesHRA (Comp - A)

Coinsurance (Med - G)$2,000

$1,250$4,000

$1,250Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)HRA (Comp - A)

Coinsurance (Med - G)$1,500

$937.50$3,000

$1,335.75Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)HRA (Comp - A)

Coinsurance (Med - G)$1,000

$625$2,000

$890.50

Employees also have the option to self-fund a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for unreimbursed medical expenses to offset potential out-of-pocket liability under the medical/dental plans and potentially shelter their HRA Comp-A account to allow for larger rollover to their VEBA account at plan year end.

First Stop Health - Telemedicine: The City of Bend provides First Stop Health (FSH) telemedicine benefits for FREE to all medical-enrolled employees and up to seven (7) of their immediate family members.

Dental Plan

Underwritten by MODA

$2,000 calendar year benefit maximum per covered individual includes $1,000 one-time orthodontia benefit.

Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total composite monthly premium.

Part-time benefit-eligible employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly scheduled work hours (50% for employees working 20-29 hours per week; 75% for those working 30-39 hours per week).

Employee composite monthly premium:

Employee with/without Dependents

Full-time Employees$15.40

Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)$38.53

Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)$77.05

VEBA Plan

Administered by HRA VEBA

Individual employee account that receives tax-free rollover amounts from the City-funded HRA Comp-A account remaining at the end of each plan year. The account belongs to the employee and may be invested in mutual funds similar to deferred compensation. The account can grow, tax free, and be used for future medical expenses and can be used either while still employed or after separation/retirement.

Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)

Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA)

Participation in the City of Bends Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction.

Life, Personal Accident (AD&D) & Long-Term Disability Plans

Underwritten by New York Life

Group Basic Term Life Insurance: Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a coverage amount of one times the employees annual salary, to a maximum benefit of $150,000, with a minimum benefit of $50,000. Coverage includes person accident coverage for loss of life and/or limb, per scheduled benefit package amounts.

Group Long-term Disability Insurance: Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a a benefit of up to 66.67% of employee's covered earnings to a maximum of $9,000 per month.

Voluntary Life and AD&D: Active, full time employees of the City of Bend regularly working a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible for additional voluntary coverage for the employee, spouse/domestic partner and dependent children.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee's behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes "employer" contribution based on the employee's Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the "employee" member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website http://www.oregon.gov/pers

Employee Assistance Program

Underwritten by Canopy

This City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members.

The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:

• AFLAC Supplemental Insurance (various plans are offered)
• MASA ground and air ambulance membership
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions & Mission Square Retirement

___

Temporary Medical Only Benefits:

Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire. (If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.)

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Medical, Vision, Prescription coverage

Underwritten by PacificSource Health Plans

Full-time, temporary employee(s) currently pay 10% of the total employee(s) monthly premium. Full-time, temporary employees are eligible for employee-only medical coverage. However, there is family coverage available should the employee choose to enroll and assume financial responsibility for the difference of premium.

Employee composite monthly premium:

EmployeeEmployee & DependentsFull-time Employees$71.48$1,143.69Deductible$2,000$4,000

Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)

Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA)

Participation in the City of Bends Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee's behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes "employer" contribution based on the employee's Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the "employee" member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website http://www.oregon.gov/pers

Employee Assistance Program

Underwritten by Canopy

This City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members.

The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:

• MASA ground and air ambulance membership
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions and Mission Square Retirement

If you have Federal student loan debt, (private student loans not included), or are considering going back to school, you may benefit from the Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

• If you make 120 qualifying payments on your Federal student loan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, your Federal student loan debt may be forgiven.

Always check the loan servicer and type of loan you have to ensure you qualify.

01

Are you a U.S. Citizen?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you 21-years of age or older at the time of application?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you able to work variable shifts including weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

04

Is there any reason you would not be able to use deadly force, if necessary and justified, in the line of duty?

• Yes
• No

05

Have completed a law enforcement field training program or passed a probationary period of not less than one (1) year with a law enforcement agency as a full-time sworn officer?

• Yes
• No

06

Have been employed as a full-time sworn officer within the last five (5) year period prior to the appointment of this position?

• Yes
• No

07

Have you ever been arrested for elder abuse, child abuse, domestic violence or any type of civil protection order?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you fluent in any other language other than English?

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered yes to question #8, concerning being fluent in any language, other than English, please tell us what language

10

Are you proficient in American Sign Language (ASL)?

• Yes
• No

11

If you have used any substance containing cannabis, marijuana or THC have you stopped at time of application? 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.

• Yes
• No

12

How did you learn about this employment opportunity? Please select all that apply.

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Billboard
• City of Bend Website
• Bend Police Department Recruitment Website
• GovernmentJobs.com
• Friend of Family
• Bend Police Department Employee
• Portland Airport Advertisement
• Redmond Airport Advertisement
• Other

13

If you selected Bend Police Department Employee in question #12, please tell us who.

Required Question

Employer City of Bend

Address 710 NW Wall Street

Bend, Oregon, 97701

Phone 541-388-5525

Website http://www.bendoregon.gov