Police Officer – Entry Level

Job Information

FOREST GROVE, CITY OF
2102 PACIFIC AVENUE
FOREST GROVE, OREGON 97116
(503)992-3260
http://www.forestgrove-or.gov/

Updated: June 24, 2024

Job Classification: Police Officer – Entry Level

Applicants must have all testing completed by the department’s closing date of 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024. All candidates must take the FrontLine National test and have a valid passing ORPAT.

Salary Information: $6,227.00 – $8,065.00 per month
Advancement within the range is considered annually based on performance. Additional compensation is available for qualified employees through the City’s incentive program.

Benefit Information: The City strives to provide the best, most equitable, and cost-effective benefits for employees in recognition of the influence employment benefits have on our employees’ economic and personal welfare.

• Health Insurance – Choice of two medical/vision plans & three dental plans
• Group Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Section 125 Plans
• HRA VEBA Contributions (Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association)
• Retirement – Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Holiday Leave
• Wellness plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Physical Fitness Incentive
• Incentive and Premium Program
• Service Recognition/Longevity Program
• Sabbatical Leave
• Candidate Contact Person:
• Christina Vandehey
• HR Technician
• 503-992- 3201
• [email protected]

Department Overview: The Forest Grove Police Department is a progressive, family-oriented agency dedicated to service and professionalism.  We participate in a number of multi-agency programs and assignments, including SRO and Transit, as well as supporting our law enforcement partners around the County.  We provide quality training and equipment in order to support the safety and effectiveness of our staff in protecting and serving the Forest Grove Community.  FGPD offers the benefits of a smaller agency in its ability to provide our officer’s training and work experience in all aspects of policing, including investigations, which allows officers to pursue personal career interests while enjoying a family atmosphere.

Innovation and the ability to connect with the community are hallmarks of the Forest Grove Police Department.

Area Information: The City of Forest Grove has a population of 27,338 and covers an area of 4.5 square miles.  It is located 23 miles west of Portland and offers the advantages of small city living, as well as being only 45 minutes from downtown Portland and 60 minutes from both the Cascade mountain range and the Pacific coast.  Forest Grove’s location provides a multitude of recreational opportunities, from water sports to hiking and hunting.  Excellent educational facilities range from elementary schools through Pacific University, a four-year liberal arts university.

Population: 27,338

Job Requirements:

Age: 21

US Citizen: Yes

High School Grad/GED: Yes

Valid OREGON State Driver’s License: Yes

Vision: Monocular vision must be at least 20/30 corrected in each eye and not worse than 20/100 uncorrected in either eye. For full vision requirements, please see OAR 259-008-0070.

Hiring Process:
Next Deadline: FGPD will pull scores from NTN on Monday, July 15, 2024. To be considered, the following MUST be in the NTN system (visible to FGPD) by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024.

Your NTN FrontLine National written/video tests with the following passing minimum scores:
Human Relations Video Score: 65%
Writing Score: 70%
Reading: 70%
Your NTN ORPAT or NTN PAT test score: A completion time of five (5) minutes and thirty (30) seconds or less required for passing ORPAT or a minimum passing score of 30 points in each of the four events, totaling 120 points or more is required for passing the PAT.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have a recent (within the last six months) ORPAT or PAT test score from another credible agency, in order for it to satisfy this requirement, scores must be submitted to [email protected] by the closing deadline, Sunday, July 14, 2024. If you do not submit an ORAT/ PAT score, you will not be eligible to move forward in the process.

Important ORPAT information: You may take the ORPAT directly through NTN , or you may contact me at [email protected] to sign up for one of the following ORPAT testing dates in Hillsboro, Oregon –

1.    Monday, July 8, 2024 at 9 a.m.

2.    Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11 a.m.

FGPD Application Process:
Once all passing scores are pulled from NTN, Forest Grove Human Resources will notify successful candidates directly via email about the next steps in the process, which will require completing an application through the NEOGOV system, after which the following steps occur:

Application screening for minimum qualifications & preferred qualifications

• Criminal History Screening
• Interview Process
• Chief’s interview
• Background investigation
• DPSST Physical examination
• Pre-employment drug screening
• Psychological Evaluation
• Specific Disqualifiers/Behaviors:
• Felony, Criminal Activity Disqualifiers: Please see OAR 259-008-0070 for felony and criminal disqualifiers

Driving Disqualifiers: The following are general driving record guidelines for City of Forest Grove employees. However, the totality of a candidate’s driving history will be considered in relation to the suitability for a police officer position. Please also see OAR 259-008-0070 for a complete list of driving disqualifiers.

Criteria that may indicate an unacceptable driving record include, but are not limited to:

• Three or more minor moving violations within a three-year period.
• Two or more chargeable crashes within a three-year period. Chargeable means that the driver is determined to be the primary cause of the crash through speeding, inattention, etc.
• Contributing factors, such as weather or mechanical problems, will be considered. Any citation issued at the crash site will be considered a single incident.
• Any combination of crashes and/or moving violations based on the Driver Screening Guidelines.
• Suspension of Driver’s License.
• Types of driving violations listed by risk category are as follows:
• Class 1 – Major Violations
• DWI/ DUI
• Refusing a substance test
• Fleeing or eluding a police officer
• Commission of a vehicular felony
• Vehicular manslaughter
• Hit and run
• Reckless driving
• Drag/ street racing
• Class 2 – Crashes
• Crashes, regardless of fault
• Class 3 – Minor Violations
• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Improper lane change
• Running red light or stop sign
• Suspension of driver’s license
• Various moving violations
• Drug Use Disqualifiers: Please see OAR 259-008-0070 for drug use disqualifiers

Employment Disqualifiers: Please see OAR 259-008-0070 for employment disqualifiers

Financial Disqualifiers: Please see OAR 259-008-0070 for financial disqualifiers.

Additional Disqualifiers: The Forest Grove Police Department will determine a candidate’s overall suitability for employment as a police officer based on their history in the areas above.