The Salem Police Department is a full-service, professional police organization ready to welcome entry level and currently certified police officer candidates ready for career enhancement and development. Salem employs only those applicants who meet or exceed the highest standards. Bilingual skills are a plus. Contact a recruiter for more information 503-588-6212.

Minimum Requirements

• 21 years of age upon appointment as police officer. Those who are within six months of their 21st birthday are encouraged to apply.
• Be a high school graduate, or have attained a GED certificate
• Candidates who are not U.S. citizens must be able to attain citizenship status within 18 months of hire
• Complete the National Training Network written examination
• Complete the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (also known as the ORPAT) in six minutes and 30 seconds or less
• Demonstrate excellent moral character and having made good life choices, as determined by an extensive, in-depth background investigation
• Have a valid driver license
• Meet all applicable physical, vision, hearing, and psychological examination requirements
• Successfully complete an oral interview
• Willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays

Benefits

Salem police officers receive excellent pay and benefits, which include:

• $37.61 - $49.44 an hour
• All uniforms, weapon, and safety equipment supplied by the City of Salem
• City-paid insurance:
  • Dental with dependents included
  • Medical with dependents included after the employee pays $55 per paycheck
  • Vision with dependents included
• City-paid health savings account
• City-paid life and disability insurance
• City-paid retirement fund under the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System
• On-site exercise facility

Additional benefits available include:

• Employee assistance program
• Employee-paid, pre-tax medical flexible spending account
• Employee-paid Salem Police Association membership
• Employee-paid union membership
• Limited tuition reimbursement program
• Optional employee-paid deferred compensation program

Additional pay incentives available for the following:

• College education 
• Other language skills

Additional information

• The Salem Police Department hiring process

Ready to learn more about the Salem Police Department?

Check out our 2022-2024 Strategic Plan which outlines our commitment to improve the way we serve our community, and consider your role as part of the future of our organization.