Lateral Police Officer

The City of Salem Police Department is currently accepting applications for lateral police officer. The Salem Police Department is a full-service agency seeking currently certified police officers looking for career enhancement and development. Salem employs only those applicants who meet or exceed the highest standards.

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Starting pay and front-loaded vacation and/or sick time for lateral officers may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, depending on depth and length of experience. Contact a recruiter for more information 503-588-6212.

Benefits

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

  • $37.61 - $49.44 per 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 include:

  • College education 
  • Other language skills

Minimum Requirements

To apply for a lateral police officer position, you must meet one of these requirements:

  • Have a valid police officer basic certificate
  • Have the eligibility for recertification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
  • Hold an equivalent certification and at least three-years recent experience as a police officer, including municipal, county, or state police officer.
  • In-state and out-of-state lateral applicants do not need to complete the National Testing Network or the Oregon Physical Abilities Test processes.

These requirements also apply:

  • Be a high school graduate, or have a GED certificate
  • Candidates who are not U.S. citizens must be able to attain citizenship status within 18 months of hire 
  • Complete a written examination and participate in an oral interview
  • Demonstrate excellent moral character and having made good life choices, as determined by an extensive, in-depth background investigation
  • Have good communication skills
  • Have minimum reading and writing skills at a 12th-grade level
  • Hold a valid driver license
  • Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays

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.