Police Officer

The hiring process for an entry level police officer position involves several steps to ensure that candidates are qualified and fit for the role. Below is an outline of the process:

  1. Application Submission: The entry level Police Officer application process is open for a three-week period but can be extended depending on the number of applications received. The application, supplemental questionnaire, and cover letter are evaluated and scored.
  2. Written Examination: Candidates must take a written test online prior to the application deadline to be eligible for an interview. This exam will assess their knowledge, reasoning, and problem-solving skills relevant to law enforcement (see below for instructions on taking the written examination).
  3. Initial Screening: Human resources reviews applications to ensure candidates meet minimum qualifications (e.g., age, education, and background).  Applications are then submitted to the Administrative Lieutenant for final review.  If the candidate is selected to move forward, they will be invited to Interview.
  4. Oral Panel Interview: The candidate will participate in an oral panel interview, where the candidate must respond to a series of questions and scenarios that are given by a panel of interviewers. Candidates are assessed on their communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and suitability for police work. The interview typically takes 45-60 minutes.
  5. Chief’s Interview: If the candidate passes the Oral Panel Interview, they will move on to a Chief’s Interview. The Chief’s Executive Assistant will reach out to schedule your Chief’s Interview (typically a week after oral panel interviews). The candidate must respond to a series of questions that are given to the candidate by the Chief and his command staff. The interview typically takes 30-45 minutes.
  6. Hiring List Established: If the candidate passes the Chief’s Interview and there are no immediate positions open, a list of qualified candidates is developed and as positions become available, they are notified in order based on the developed list. This list is typically good for up to one year from the application process. If there is an open position available, the candidate will go directly into the background process.
  7. Tentative Offer: A tentative job offer is given to candidates pending the results of the pre-employment background, psychological, physical and drug screening. This offer will include pay and benefits.
  8. Background Investigation: A thorough background investigation is conducted, including criminal history, employment verification, credit history, and interviews with references.
  9. Psychological Evaluation: Administered by a forensic psychologist located in the Portland area, this examination is scheduled as soon as possible after the background investigation has been passed. However, due to the busy schedule of the psychologist, this examination could take several weeks to obtain an appointment.
  10. Medical Examination Including Drug Screen: After successful completion of the psychological evaluation, the candidate is scheduled with a doctor selected by the City of Grants Pass for a medical examination to determine the candidate's ability to meet the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) certification standards.
  1. Physical Agility Test (PAT): Candidates will be required to pass a physical agility test as part of the medical examination.  The candidate must bring comfortable clothing with belt loops to the medical examination.  The PAT requires a job-appropriate level of physical fitness. Candidates will have seven minutes to pass the physical test.
  1. Final Offer of Employment: Once the candidate has passed all previous steps, a final offer of employment is given with a start date.
  2. Training Academy: New police officer’s will be required to attend the 16-week DPSST police academy located in Salem, OR. During that time, the officer will go through intensive and extensive training to become certified as a police officer.
  3. Field Training: After academy training, recruits undergo field training with a veteran officer to gain practical experience. There will be a minimum of 13-weeks of field training.
  4. Probationary Period: New police officers will serve an 18-month trial service period during which their performance is closely monitored.
  5. Ongoing Training: Certified officers are required to meet specific training requirements annually that are set by DPSST. Failure to meet these standards will result in suspension of certification.  

For more information or questions regarding the hiring process and or benefits you may reach out to Human Resources Personnel Analyst, Toni Martin, at (541)450-6050 or for questions regarding the requirements and or testing process you may reach out to Administrative Lieutenant, John Moore, at (541)450-6260.

Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST):

For more information on the minimum standards set by DPSST, please follow the link to their website: Department of Public Safety Standards and Training : Career in Criminal Justice : Criminal Justice : State of Oregon

Written Examination Information: 

The City of Grants Pass offers full testing services for the position of Police Officer through National Testing Network (NTN). To register with NTN and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select ‘Find Jobs’, then select Law Enforcement Jobs and sign up for City of Grants Pass.
 
**Complete the written test at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com and the on-line application to be considered for an interview.**
 
When you visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website:

  • Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test.
  • Review all information related to the City of Grants Pass (Police Officer), including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits.
  • Review detailed information about the testing process.
  • Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired).

Upon completion of your scheduled exam, scores are automatically forwarded to the City of Grants Pass. City of Grants Pass will contact candidates on the list and will invite them to participate in further stages of the selection process.
 
National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry level testing in a standardized, professional environment. National Testing Network does not replace the City of Grants Pass responsibility and decision making in the testing process.   All candidate results are provided to the City of Grants Pass where the final decisions are made. 

Veterans: 

The Grant Pass Police Department is approved for the On the Job Training (OJT) Program through the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and you may be a veteran that qualifies for GI Bill/OJT training benefits.  
 
Your military service (VA) education benefits may apply to on-the-job training (field training) through our agency as a police officer. Check out the GI BILL Opportunities for Veteran First Responders which details how these benefits can be used.