Police Officer

This is an informational post ONLY outlining the hiring process for Entry Level Police Officers with the City of Forest Grove Police Department (FGPD).

Click here to view the full Entry Level Police Officer position profile

To Apply: 

Visit the NTN website and locate the City of Forest Grove's job announcement. All applicants must submit required scores to FGPD through the National Testing Network (NTN) before the closing deadline of 11:59 P.M. on 08/23/2026. 

(www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/)  

** Please see the hiring process section located at the bottom of this posting.**

Please read below for more information about our testing and hiring process -

Do you want to be part of a progressive and dynamic team where service, compassion, and innovation define your success? The City of Forest Grove Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer from candidates willing to make law enforcement a career life choice. Candidates must understand the intrinsic value of serving others while also committing to the courage and professionalism required as a code of honor in the law enforcement profession. If you believe in Service, Integrity, and Professionalism, then you just might find a home with the Forest Grove Police Department.   A Police Officer performs a variety of duties in the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; conducts investigations and provides protection to safeguard citizens' lives and property; provides support and assistance to special department programs; and performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.    

Benefit Information: 

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

• Sabbatical Leave
• Service Recognition/Longevity Program
• Health, Vision & Dental Insurance
• 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Physical Fitness Incentive
• Incentive and Premium Program

The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

2. Patrol the City to preserve law and order; discover and prevent the commission of crimes and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; issue warnings and citations; direct traffic at fires, special events and emergency situations.
3. Respond to general public service calls and complaints involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints and related incidents, missing persons, and threats to public safety or health.
4. Conduct investigations of criminal violations and/or activities; review and analyze crime reports for pertinent facts; interview victims and witnesses; interrogate suspects; conduct visual and photographic surveillance of criminal activity; prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; apprehend and arrest offenders.
5. Execute powers of arrest and control including full search, rights advisement and warrant execution.
6. Perform duties using appropriate force to gain compliance from threats; defend self with or without weapons; discharge firearms.
7. Operate emergency vehicles in hazardous road conditions and during high-speed pursuits and responses.
8. Testify in juvenile, civil, traffic, municipal and criminal courts, and parole and Department of Motor Vehicles hearings; prepare and present evidence.
9. Participate in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills and general policing skills.
10. Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems; preserve good relationships with the general public.
11. Prepare a variety of reports on activities, operations, arrests and unusual incidents observed.
12. As assigned, schedule, organize, plan and implement training programs; evaluate training requirements; schedule and maintain records on all mandated training; conduct training courses; evaluate program effectiveness.
13. Perform related duties and responsibilities when assigned to specialized department areas, including gang enforcement, neighborhood watch or drug enforcement programs.
14. Perform related duties and responsibilities as a property/evidence officer when assigned.
15.  Contribute to a positive work environment.
16. Maintain regular, predictable attendance and punctuality
17. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
 
CLASSIFICATION ASSIGNMENTS
Police officers may be assigned duties and responsibilities focused in an area of specialty that is consistent with the job classification, including but not limited to:
 

1. Patrol -- responsible for the first response to calls for service, traffic enforcement, accident investigation, drug enforcement, preliminary criminal investigations and media relations.

2. Detective -- responsible for the follow-up of serious criminal offenses, conducting background investigations on new employees, Crime Stoppers, drug/gang enforcement, informant and intelligence files and the sex offender registration program.

3. School Resources Officer (SRO) -- the SRO is an advocate for students and youth in the community, investigates crime, provides classroom instruction, attends extra-curricular events and acts as a mentor and role model for students in the area of alcohol abuse resistance, decision making, self-esteem enhancement and positive alternative choices. The SRO will assist in enhancing communication between police and youth in the community, facilitating the partnership between the schools, parents, the community and youth.

Applicants must have the equivalent to high school graduation, be a United States citizen, possess a valid driver's license, have an acceptable criminal history and driving record, and be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. Experience in law enforcement, military, or related field desirable; college-level coursework preferred. Possession of, or ability to obtain, valid basic Oregon DPSST certification.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Environment: Emergency Peace control environment; travel from site to site; exposure to hostile environments, traffic hazards, and inclement weather conditions; extensive public contact. Willingness and ability to work rotating shifts (including nights), weekends, holidays and extended hours. Officers may rotate shifts every three months. Days off and shifts are selected on a seniority basis.

Mobility: Incumbents require sufficient mobility to restrain or subdue individuals; physical endurance in running and climbing; heavy, moderate or light lifting; good balance and hearing; discharge firearms and utilize various other law enforcement equipment; to operate a motorized vehicle.

Vision, Hearing and Communication: Incumbents in this class require vision consistent with Police Standards set by the State of Oregon. Vision sufficient to read small printed documents, computer screens and other documents. Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person and over the telephone. 

Hiring Process and Deadline to Apply:

To be considered the following MUST be in the NTN system (visible to FGPD) by 11:59 P.M. on 08/23/2026 - 

1. Your NTN FrontLine National written/video tests with the following passing minimum scores:
   1. Human Relations Video Score: 65%
   2. Writing Score: 70%
   3. Reading: 70%
2. A completed/up to date Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).
3. A passing PAT or ORPAT from a credible agency conducted within the last six months must be emailed to [email protected]. 

FGPD Application Process
Scores will be pulled from NTN after the deadline. Forest Grove Human Resources will notify successful candidates directly via email about the next steps in the process which will require completing a brief application via the City of Forest Grove NEOGOV system, after which the following steps occur:

• Application screening for minimum qualifications & preferred qualifications
• ORPAT for those who were unable to submit one (date TBD)
• Criminal History Screening
• Oral Boards
• Chief's Interview

After Chief’s interviews, if a conditional offer of employment is extended, the following steps will occur as the candidate continues through the selection process (this recruitment process may also be used to create an eligibility list):

• Background Investigation
• DPSST Physical examination
• Pre-Employment Drug Screening
• Psychological Evaluation

Appropriate documentation verifying veteran status, including DD-214 or DD-215 plus the City of Forest Grove's Veterans Preference Form must be submitted if claiming veteran's preference. Applications will be screened through an evaluation of skills, experience and work history. Please note that the Education and Experience sections of the application must be filled out completely and truthfully. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the required application. Incomplete applications may be disqualified from the selection process. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process.
  
A thorough background investigation will be completed on selected candidates. Successful completion of post-offer drug screening, DPSST physical and psychological examination will be required prior to a confirmation offer of employment. New hires will be enrolled in the Oregon PERS retirement plan. Advancement within the range is considered annually based on performance. Additional compensation is available for qualified employees through the City's incentive program. This is an equal employment opportunity.

Position Status:  

This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is represented by FGPA (Forest Grove Police Association). 

Please be sure to include in your application a valid email address you check frequently (including spam and junk folders), as candidates may be notified via email.