According to 2019 statistics from the FBI, crime continues to fall in Oregon. Between 2018 and 2019, violent crime here fell about 1.2%.
There is plenty of work left to do, and you’ll be in a position to make a real contribution working as a state trooper, sheriff’s deputy, or police officer in the state of Oregon.
Jobs with the Oregon State Police
The primary role of the Oregon State Police is to protect drivers and passengers on Oregon’s public highways and to assist local sheriffs’ and police departments. In addition to transportation safety, troopers with the Oregon State Police are involved in a variety of measures to help protect public safety, including handling tsunami debris, enforcing gambling laws, intercepting drug shipments, and dealing with major crime investigations.
Applicants for state trooper positions in Oregon must pass a written test to be considered. Applications must be submitted on-line. Applicants are advised to work on their level of fitness, since many applicants do not pass the Physical Abilities Test.
Jobs with Sheriff’s Departments in Oregon
The counties of the state provide numerous opportunities for aspiring sheriff’s deputies in Oregon. Obtaining such a position requires 16 weeks of training at the state police academy in Salem. Some of the major employers of deputy sheriffs in Oregon include:
Lane County
The Lane County Sheriff’s Department has 214 sworn deputies who police over 4,600 square miles. Anyone hoping to join their ranks must be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or GED, along with two years of experience dealing with the public. Applicants who have had two years of college are preferred.
Multnomah County
Deputy sheriffs with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office provide services to those living or recreating in unincorporated parts of the county. Law enforcement on the waterways is a major part of their efforts.
Washington County
Deputy sheriffs of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are the first responders when those in the unincorporated areas of the county dial 911. The Sheriff’s Department leads many interagency teams to deal with incidents such as hostage situations, gang enforcement, and drug trafficking.
Those seeking jobs as deputies in Washington County can submit their application in person or online. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications undergo a series of tests, including a physical fitness test. Training to become a sheriff’s deputy in Washington County is done in-house for 7-8 weeks, after which candidates train at the State Police Academy.
Jobs with Municipal Police Departments in Oregon
Oregon has a great variety of large, small, and mid-sized municipalities that offer opportunities for policing at any level in urban areas.
Eugene
There was only one homicide in Eugene in 2018, and there was a drop in the number of robberies and assaults. The Eugene Police Department works closely with the community to ensure public safety. In a recently renovated building, they use the techniques of data led policing to help fight crime in Eugene. Physical fitness and stamina are important characteristics that officer applicants have to possess, since the department places emphasis on passing a fitness test.
Gresham
With its 132 sworn police officers, Gresham has a crime rate that is lower than the national average, but higher than much of the rest of the state. Recruiting from Gresham PD is handled by the city human resources department.
Portland
Portland’s murder rate was essentially unchanged form 2017 to 2018, but 12 of the 29 homicides that year remained unsolved in early 2019. The Portland Police Bureau protects the public with nearly 1,000 sworn officers in three precincts. They have a number of specialized divisions, including ones for forensic evidence and air support.
Police officers in Portland must be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or GED and meet additional qualifications, some of which include an associate degree or 2 years of previous law enforcement experience or military service.
Salem
More than 130 sworn officers of the Salem Police Department help to fight crime in the city using a model of Community Oriented Policing. Applicants for police officer jobs in Salem must be at least 21 years old at their time of appointment and have a high school diploma or a GED.
Oregon Law Enforcement Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Oregon’s law enforcement professionals earned an average salary of $78,000 as of May 2021.
The following police/sheriff’s department salary data was sourced from May 2021 BLS stats (early career = 25th percentile, senior/late career = 90th percentile).
Police Officer Salaries
Many Oregon cities, such as Portland, are having considerable difficulty in filling open police officer positions. This has had the effect of driving up starting salaries considerably, as well as adding other bonuses and compensation that aren’t reflected below.
Eugene Police Department
- Entry – $73,890
- Mid-Level – $83,580
- Senior – $89,830
Hillsboro Police Department
- Entry – $79,330
- Mid-Level – $83,080
- Senior – $100,330
Portland Police Bureau
- Entry – $79,330
- Mid-Level – $83,080
- Senior – $100,330
Salem Police Department
- Entry – $64,610
- Senior – $103,730
Sheriff’s Deputy Salaries
With a broad range of responsibilities, ranging from street patrol to search and rescue to law enforcement on the many lakes and rivers of rural Oregon, there’s a wide array of opportunities for sheriff’s deputies throughout the state. Departments in more urban regions tend to have higher pay rates.
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Department
- Entry – $64,610
- Senior – $103,730
Lane County Sheriff’s Department
- Entry – $73,890
- Mid-Level – $83,580
- Senior – $89,830
Marion County Sheriff’s Department
- Entry – $64,610
- Senior – $103,730
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department
- Entry – $79,330
- Senior – $100,330
State Trooper and State Police Salaries
The Oregon State Police have postings available all across the state, so there’s always a position to fit your preferences. Even better, the agency has some of the highest pay rates in the state at every rank, making it a lucrative choice as well.
- Entry – $65,440
- Senior – $100,270
2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for police and sheriff’s patrol officers. Job growth projections from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, Projections Central. Figures are based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2022.