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.

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:

• $34.44 - $45.31 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.