Entry level OFFICERS
Your law enforcement career begins here.
Earn up to $92,756 your first year.
Calculate your new bend pd salary:
WONDERING IF BEND POLICE IS THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOU?
Listen to real Bend Police officers share their experiences.
comprehensive benefits offerings for
individuals & families
MEDICAL
& DENTAL
Full-time employees currently pay 10% of a high-deductible health plan for medical, vision and prescription coverage. The employer places the deductible amount into an HRA Comp-A account for the employee’s use. Unused amounts are rolled annually into an HRA VEBA. Full-time employees pay 10% of their dental plan and receive a $2,000 annual benefit which includes orthodontia coverage.
Public Employees Retirement System
The City of Bend participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee’s behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes an “employer” contribution based on the employee’s Tier I, II or OPSRP member status as well as the “employee” 6% member contribution.
ADDITIONAL
COVERAGES
The City of Bend offers its employees a variety of services and optional coverages including life insurance; long- and short-term disability coverages; TeleHealth access; flex spending accounts; ground and air ambulance membership; 457 Deferred Compensation plans; tuition reimbursement; federal student loan forgiveness; and an employee assistance program offering financial and estate planning and more.
Qualifications
Qualifications for sworn police officers:
Age: You must be at least 21 years old when you’re hired.
Education: You need a high school diploma or GED, plus either two years of college, military service with an honorable discharge, or a similar mix of education and experience that gives you the skills needed for the job.
Driver’s License: You must have (or be able to get) an Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of being hired.
Background Check: You must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, including a criminal history check, and obtain an Oregon State Police Criminal Justice Information Systems clearance.
Certification: You must be able to obtain certification from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training’s Minimum Standards of Employment as a Law Officer within the first 12 months of employment.
Please note: the minimum standards for employment as a law enforcement officer are set by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.
Candidates must maintain a drug-free lifestyle as a condition of consideration for employment. Law enforcement agencies expect applicants to demonstrate sound judgment, personal responsibility, and long-term reliability, and an individual’s substance-use history is a significant factor in that assessment. Illegal drug use or the misuse of prescription medication may result in disqualification, delays in the hiring process, or concerns regarding integrity and accountability.
A sustained commitment to remaining drug-free reflects maturity, professionalism, and readiness to uphold the high standards required to serve and protect the community.
Please note that while marijuana is legal in the State of Oregon, it remains illegal under federal law and must be disclosed accordingly during the hiring process.
SELECTION PROCESS
Step 1: Application Submission
If you are interested in sworn-officer positions at the Bend Police Department, complete the application at the link below. It is essential to ensure that all required documents are included, and that the application is filled out accurately and completely. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Step 2: Initial Screening and Interviews
Once the application period has closed, the Bend Police Department will review all applications received. This process may take some time, and you can expect to receive updates on your application status during the process. Most job announcements have an anticipated timeline for each step in the selection process. If you are selected to continue you will receive an invite to a web-based interview, then an in-person interview and finally a Chief’s interview. If you are invited to the in-person interview, you will also have the option to participate in the physical fitness test (ORPAT).
Step 3: Background Investigation
Selected candidates undergo a comprehensive background investigation that includes a thorough examination of personal, criminal, and employment history, as well as reference checks. Applicants are required to provide additional documentation and information as requested during this stage. The background investigation may take one month or more to complete.
Step 4: Medical Evaluation and Psychological Assessment
Once you successfully pass the background investigation, you will be required to undergo a medical evaluation and psychological assessment to ensure you meet the physical and mental health standards necessary for the role of a sworn officer. Once completed successfully, you will receive an official offer of employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about what it’s like to work for the Bend Police Department? We’ve got answers! Check out these commonly asked questions below.
If you have additional questions, contact our recruiting team.
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No. If you live out of the area, you will be expected to use your own funds to travel to Bend at least once during the process.
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Officers applying for a special assignment must be off probation and have three full years of work experience as a certified police officer.
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The Basic Police Academy is only available to candidates who have been hired by an Oregon law enforcement agency. It is held at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) in Salem. This academy is approximately 640 hours, typically Monday through Friday and 16 weeks in length. Those attending the academy have the option to stay at the facility free of charge in a dorm-style room. If you live out of the area, you have the option to travel home on the weekends.
You do not need to take the National Testing Network test before you apply. The Bend Police Department will sponsor and pay for your test if you are selected to advance in the interview process.
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ORPAT scores are valid for 12 months. The Bend Police Department honors any ORPAT score under 5 minutes, 30 seconds that includes the push-pull machine and dummy drag.
NTN exams are valid for 12 months.
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You do not need to live in Bend to work for the Bend Police Department.
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The Bend Police Department will supply you with all duty gear and uniforms. The Department’s uniform policy allows visible tattoos, though generally not on the neck, head or face. Facial hair is permitted as long as it is clean and neatly trimmed. Read Policy 1023 for personal appearance and grooming standards and Policy 1024 for uniform regulations.
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The application, interview, and background check can take between 90 and 120 days. Approximate timelines are noted in each job announcement.