Lateral / certified officer · Posted Oct 1, 2026
Police Officer - Lateral Detective
Pay
$80,820 to $104,676$80,820.00 - $104,676.00 Annually
Closes
Oct 25, 2026Closes Oct 25, 2026
Bonus
None stated
Laterals
Out-of-state OKLateral Police Officers will be required to successfully compete Forest Grove Police Department's field training and evaluation program (FTEP).
Also offered
Money and perks the posting mentions that are not a hiring bonus.- 5% investigations premium pay
- take-home vehicle
- annual clothing allowance of $590.00
In the posting's words
The sentences our figures come from.21 years of age at time of appointmentCompletion of the twelfth grade or equivalentCompletion of state certified police academyThe City of Forest Grove is seeking qualified Lateral Police OfficersHave been employed as a full-time sworn officer with at least five (5) years of experiencea take-home vehicleNew hires will be enrolled in the Oregon PERS retirement planThe posting
From GovernmentJobs.com · read Oct 5, 2026 · originalThe posted salary range reflects base compensation only and does not include additional incentive or premium pay.
The City of Forest Grove is seeking qualified Lateral Police Officers who are interested in becoming detectives at our Forest Grove Police Department. Currently, this detective assignment is a five (5) year appointment with extension at the discretion of the Police Chief.
A City of Forest Grove Police Detective will get to know businesses and residents; assist Patrol as needed; conduct complex and detailed investigations into criminal matters which are beyond the scope and/or ability of Patrol; enforce state and local laws; and demonstrate service orientation with an understanding of community-oriented policing. Detectives may participate in multiagency investigation groups, such as the Washington County Major Crimes Team.
This assignment is generally a non-uniformed sworn law enforcement position that, in addition to a base salary and benefits, is eligible to receive: 5% investigations premium pay, a take-home vehicle and an annual clothing allowance of $590.00 (paid semi-annually: $295.00).
This position is represented by the
Forest Grove Police Association
.
An employee in the detectives assignment is under the direct supervision of the Detective Sergeant or designee and performs investigative activities which include, but are not limited to:
Investigate complex cases including but not limited to child abuse, sexual abuse, rape, assault, robbery, homicide, and other person crimes; identity theft, forgery, theft, burglary, and other property crimes
Interview suspects, victims, and witnesses
Identify, collect, and process evidence
Recover stolen property
Document crime scenes or evidence using advanced technology
Prepare search and arrest warrants, as well as other court orders
Write reports that are accurate, detailed, and professional
Provide professional and effective courtroom testimony
Maintain good reputation and working relationships with businesses, residents, other law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors in the Portland metro area
Identify and locate suspects who are committing crimes in Forest Grove or other jurisdictions as directed or required
Respond when called to assist Patrol or partner agencies on major crimes or crimes that Patrol officers do not have the resources to investigate
Be available for on-call responsibilities on a rotational basis
Maintain a high level of knowledge regarding current case law and observe procedural law while performing investigative duties
Respond to calls for service if needed
For a complete list of the essential duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities required, and physical demands, please review the complete
job description
of a sworn Police Officer with City of Forest Grove.
Education:
Completion of the twelfth grade or equivalent
College-level coursework preferred
Experience:
Completion of state certified police academy
Completion of a law enforcement field training program
Have been employed as a full-time sworn officer with at least five (5) years of experience
Experience in detectives or similar investigative roles preferred
If no experience in detectives or similar investigative role, relevant experience in Patrol performing advanced investigations demonstrating knowledge of criminal and procedural laws; the ability to conduct complex investigations, including conducting interviews and/or interrogations, identifying, documenting and collecting evidence, and writing detailed reports; and experience preparing search and arrest warrants.
Other Requirements:
United States citizenship
Valid driver's license
21 years of age at time of appointment
Acceptable criminal history with no felony record
Driving record that meets policy and department standards
Lateral Police Officers will be required to successfully compete Forest Grove Police Department's field training and evaluation program (FTEP).
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.
Selection Process (evaluated at each step):
Application screening for minimum qualifications & preferred qualifications
DMV & Criminal History screening
Assessment Process including an Oral Bord Interview and Case Presentation
Thorough Background Investigation
DPSST Physical Examination
Pre-Employment Drug Screening
Psychological Evaluation
Submit completed City application online by the posted deadline. Appropriate documentation verifying veteran status, including DD-214 or DD-215,
NGB Form 22 or a certification that you are a state service member of the Oregon National Guard
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 pr
About Forest Grove PD
Full department page- Starting pay$80,820
- Top of scale$104,676
- Sworn officers (2025)31
- Open jobs2
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