Police Officer Requirements - Oregon
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Minimum Requirements to be a Police Officer in Oregon
Published: August 18, 2024
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To become a police officer in Oregon, candidates must meet specific qualifications and requirements set by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) and individual law enforcement agencies.
Below is an overview of these key qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Driver’s License: Must hold a valid Oregon driver's license.
- Criminal Record: Must have no felony convictions and no misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude or domestic violence.
- Physical Fitness: Must pass a physical fitness test, which may include assessments like running, push-ups, and sit-ups.
- Medical and Psychological Evaluations: Must pass comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations to ensure fitness for duty.
- Moral Character: Must demonstrate good moral character, which will be verified through a thorough background investigation.
- Fingerprinting: Candidates must be fingerprinted within 90 days of hire, and these fingerprints must be processed by the Oregon State Police Identification Services Section.
Additional Requirements
- First Aid and CPR Certification: Must obtain First Aid and Adult/Child CPR certification.
- Basic Certification: Must complete a Basic Police Officer Training program at an approved academy within 18 months of hire and apply for Basic certification through the DPSST.
Do Your Research
While state-level qualifications set the baseline for becoming a police officer, individual police agencies often implement stricter hiring standards to align with their specific needs and values.
These enhanced criteria can include regulations on tattoos, facial hair, background checks, and more.
Additionally, agencies might conduct more rigorous background checks than the state requires, diving deeper into an applicant’s history, including financial records, social media activity, and past behavior, to ensure candidates meet the department's ethical and professional standards.
Be sure to conduct more research into the requirements, qualifications, and disqualifications for specific agencies so that you are well prepared before entering their hiring process.
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Sources
- Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)
- Go Law Enforcement - Oregon Police Officer Requirements
- Portland Police Bureau - Minimum Requirements
- How to Become a Police Officer in Oregon | How-to-Become
Disclaimer
The requirements and qualifications for becoming a police officer may be subject to change due to updates in state legislation and public safety laws.
We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information; however, we recommend verifying with the relevant state or local law enforcement authorities to ensure compliance with the current standards and requirements.
