Contact

Main Office
Police Department
- 541-322-2960
- police@bendoregon.gov

Join Our Team

The mission of the Bend Police Department is to protect and serve. We do this by safeguarding the lives and property of the community by upholding the law, preventing and investigating crime, and fostering trust and collaboration with the public. The department strives to provide professional, compassionate, and responsive law enforcement services that address the needs and concerns of the Bend community.

SELECTION PROCESS

Become an Entry-Level Officer

Step 1: Application Submission

If you are interested in sworn-officer positions at the Bend Police Department, you should submit a complete application, including a resume and cover letter, through our designated application portal: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/bend. 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. Please be sure to check. We are here to help you with any questions.

Step 2: Initial Screening and Interviews

Once the application period has closed, the Bend Police Department will review all applications received. This screening process takes into consideration your qualifications, experience, and education for the sworn officer position. Please note that this process may take some time, and you can expect to receive updates on your application status within two weeks of the closing date via email (although we try to complete this much sooner). Most job announcements will have the 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). This test evaluates your physical fitness, endurance, and ability to perform essential job tasks. You will also be asked to complete the National Testing Network Frontline exam if you do not have a four-year degree. This test will be provided by the City of Bend the day before in-person interviews.Please familiarize yourself with this test, as it can be difficult. Bend Police require you to complete the ORPAT within 5 minutes, 30 seconds. More information can be found at the following website: https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/cj/pages/orpat.aspx

Step 3: Background Investigation

Following the Chief’s interview, selected candidates will undergo a comprehensive background investigation. This investigation 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. Please note that the background investigation may take one month or more to complete. Additional information regarding qualifications and disqualifies can be found here: Background Investigation

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. These assessments ensure that you meet the physical and mental health standards necessary for the role of a sworn officer.

Step 5: Eligibility to Start

Upon successfully completing all previous stages of the selection process and meeting the Bend Police Department's standards and requirements, you will be deemed eligible to start. Congrats! At this stage, you will receive an official offer of employment and begin the necessary preparations for training and onboarding.

It's important to note that the recruitment and hiring process may vary slightly depending on the specific position and the current needs of the Bend Police Department. Therefore, applicants should carefully review the application instructions and follow any additional steps or requirements outlined by the department. The Bend Police Department is an accredited agency. As such, we use the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Minimum Standards for Employment as a Law Enforcement Officer or Utilization as a Reserve Officer. This Oregon Revised Statute can be found at the following website: https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=300595

Applicants are encouraged to maintain regular communication with the Bend Police Department's recruitment coordinator throughout the process to stay informed about their application status and any updates regarding next steps.

Become a Lateral Officer

Join our Professional Team

The Bend Police Department has a wide array of non-sworn positions. You can find current openings at our application portal: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/bend. Here are some of the non-sworn positions that members of our community hold at the Bend Police Department.

Crime Analyst: Crime analysts play a vital role in analyzing crime patterns, trends, and data to support proactive law enforcement strategies. They use various analytical tools, software, and databases to identify patterns, provide intelligence, and contribute to crime prevention efforts. Career progression opportunities for crime analysts may involve specialization in specific areas such as intelligence analysis, strategic planning, or becoming a senior analyst overseeing a team of analysts.

Qualifications for crime analysts may include:

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, statistics, or a related field or equivalent experience, or have honorably served in the military. Higher education may be preferred.
Strong analytical and research skills
Proficiency in data analysis software and crime mapping technology

Community Service Officer: Community Service Officers (CSOs) play a crucial role in enhancing community-oriented policing efforts at the Bend Police Department. They actively engage with community members, provide non-emergency support, and promote public safety through education and outreach. This is a great opportunity for applicants looking to learn more or gain experience in the career of law enforcement. Career progression opportunities for CSOs may involve specialized training in areas such as crime prevention, community outreach, or advancement to supervisory roles within the Community Service Officer program or to the Officer position.

Qualifications for Community Service Officers may include:

High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of college coursework at time of application; or have served in the military with an honorable discharge or any equivalent combination of education and experience
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to interact effectively with diverse community members
Knowledge of community policing principles and practices

Forensic Evidence Technician: Forensic Evidence Technicians are responsible for processing and analyzing physical evidence collected from crime scenes. They utilize scientific methods, techniques, and specialized equipment to gather, document, and preserve evidence for analysis and presentation in court.

Qualifications for forensic specialists often include:

One-year certificate from college or technical school or have served in the military with an Honorable Discharge or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
2 to 3 years’ experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks.
Strong attention to detail and documentation skills

Records Program Specialist: Records program specialists are responsible for managing and maintaining the department's records and documentation. They ensure the accuracy, integrity, and accessibility of records, including incident reports, arrest records, and administrative documents. Career progression opportunities for records program specialists may involve supervisory roles within the records unit or advanced positions in records management and administration.

Qualifications for records program specialists may include:

High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) and at least one year of customer service and clerical/office work experience, or have served in the military with an Honorable Discharge or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficiency in database management systems and recordkeeping software
Strong organizational and attention to detail skills

Evidence Program Specialist: Evidence program specialists are responsible for the proper handling, storage, and documentation of evidence collected during investigations. They maintain the chain of custody, ensure the integrity of evidence, and coordinate its analysis and presentation in court. Career progression as an evidence program specialist may involve senior positions overseeing the evidence unit, specialized training in evidence management, or contributing to policy development related to evidence handling.

Qualifications for evidence program specialists often include:

High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) and at least one year of customer service and clerical/office work experience; or have served in the military with an Honorable Discharge or any equivalent combination of education and experience
Proficiency in database or inventory management systems and recordkeeping software
Strong organizational and attention to detail skills
Proficiency in inventory management systems and evidence tracking software

Public Safety Systems Technician: Public safety systems technicians provide technical support and maintenance for the department's information systems, telecommunications, and public safety technologies. They ensure the functionality and reliability of critical systems, including phone communication, radio communications, computer-aided dispatch communication (CAD), and many other law enforcement specific programs. Career progression as a public safety systems technician may involve advanced technical certifications, specialized training in public safety technologies, or assuming supervisory roles within the department's technology unit.

Qualifications for public safety systems technicians may include:

Associate's or bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field, or have served in the military with an Honorable Discharge or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in systems administration and technical support
Knowledge of public safety communication systems and equipment
Certifications in relevant technology and software applications

Please note that the specific qualifications, training requirements, and career progression opportunities within each role may vary. It is advisable for individuals interested in these positions to research the Bend Police Department's specific requirements and contact the department for more detailed information.

The Bend Police Department values the contributions of professional non-sworn personnel who support its operations, enabling effective law enforcement, community engagement, and the delivery of essential services to the Bend community.