Lateral Detective chez City of Gresham, OR

About the Department

Do you thrive when putting the puzzle pieces together, helping catch suspects and bringing justice to crime victims? Are you looking for a lateral growth opportunity, working with a first-rate investigation team in Oregon’s fourth largest city?  Do you have the desire to impact, inspire, and influence those you encounter each day through a community-oriented policing mindset?
 
 The City of Gresham is accepting applications for lateral police officers who are looking for a career assignment as a detective in the police department’s investigations unit! The department is seeking lateral police investigators who are of sound moral character; self-disciplined and highly motivated, demonstrating honesty and integrity in representing the core values of the community. Successful candidates will reinforce the department's efforts to achieve goals and objectives in providing public safety to the community and its residents.

This is a limited recruitment process where an eligible list of candidates will be created and used to fill current and future vacancies, specifically within the police department’s investigations unit. This position is represented by the Gresham Police Officers’ Association (GPOA).

As a detective, you will have opportunities to work on complex cases that require critical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills, collaborate with a diverse group of law enforcement professionals, learn new technologies and methods of investigative work; all playing critical roles in solving cases and bringing justice to victims, their families, and our community. 

This detective assignment opportunity is without term limits. As part of their duties, Gresham detectives support patrol operations by conducting detailed investigations into criminal matters which are beyond the scope and/or ability of patrol officers. They also participate in East County Major Crimes Team (MCT) investigations, a collaborative team comprised of investigators from Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Port of Portland, and Oregon State Police.

This is generally a non-uniformed, sworn law enforcement position that, in addition to a base salary and benefits, is eligible to receive: 4 - 6% premium pay (based on level of experience), a take home vehicle, and an annual clothing allowance of $720.

Key Responsibilities

Employees in this position are under the direct supervision of a detective sergeant and perform investigative activities which include, but are not limited to: 

• Investigating complex cases, including child abuse, sexual abuse, robbery, assault, homicide and other person crimes; identity theft, forgery, theft, burglary and other property crimes
• Interviewing suspects, victims and witnesses 
• Identifying, collecting and processing evidence
• Recovering stolen property
• Documenting crime scenes or evidence using advanced technologies 
• Preparing search and arrest warrants
• Writing reports that are accurate, detailed and professional
• Providing professional and effective courtroom testimony
• Maintaining good working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, court officials, businesses, community representatives and Gresham-area residents
• Identifying and locating suspects who are committing crimes in Gresham or other jurisdictions, as directed or required
• Responding when called to assist the patrol division or partner agencies on major crimes or crimes that patrol officers do not have the resources to investigate
• Being available for on-call responsibilities on a rotational basis
• Maintaining superior understanding of current case law and observing procedural law requirements while performing investigative duties

For a complete list of the essential duties, knowledge, skills and abilities required, and physical and mental demands, please review the complete job description of a sworn police officer for the City of Gresham.

 

 

 

Education and Experience Requirements

• Certified, sworn police officer with at least five (5) years of law enforcement experience; two of which must have been as a detective/investigator within the last twelve (12) months as of the date of application for this position
• Self-motivated with a high level of self-initiated activity
• Possess the ability and initiative to comprehensively investigate cases
• Demonstrated work history of thorough case investigations, leading to the arrest and prosecution of suspects
• Exceptional knowledge of criminal and procedural laws
• Experience preparing various types of search and arrest warrants
• Excel at conducting criminal interviews and interrogations
• Adept at identifying, documenting and collecting evidence
• History of communicating effectively with suspects, victims and witnesses, as well as peers, supervisors and other professional contacts
• Demonstrated ability to write detailed reports
• Superior knowledge of police policies and procedures, operating within these policies and procedures while performing job duties
• Work effectively within a team and maintain good working relationships with coworkers and supervisors
• Experience presenting case facts to varied groups (grand jury and trial court testimony, district attorney’s office, law enforcement professionals, community groups and media representatives)
• Ability to be flexible, working long and varied shift hours/days 
• Dependable, reliable and able to work independently and unsupervised 
• Maintain readiness to assist with patrol functions at all times

To qualify, candidates must be a certified sworn law enforcement officer with a minimum of five years law enforcement experience and a minimum of two years’ experience as a detective/investigator (currently or within the last twelve (12) months at the time of application). Employment will be conditioned upon a comprehensive background check, a psychological evaluation, and a medical evaluation including a pre-employment drug test.

If selected to continue through the process, you will be contacted with instruction for next steps.

Candidates hired as lateral detectives will be required to successfully complete Gresham Police Department’s sworn lateral police officer field training and evaluation program (FTEP) within the first probationary year of employment. The FTEP period may be altered or waived for lateral hires with in-state experience, at the discretion of the Chief of Police or their designee.

Our agency is proud to offer our police officers/detectives a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits and retirement packages, and extensive ongoing training opportunities to support the current and future needs of a thriving community.  You can find more information about Police salary and benefits:  Employee benefits and salary (greshamoregon.gov)
 
 
 
Why Gresham?
Work-life balance 
 Our police officers/detectives are dedicated and hard-working. But when they’re off duty, you’ll find them hitting the slopes, windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge, and more:

• Skiing or snowboarding at Mt. Hood, less than an hour away.
• Boating or windsurfing at the Columbia River Gorge, less than an hour away.
• 20-minute drive (and an easy commute) to downtown Portland, Oregon’s largest city—catch a Trail Blazers game, visit the theater, or explore the food scene.
• Camping and recreational activities with easy access, whether in the mountains or by rivers.
• Scenic, two-hour ride to Pacific Coast beaches.
• In town, enjoy Gresham’s historic downtown with more than 150 shops, restaurants and service businesses, or explore the 1,100+ acres of parks, natural areas and trails within the city.

Expand your opportunities 
 Interested in doing more? Detectives can apply for ancillary specialty assignments or build their future with potential promotional opportunities:

• SWAT
• Crisis Negotiation
• Vehicle Collision Team (VCT)
• Rapid Response Team (RRT)
• FBI Safe Streets Task Force
• Public Information Officer (PIO)
• Training Instructor
• UAV Pilot
• Honor Guard
• Peer Support
• Sergeant to Command Staff promotional opportunities

Financial Stability
 We offer competitive living-wage salaries with generous benefit packages, as well as department incentives like on-duty wellness time and longevity pay. In addition to base salary, detectives are eligible for overtime pay, premium pay for participation in specialty or instructor assignments, and certification pay, to name a few. City of Gresham benefits include:

• Paid Time Off (vacation): From 21.33 hours per month*
• Sick leave for longer-term illnesses
• Medical, vision, dental and life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• City participates in the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System
• Long-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health reimbursement account
• Flexible spending account
• Deferred compensation
• Uniforms, uniform cleaning, weapon and other equipment provided

*Starting PTO accrual will be determined using the accrual matrix in GPOA contract and based on total years of previous experience as a full-time public safety employee at another law enforcement agency (or agencies) plus time served at the Police Department.
 
Starting Salary Information:  OREGON OR OUT-OF-STATE EXPERIENCE. A new employee (certified or certifiable) with police experience in Oregon or another state and hired under the criteria of the City's lateral entry program shall be credited one pay step for each completed year of previous full-time paid experience as a sworn officer, up to a maximum starting pay of one step below the top step of the police officer salary range, which is currently Step 6. A lateral entry employee will be eligible to advance one step and additional subsequent steps on the salary schedule after successful completion of twelve (12) months of service in each step.

We are pleased to offer:

• A referral bonus of $1,000 once the referral has been sworn in
• Educational reimbursements up to $5,000 per year

 The City of Gresham Police Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.  We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities; women; protected veterans; and all other qualified police officer candidates looking for a lateral detective opportunity.
  
As Oregon's fourth-largest city, Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition and heritage meet innovation and opportunity. Gresham is a dynamic and rapidly growing city where families and businesses have a mutual desire and drive to thrive and prosper. City of Gresham employees care deeply about the community members they serve. Employees strive to deliver services in collaborative, innovative, practical, and nimble ways that go “one step beyond!” The work is challenging, fast-paced and rewarding.
  
We believe that to deliver the highest level of service to all Gresham community members, it is crucial we employ a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive working environment, and ensure our policies and systems result in equitable outcomes. The City seeks candidates who will support these values by continuously incorporating equity in their daily work, and actively contributing to a workplace culture that respects unique viewpoints, life experiences, and cultural perspectives. Come build the future with us.     

Position Duties

Gresham police officers provide emergency aid, security, and protection of life and property for the residents of Gresham by patrolling business, rural, and residential areas. They respond to requests for information and assistance, investigate criminal activity, subdue combative suspects, make arrests, work with people to solve problems associated with crime and neighborhood problems, and ensure proper enforcement of laws and regulations. While able to perform all duties listed above based on emergent department need, our police detectives primary role is to support our patrol functions by conducting detailed investigations into criminal matters which are beyond the scope and/or ability of patrol officers.
  
The ideal candidate will have current knowledge and understanding of the following:

• Federal, State of Oregon, Multnomah County, and City of Gresham laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Criminal behavior and causes underlying criminality and social, psychological and physical needs of criminals.
• Standard police practices, methods, and procedures.
• Safety standards, procedures, and precautions utilized in police activities.
• Methods of investigation, apprehension, and rules of evidence.
• Basic first aid and CPR procedures.
• The safe and appropriate use of firearms and other police related equipment.

An ideal candidate will also communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. They will apply principles and techniques of community policing, modern crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and all other aspects of law enforcement. Be able to skillfully and safely use firearms and other police related equipment while maintaining composure under adverse conditions such as public harassment, critical injuries, and death.
  
 A competitive candidate will show how they can establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and citizens from a variety of racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.  The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated history of positive community engagement.  They will also demonstrate how to effectively analyze situations quickly and objectively and are able to recognize actual and potentially dangerous situations, and to determine the proper course of action. Ability to present evidence in court effectively.  Be able to display a skill in observation and remembering details such as names, faces, and incidents.
 
 Police detectives need to maintain the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, which also includes the physical ability to handle persons resisting arrest.
 

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered a lateral detective applicant you must meet all of the following minimum qualifications:

• Have completed a state certified police academy,
• Have completed a law enforcement field training program or passed a probationary period of not less than one (1) year with a law enforcement agency as a full-time sworn officer.
• Have been employed as a full-time sworn officer within the five (5) year period prior to appointment to this position.
• Have at least a High School Diploma or G.E.D
• Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the date of hire
• Have no felony criminal record
• Be a US Citizen within 18 months from the hire date
• Have a driving record that meets the department standards

Candidates must have the ability to:

• Pass a pre-suitability assessment screening
• Pass a comprehensive background investigation
• Pass a post job offer psychological evaluation, medical examination, and drug screen 

Employment Automatic Disqualifiers list (CLICK HERE)

Other Qualifications

All candidates must apply online.  Faxed and emailed resumes, in lieu of an application, will not be accepted or considered. Incomplete applications will also not be considered.

To apply for this position, click 'Apply' at the top of this job posting.

Required application materials:

• A complete online application (do not leave fields blank or type 'see resume')
• Answers to supplemental questions
• High school diploma/G.E.D. or latest official education transcript
• Document(s) to verify completion of a law enforcement field training program and/or completion of a state certified police academy

Note to applicants that have previously applied with the City of Gresham Police Department:  Candidates that have previously applied within the last 5 years must check past communications from the City of Gresham Human Resources regarding eligibility to re-apply.

What to expect as an Applicant:

• All applications will be reviewed and screened for minimum requirements and automatic disqualifiers.  
  

• Candidates will be invited to participate in an (in-person or virtual) interview.  If you are not available for the dates offered upon receiving an invitation, please notify us via email to arrange for an interview at the next scheduled interview timeframe (if applicable). 
• Candidates will be placed on a ranked eligibility list based on their Interview timeframe and scores based on the panel interview score. Candidates will remain on the ranked eligibility list for one year from the job opening date.  Candidates will be contacted based on their ranked position on the eligibility list and the Police Officer vacancies available for hire.  Depending on the candidates' ranking, it may take several more weeks before an update can be provided.  

• Candidates who successfully complete Phase I and II, and next to be considered from the ranked eligible list will be invited to complete pre-suitability exam and personal history questionnaire (PHQ). This exam must be proctored virtually and generally takes 2 hours to complete and PHQ takes additional 1-3 hours to complete.  Complete details, technology needs, and equipment requirements will be sent by email message(s).  
• Once the pre-suitability exam is complete, candidates (with suitable results) will be invited to an executive interview.

Phase IV: Executive Interview 

• Candidates will meet with members of the Gresham Police Department Command staff.  Successful candidates will then be placed on an eligibility list for backgrounds.  

Phase V:  Statement of Personal History, Background Investigation & Conditional Employment Offer 

• Once assigned to a background investigator, an email link will be sent to the candidate to complete an electronic Statement of Personal History. This link and the requested information are deadline driven and require submission within the specified timeframe.  Candidates need to be thorough and honest in completing this information.
  
• Once the Statement of Personal History is complete, the candidate will be invited to meet in person or virtually with the background investigator for a Pre-Background interview.  This interview generally takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. 
• Upon successful completion of the Pre-Background screening, candidates will have a full and comprehensive background completed based on information provided in the Statement of Personal History and Pre-Background screening.  
• Once the candidate passes a full background, they will receive a conditional offer of employment pending successful completion of a psychological evaluation and full medical/physical exam.
  

• Candidates will be scheduled for a psychological exam which will include a proctored pre-interview virtual test followed by an interview with a clinical psychologist.
• Candidates will also be scheduled with a City of Gresham contracted medical provider to complete a physical exam, treadmill test, and drug screen.

•   If selected for hire, a candidate will be presented with a confirmation of employment letter to include hire date and swearing in.

We make every effort to minimize travel for our out of state candidates.  If you are a successful candidate, it is likely there will be one trip necessary to include an interview with the Police Chief and complete a job-related physical, treadmill test and drug screen. 

Candidates will be notified through the e-mail address provided on their application as to their status in the process. Any updated contact information should be provided by email to [email protected] as soon as it is available.
 
If a modification of this process is needed in order to accommodate a disability, please make your request in writing at the time of submitting an application to [email protected], or in person to a Human Resources representative at 1333 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham, OR 97030.
 
Veteran's Preference
The City of Gresham provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law. Any candidate wishing to have their qualifying veteran's preference applied to the process must submit a qualifying document (DD Form 214 or 215) at the time of application providing proof of eligibility that includes discharge status. Disabled veterans must also submit a copy of their Veteran's disability preference letter from the US Department of Veteran Affairs at the time of application, unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215.
 
Our Commitment
The City of Gresham is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without unlawful regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, familial status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, Oregon, or local law.

Contact Cathi.Forsythe@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-2549 with questions related to this recruitment.
 
For assistance with the online application system, contact NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627.  

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