Become a Police Officer

CPD is Hiring » Apply Now

Imagine raising a family in a thriving city that ranks high in livability — and working where community policing is a priority. 

Come advance your law enforcement career at the only meritorious CALEA-accredited agency in the state of Oregon. 

Corvallis Police Department - Recruiting Now from City of Corvallis on Vimeo.

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary for an entry level recruit police officer is: 

• $39.78 hourly
• $6,895 a month
• $82,747 annually

There are six steps in the police officer classification.  The salary at the top step* of this classification is: 

• $50.77 hourly
• $8,800 a month
• $105,609 annually

*does not include additional incentives (ex: Top step Police Officer with Advanced Certification and Fitness Incentive is $116,173 annually)

Lateral Police Officers: The Chief of Police has the discretion to start Lateral Officers at a higher pay step consistent with years of experience and grant all incentives afforded members under the current CPOA Contract. Lateral Officers will be credited with 80 hours of vacation and 40 hours of sick time upon hire and will receive credit for time served for placement on the vacation accrual schedule. Additionally Lateral Officers will serve a shorter probationary period of 12 months.

The City of Corvallis offers an excellent benefits package

Incentives 

The City of Corvallis Police Department offers several different incentives to Police Officers: 

Certification from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST): 

    Intermediate Certification:  3% addition to base salary

    Advanced Certification:  5% addition to base salary

Physical Fitness:  Annual physical fitness testing is offered. Officers who pass the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) will earn a 2% addition to base salary. 

Bilingual:  A 5% increase to base salary can be earned by those officers who demonstrate proficiency in a second language.  Proficiency is demonstrated through annual testing. 

Specialty Assignments: Certain assignments have incentive increases on base salary ranging from 5 - 10%. See below.

Opportunities for Advancement and Special Assignments  

• Patrol K9 Programs (10% pay incentive plus take home vehicle)
• Street Crimes Unit (5 - 8% pay incentive plus take home vehicle)
• Detective Unit (5 - 8% pay incentive plus take home vehicle)
• Computer Forensic Examiner (5 - 8% pay incentive plus take home vehicle)
• Field Training Officer (5% pay incentive)
• Drone Pilot
• Special Response Team (Multi-Agency tactical team)
• Crisis Negotiation Team (Multi-Agency tactical team)
• Major Crash Team 
• Motorcycle Traffic Officer (5% pay incentive)
• Bicycle Patrol
• OSU Greek Liaison Program
• Training Officer (5% pay incentive)
• Community Livability Unit (5% pay incentive)
• Drug Recognition Expert
• Peer Support Team
• Mental Health Response Team (5% pay incentive)

Requirements to Become a Corvallis Police Officer 

• At least 21 years of age at time of hire

• Possess a High School Diploma or GED (60 semester/90 quarter hours accredited college preferred)

• Ability to pass a background investigation

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen

• Must be a US Citizen within 18 months of date of hire

• Ability to meet physical, medical and psychological requirements for the position (see Oregon Administrative Rule 259-008-0010 Minimum Standards for Employment as a Law Enforcement Officer:  www.oregon.gov/DPSST)

The Hiring Process

The recruitment process for the police officer position will take approximately 6 months to complete.  You must pass each step in order to continue in the process. Prior applicants are eligible to reapply. 

1. Complete the job application
2. Complete speed interviews
3. Interview with the hiring board
4. Final Interview with the Captain and Chief of Police
5. Complete the Next Generation Law Enforcement test
6. Comprehensive Background Investigation
7. Receive a conditional job offer contingent on passing medical/psychological exams
8. Receive a final offer

Note: This is an estimated timeline and may vary between applicants and processes. The City of Corvallis is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer in compliance with INRA and ADA.