Lateral Detective

Salary : $81,309.00 - $103,814.00 Annually Location : Gresham, OR Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 26-27 Department: Police Opening Date: 09/24/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Overview 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 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: 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 opportunitiesInterested 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 StabilityWe 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 monthSick 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 Description 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. QualificationsTo 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 Selection Process 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: Phase I: Application All applications will be reviewed and screened for minimum requirements and automatic disqualifiers. Phase II: Interview & Eligible List 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. Phase III: Pre-Suitability Assessment 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. Phase VI: Psychological Evaluation & Job-Related 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. Phase VI: Confirmation of Employment letter 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 toas 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 , or in person to a Human Resources representative at 1333 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham, OR 97030. Veteran's PreferenceThe 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 CommitmentThe 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 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. The City provides full family, comprehensive medical and dental insurance. Vision and prescription coverages are included in the medical plans. Most limited term and regular status employees who work at least 30 hours per week pay nothing for their medical and dental coverage. Medical Insurance Options: City of Gresham Core Plan- UnitedHealthcare Options PPO Network Kaiser Permanente Traditional HMO Dental Insurance Options: Delta Dental PPO Plan Willamette Dental Insurance Kaiser Permanente. Additional benefits include: life insurance, long term disability, a deferred compensation plan, flexible spending accounts (medical, child care, Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement (City picks up the employee's 6% contribution),an HRA/VEBA account, paid time off (PTO) and sick leave and nine paid holidays plus two paid floating holidays. For more detailed information, please visit our Employee Benefits page at: 01 Have you applied with the City of Gresham Police Department before? Yes No 02 If you have previously applied for a position with the Gresham Police Department, please provide the year and position. 03 Are you a United States Citizen or have the ability to become one within 18 months of hire? Yes No 04 What best describes your highest level of education? High School Diploma or GED Some College Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree or Above None of the above 05 Have you completed a state certified police academy? Yes No 06 Have you 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? Yes No 07 Have you been employed as a full-time sworn officer within the five (5) year period prior to applying for this position? Yes No 08 Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Yes No 09 Have you ever been convicted of a crime of domestic violence? Yes No 10 Have you been convicted of a sex-related crime or ever been required to register as a Sex Offender? Yes No 11 Have you ever failed to pay income tax or child support? Yes No 12 Are you lawfully allowed to possess a firearm? For example, convictions of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may restrict your ability to possess a firearm. Yes No 13 Do you have a valid Driver's License Yes No 14 Have you been involved in a major traffic offense or accident (fault was established as yours) that results in death or major injury. Yes No 15 Have you been convicted of a driving under the influence (DUI) offense within the last 5 years? Yes No 16 In the last 5 years, have you had more than 3 moving violations within a 3-year period or more than 2 within a one-year period? Yes No 17 In the last 5 years, have you had more than 2 motor vehicle accidents within a 3-year period where you were at fault? Yes No 18 In the last 12 months, have you used any substance containing cannabis, marijuana, or THC? Yes No 19 Other than when it was personally prescribed by a doctor, have you used any of the following drugs in the last 3 years? (check all that apply) Xanax Valium Klonopin Other Benzodiazepines Adderall Ritalin Obetrol Other Amphetamines Oxycodone Oxycontin Percocet Endocet Roxicodone Roxicet Hydrocodone NONE OF THE ABOVE 20 Have you used any of the following controlled substances in the last 5 years? Heroin Hydromorphone Methadone Morphine Opium Fentanyl Cocaine Khat Methamphetamine Rohypnol GHB Other Barbiturates Ketamine LSD PCP Peyote Psilocybin Anabolic Steroids Inhalants Bath Salts Kratom K2/Spice Ecstasy/MDMA NONE OF THE ABOVE 21 Do you have tattoos, branding, or body art on your head, face, or neck? Yes No 22 Do you have tattoos, branding, or body art depicting nudity, violence, or sexually explicit or vulgar images/words? Yes No 23 Do you have tattoos, branding, or body art signifying membership in, or affiliation with, a criminal enterprise, street gang, or any other group that advocates violence against individuals because of their race, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual preference, or disability? Yes No 24 As a law enforcement officer, have you committed a criminal act for which you could have been arrested, prosecuted, or incarcerated? Yes No 25 Since becoming a law enforcement officer, have you ever committed perjury, lied under oath, or falsified/altered any police report or official document? Yes No 26 As a Law Enforcement Officer, have you ever been denied certification, had your certification revoked, or had your current certification suspended? Yes No 27 As a Law Enforcement Officer, have you used any illegal drugs while employed by a law enforcement agency? Yes No 28 I understand that the questions asked are part of the screening process for a position with Gresham Police. I understand that these questions are the first step in the background process and that the information I provide will be verified through a variety of sources. If it is discovered that I have made false, misleading or inaccurate statements, I will be disqualified from the selection process. I understand that if I am hired before the inaccuracy has been discovered, it may lead to dismissal. I understand that negative information provided may or may not be grounds for disqualification and that dishonesty is always grounds for disqualification. I certify that all information provided in this application is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. Yes No Required Question

Created: 2026-03-04