The annual SPD Open House attracts hundreds of community members every September

The Springfield community has shown support for the department in so many ways over the years. You’ll routinely see cards & posters expressing community appreciation throughout the department and the occasional homemade treat or ‘survival kit’ of granola bars, trail mix, etc. These small expressions of support are matched with the outpouring of support our staff receives when out in the community for events and calls.

In addition, many of our teams within the department (K9, Drones, etc.) are funded in part through generous donations from individuals within the community. Additionally, the voters of Springfield recently approved the renewal of Public Safety Levy by the largest margin in its history. Our department is fortunate to receive support in so many ways from the community that we’re proud to serve!

The folks within the Springfield Police Department are truly what makes us special. Our staff is constantly showing-up in new and thoughtful ways to support one-another. The staff of SPD are the greatest asset we could ask for and we’re excited for you to see that firsthand!

New Officer Bugh & Lateral Officer Oros at their swearing-in ceremony

At the Springfield Police Department, we recognize the importance of always striving for improvement. We believe that the potential we have as a department can only be realized by continuously reevaluating and assessing the ways in which we not only serve our community, but in how we prepare and equip our staff. Recognizing that, we prioritize providing trainings and opportunities for our staff to constantly grow and progress in their careers. Our officers are encouraged to approach every interaction as an opportunity to improve, while staying aware of evolving best practices in law enforcement.

Additionally, our department is proud of the opportunities provided to both new and lateral officers joining our department. New officers will receive in-depth, hands-on training for weeks before ever attending the DPSST Academy. Routinely, lateral officers will be placed in special assignments throughout the department within their first six months here. All of this is done in an effort to push our department, and our staff, to reach its full potential. 

Here are just a few of the opportunities & special assignments within the department:

K9 Handler | School Resource Officer | Motorcycle Officer (Traffic Team) | Drone Operator | Crisis Negotiation | Special Weapons and Tactics | Bike Patrol | Crash Investigation & Reconstruction | DUII & DRE Enforcement | Detective | Instructor (Defensive Tactics, Emergency Vehicle Operation, Firearms, etc.)

Our Command Staff represents nearly 150 years of cumulative law enforcement experience in dozens of roles across multiple agencies. They are continuously reassessing and evaluating the work we do here at SPD in an effort to support and encourage every member of the department. Whether its supporting creativity via in-house training opportunities, providing new and exciting professional development opportunities, or encouraging our officers to engage in proactive policing, SPD leadership is committed to best equipping our staff in all that they do. 

The city of Springfield is ideally situated just east of I-5 between the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers. This location provides access to major arteries and is near the coast, rivers and mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the abundant recreation opportunities the Willamalane Park and Recreation District offers from its 46 parks and 9 sports fields to its 29 miles of hiking and biking trails. The McKenzie River is world-famous for flyfishing, and whitewater rafting. Within a two-hour drive from Springfield, residents and visitors find many other outdoor recreational opportunities such as the Oregon Coast with world-class golf courses and skiing in the Cascade Mountains. Whether its hunting, fishing, swimming, or hiking, we’re surrounded on all sides by incredible outdoor landscapes that highlight the best of what Oregon has to offer!

The City of Springfield – A City of Opportunity

Looking to relax after a day out and about in the mountains, on the river, or on a hike? Springfield’s vibrant, historic downtown is regularly recognized in the media and community for its revitalization efforts. It has transformed into an arts and antiques haven, with the Emerald Art Center, numerous art galleries, extensive murals and public art, plentiful antique and resale shops, and the long running Second Friday Art Walk. Downtown is also home to the Richard E. Wildish Community Theater, which focuses on dance, musical presentations, full theatrical productions, and film festivals. Craft breweries and trendy local restaurants round out the scene downtown. Residents have access to a variety of other performing arts, such as symphony, opera, musical theater, and major college sports at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University. If you’re looking for a slice of what makes Oregon special, we’ve got it here in Springfield!

Once you’ve located a listed position that you’re interested, be sure to complete the application and click ‘submit’ to start your process! Wanting to see firsthand what a day in the life of our Officers looks like? Ask a member of our recruitment team about scheduling a ride-along! Click Here to talk with a member of our recruitment team!

If you are interested in becoming a Springfield Police Officer you can expect the hiring process to be multi-phased, yet efficient. The steps are outlined below:

APPLICATION: Ensure you meet the minimum qualifications and submit your application, online, through the City of Springfield website. Applications that are complete will be reviewed to ensure that candidates meet eligibility requirements. Once the screening process is complete, you will be notified of the outcome via email.

TESTING: You will be contacted and given the testing date (usually within 2 weeks of the application deadline). The written test will be proctored by the City of Springfield HR Staff at a designated location within the city. Lateral applicants will NOT be required to complete the written exam.

ORPAT: Candidates will need to pass the Oregon Physical Ability Test (ORPAT) prior to moving on to the next phase of the process. The ORPAT test will be conducted on the same day as the written examination and will be offered to applicants who successfully pass the written test. https://springfield-or.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ORPAT.pdf

ORAL REVIEW BOARD: All applicants that successfully complete the ORPAT test will be invited to the Springfield Police Department (within 2 days) to participate in an oral-board style interview. This is typically conducted with a panel of three to four Springfield Police Department employees from various departments.

CHIEF/COMMAND INTERVIEW: If selected to move forward from oral boards, an interview with SPD command Staff, to include the Chief, is the next step. Prior to the interview, you will be asked to complete a pre-background questionnaire. Based on your performance in this interview, the Chief may make a recommendation for you to move to the next phase of the process, the Background Investigation.

CONDITIONAL OFFER: If you are selected to proceed to background investigation, you will be given a conditional offer of employment, subject to passing a psychological evaluation and medical evaluation.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: This is the most time-consuming part of the hiring process. SPD is looking for this with an extraordinary level of honesty and integrity. You will be asked to complete a background packet/personal history statement that will ask for things such as a detailed employment history, personal and professional references, a list of acquaintances, residences (10 years), Education, Military service (if applicable), Driving history (subject to verification), Financial history (subject to verification), Criminal/Legal history (subject to verification), and a General Topics Q&A. Honesty, above all things, is paramount when taking part in the background investigation.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION: Pre-offer psychological examinations are given to applicants to determine the applicant’s suitability for a career in law enforcement. Assessment techniques that may be used include: The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI); California Psychological Inventory (CPI); Police & Public Safety Selection Report (PPSSR); Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WIAS); Letter-Number Sequencing Test (LNST); Personal History Survey (PHS); Review of agency provided background investigation findings; and a clinical interview. The clinical interview (conducted by a licensed and contracted psychologist) may be conducted via teleconference using HIPAA compliant technology with end-to-end encryption.

MEDICAL EVALUATION: Medical exams will be performed by a contacted medical provider.

FINAL JOB OFFER: When all of the previous steps have been completed, you will be given a final job offer. The Office of Professional Standards will work with you to schedule a start date with a subsequent swearing in.

HIRING: Once hired, on-site training for new officers will be provided. The timeline and process may vary for laterals and transfers from other police departments.  Officers who do not possess a Basic Certification will be scheduled to attend the Basic Police Academy at DPSST in Salem, OR. This is a 16-week academy where students are expected to live on-site during the work week.

Lateral out-of-state officers

If you are an out of state certified Lateral Officers – please apply! The Springfield Police Department will provide guidance on how to complete the request for certification reciprocity. Below please find the certification waiver from the Department of Public Safety Standard and Training:  https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/CJ/CJForms/Waiverchecklist.pdf

Entry Level Police Officer

• High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate from an accredited school
• United States citizen, or obtain citizenship within 18 months of appointment

• 21 years of age by time of appointment

• Valid Oregon Driver’s License by time of appointment

• No felony convictions (Misdemeanor convictions will be reviewed based on job relevancy)

• Refrain from tobacco products while on duty

• Ability to pass a background investigation

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen

• 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)

Lateral Police Officer

We are interested in finding Police Officers who are in good standing with their current/ most recent employer as a sworn Police Officer for a recognized state, county, city or municipal entity and have at least two years of patrol experience. Those who are currently certified as Police Officers in Oregon, or able to obtain Oregon DPSST certification if a police officer in another state, are eligible to apply for the lateral police officer position. Police certification must be VALID and CURRENT. Military Police, federal officer, reserve officer, security officer and corrections experience do not meet the requirement for relevant experience.

*In addition to those an Entry Level Police Officer

• Be a Sworn Officer for a recognized state, county, city, or municipal entity with AT LEAST 2 years of patrol experience

• Valid and Current Police certification

Disqualifications

• Candidates not advanced after the Chief’s interview are ineligible to reapply to the same job for 2 years
• Previously failed background check (ineligible to re-apply for 5 years)

Compensation
Entry Level Police Officer:

• Entry level hires start at $33.03/hr (approximately $68,700.00 annually) with annual increases
• Additional pays are available to include a language incentive (5%), and education incentive pay (5%)

Lateral Police Officer

• Laterals with AT LEAST 4 years of applicable experience start at pay step 4: $38.25/hr (approx. $79,560 annual). Candidates with less than 4 years of experience will be offered a pay step commensurate with their related experience.

Additional Premium pays:
• DPSST Intermediate: 5%
• DPSST Advanced: 10%
• Bachelor’s Degree: 5%
• Foreign Language Fluency: 5%
• ORPAT Incentive: 1%

Relocation reimbursement for actual costs up to $5,000 may be available if incumbent is relocating greater than 100 miles.

Benefits:

• Benefits Include: medical, vision, dental, free access to the Wellness Center, free gym membership, enrollment in FireMed
• Springfield Wellness Center: No charge medical center for City of Springfield and Springfield School District employees, retirees and their dependents.
• City-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA): The City will contribute $100 a month for single benefits enrollment, or $200 a month for two-party/ family enrollment on the employee’s behalf.
• Cost-share rates for benefits: Employees are currently responsible for 5% of their coverage and the City generously picks up 95% of the cost. For example, medical and vision coverage for employee single coverage is $29.77/ month.
• Oregon PERS retirement: Upon eligibility, the City pays 6% of salary into PERS on the employee’s behalf.
• Additional options for deferred compensation plans where the employee can make pre-tax contributions on their own behalf.

Employee Benefits – City of Springfield Oregon (springfield-or.gov)

Springfield Police Association Labor Agreement