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Join SPD

School Resource Officer Allan Amundson

The Springfield Police Department is excited to welcome you to our newly crafted recruitment page. Be on the lookout for new information, position postings, additional resources, and the opportunity to hear firsthand from our Officers!

About Springfield

Downtown Storefront

Downtown Springfield, One Block from the Springfield Justice Center

Springfield, Oregon is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, known for its breathtaking mountains, majestic trees, fantastic parks, and a multitude of arts and recreational activities. Situated in Lane County, 110 miles south of Portland, Springfield is within an hour of the Cascade Mountains and an hour from Oregon’s popular coast. Covering 15.84 square miles, the City is adjacent to I-5 and is within the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan – Area, with a population of more than 60,000.

Springfield is a family-friendly community where a healthy economy and numerous historical aspects of Oregon’s past have blended into a vibrant place to call home.

City of Springfield Website | Springfield Public Schools | More About Springfield!

About the Department

The Springfield Justice Center – Constructed in 2008; Comprised of the Springfield Police Department, Springfield Municipal Jail, & Springfield Municipal Court

The Springfield Police Department is a professional and community-focused organization employing over 120 people, between sworn officer, support staff, & jail personnel. 

In November 2022, Springfield voters renewed the Public Safety Levy which supports nearly one-third of the department’s budget. The renewal passed with the largest amount of support in the history of the measure, signaling a clear vote of support from our community members. 

There are five divisions within SPD: Operations, Operations Support, Detention, Business Services, and the Office of the Chief. To learn more about our divisions and department structure, click here.

The Springfield Police Department is committed to serving all members of our community with dignity, compassion, and professionalism.

Why SPD?

Law enforcement agencies all across the state, and the nation, are looking for the best and brightest to join their ranks. Here at the Springfield Police Department, we’re excited about what the future holds and even more thrilled that you’re considering applying. We hope you take a few moments to read further about what we believe makes SPD a great place to start, or continue, your career!

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!

Hear From Our Officers

Hover over an image to hear what Officers have to say about SPD

Interested In Applying?

Positions are updated and posted regularly throughout the year. To view current open positions, Click Here! Don’t see a position posted? Send our recruitment team an e-mail about what position you’re interested in and we’ll follow-up!

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! Click Here to view open positions & to apply!

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

Follow Us @SPDOregon

SPD would like to take a moment to thank all those who made the recent Springfield's The BLOCK Party such a resounding success. Our staff had an amazing time answering questions, hanging out, and getting to meet so many of the incredible community members that make Springfield the fantastic place that it is. We can't wait for next year! ... See MoreSee Less
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Recently, several Springfield Police Department Officers have completed their field training & evaluation process (FTEP). Today, we'd like to congratulate Officer Rupp for having completed his FTEP!Officer Rupp joined SPD as a lateral officer, meaning he had already completed the necessary law enforcement academy and was serving elsewhere as an officer. Lateral Officers are a great asset to the community as their FTEP usually takes less time and they are more quickly able to independently work on patrol.Interested in learning more about what it takes to pursue a career in law enforcement and joining Officer Rupp in serving the community members of Springfield? We're currently hiring for the Lateral Police Officer Position! Applications close on October 1st. Click below to visit the Join SPD page, to view current openings & apply, or to speak to a member of the Recruitment Team!springfield-or.gov/city/police-department/join-spd/ ... See MoreSee Less
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You might remember Lily from her time as SPD's Community Outreach Coordinator, but today we'd like to take a moment to highlight her amazing work as the department's Crime Analyst. Lily has done an amazing job in supporting SPD's efforts to improve our analytics and annual reporting processes. We're incredibly thankful for the many hats that she's worn in her time here at the Springfield Police Department and excited to recognize her on National Crime & Intelligence Analyst Appreciation Day! Thank you, Lily! ... See MoreSee Less
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SPD Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Investigators’ Work Results In Substantial SentencesOver the last several months, SPD Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Investigators concluded several investigations, which after trials, resulted in significant prison sentences of over thirty years. • Beginning in September of 2021, SPD Officers and Detectives initiated an investigation into a report of physical abuse. During the investigation, Detectives utilized several investigative techniques that elicited evidence that the suspect made terrible threats and made admissions regarding the criminal activity. This case went to a jury trial where the suspect was convicted of multiple crimes and sentenced to 400 months in prison. • In August of 2020, SPD Officers took a report and began an investigation into allegations of Sexual abuse. The case went to a jury trial, where the suspect was convicted of multiple crimes and given a 450-month prison sentence. • In September of 2021, SPD Officers initiated an investigation involving allegations of domestic abuse, child abuse and animal abuse. This case went to a jury trial and the suspect was convicted of multiple crimes. The suspect was sentenced to 137.5 years in prison. • In May of 2023, SPD Patrol Officers arrested a suspect, pursuant to the Abuse Prevention Act. Within the week, Detectives authored two search warrants during the investigation locating corroborating evidence, interviewed the suspect, who made admissions to the crimes, and was charged with multiple crimes. On June 27th, 2023, the suspect was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty. His earliest release date is May 2053. These cases highlight, not only the outstanding work done by SPD Officers and Investigators, but also the great working relationship between SPD and the Lane County District Attorney’s office. Domestic violence and Sexual Abuse not only affect those who are abused, but also has a substantial effect on family members, friends, co-workers, other witnesses, and the community at large. SPD, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to protecting all victims and holding accountable those who commit these crimes. If you, or someone you know are the victim of abuse, SPD strongly encourages you to call us for help 541.726.3714. The Victim Services Division of the Lane County District Attorney’s Office is another valuable resource for victims and families. 541.682.4523 lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/district_attorney_s_office/victim_services_program ... See MoreSee Less
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*UPDATE: Hughes has been located*INCIDENT REPORT SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT Incident: Runaway Juvenile – Kaycie Lynn Hughes, 13 Location: Thurston Case Number: 23-6415Date/Time: 09/16/23 @ 1530 HoursMore Information: Public Information Coordinator | spdpi@springfield-or.govCompleted By: Sergeant Kyle PotterRUNAWAY JUVENILE:Hughes, Kacie Lynn 13 Year-Old Female | Springfield, ORNARRATIVE OF INCIDENT:On September 16, 2023, 13-year-old Kaycie Hughes was reported as missing by her mother. Kaycie reportedly went to the Thurston High School football on the evening of Friday, September 15th and did not return home. Kaycie is potentially in danger due to a medical condition and does not have her medication with her. At the time of distribution, she has been missing for roughly 18 hours.If you have any information regarding Kaycie’s location, please call the Springfield Police Department at 541.726.3714. ... See MoreSee Less
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Applicants are still being sought for a number of volunteer committee positions within the city, including the Springfield Police Advisory Committee (SPAC). SPAC is currently seeking to fill the Minority Community Representative position, with applications for all positions due by 5pm on Friday, October 6, 2023.We’re still seeking dedicated community members who want to offer their talents, experience, and perspectives to help make a difference in Springfield! Open positions are on the:• Budget Committee• Historic Commission• Planning Commission• Police Advisory CommitteeThe deadline to submit your application for any of these committees or commissions has been extended to 5 pm on Friday, October 6, 2023. Applications are available at ayr.app/l/y7Nr. The Springfield City Council goals include fostering an environment that values diversity and inclusion. Springfield is a diverse community and individuals of all ages, ethnic and religious backgrounds, gender, and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply.#SpringfieldOregon #CommunityofOpportunity ... See MoreSee Less
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