Detective - Lateral

If you love challenges and problem-solving, come be a Detective at the City of Lake Oswego Police Department! You will have the opportunity to work on complex cases that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills, collaborate with a diverse group of law enforcement professionals, learn new technologies and methods of detective work, and most importantly, play a critical role in solving cases and bringing justice to victims and their families. 

The City is seeking qualified individuals who are interested in becoming a Detective at the Lake Oswego Police Department. This Detective Assignment is a special assignment opportunity that will not be subject to the normal special assignment rotation schedule. As part of their duties, a Lake Oswego Detective can expect to get to know members of the business community and neighborhood residents; assist patrol as needed with their assigned areas on foot or in the car; conduct complex and detailed investigations into criminal and civil matters which are beyond the scope and/or ability of patrol; enforce state and local traffic laws; and demonstrate a service orientation with an understanding of community-oriented policing. They will also participate in the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team.

This is generally a non-uniformed sworn law enforcement position that in addition to a base salary and benefits, is eligible to receive 5% premium pay, a take home vehicle, and an annual clothing allowance of $425.

 An employee in this classification is under the direct supervision of the Detective Sergeant and performs investigative activities which include, but are not limited to: 

• Investigate complex cases including but not limited to Rape, Robbery, Sexual Abuse, Identity Theft, Forgery, Terrorist Threats and/or acts, and Homicides
• Interview suspects, victims and witnesses 
• Identify, collect and process evidence
• Recover stolen property
• Document crime scenes or evidence using digital photography 
• Prepare search and arrest warrants, as well as other court orders
• Write reports that are accurate, detailed and professional
• Provide professional and effective courtroom testimony
• Maintain a good working reputation with prosecutors in the tri-county area
• Possess the ability and initiative to investigate cases to their natural conclusion
• Identify and locate suspects who are committing crimes in Lake Oswego or other jurisdictions as directed or required
• Respond when called out to assist the patrol division or partner agencies on major crimes or crimes that patrol officers do not have the resources to investigate
• Be available for on-call responsibilities on a rotational basis
• Must maintain a high level of knowledge regarding current case laws and observe procedural law while performing the duties of a detective

For a complete list of the essential duties, knowledge, skills and abilities required, and physical and mental demands please review the complete job description. This position is represented by the Lake Oswego Police Officers Association (LOPOA).   

• Oregon Certified Police Officer with at least six (6) years of law enforcement experience; three of which must have been in investigations 
• Demonstrated work history of thorough 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 at the investigative level
• Has worked effectively within a team and has maintained good working relationships with their coworkers and supervisors
• Dependable, reliable and able to work independently and unsupervised 
• Excels at conducting criminal interviews and interrogations
• Adept at identifying, documenting and collecting evidence
• History of communicating effectively with criminal suspects, victims and witnesses as well as peers, supervisors and other professional contacts
• Self-motivated with a high level of self-initiated activity
• Ability to be flexible, working long and varied shift hours 
• Must be able to perform a variety of tasks related to criminal investigations
• Must have demonstrated the ability to conduct a thorough case investigation and write detailed reports
• Must have an excellent knowledge of police policies and procedures and operate within these policies and procedures while performing their duties
• Must maintain readiness to assist with patrol functions at all times

To qualify, candidates must be an Oregon certified sworn law enforcement officer with a minimum of six years law enforcement experience and a minimum of three years’ experience as an investigator. Employment will be conditioned on a thorough background check, a psychological evaluation, and a medical evaluation including a pre-employment drug test. This position is subject to mandatory participation in electronic funds transfer (EFT) for payment of net wages (i.e., Direct Deposit or PayCard).

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

IMPORTANT READ TO THE END AND COMPLETE THE STEPS UNDER “APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS”

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

Lake Oswego Compensation Plan

BENEFITS AVAILABLE:

• Medical Insurance choice between traditional indemnity plan or health maintenance organization (HMO)

• Aetna full family medical and dental coverage $120/mo (current cost)
• Kaiser Permanente full family medical and dental coverage $97/mo (current cost)

• Sick Leave Upon Hire: Lateral hires scheduled to work a forty (40) hour workweek will receive the equivalent of six (6) months (48 hours) of sick leave upon hire rather than accruing sick leave on a monthly basis. Upon completion of the six (6) months, they will accrue sick leave monthly as described in Article 26.1 of the LOPOA labor agreement.
• Education Reimbursement Program

LATERAL POLICE OFFICER INCENTIVES

In recognition of their previous work experience, qualified lateral police officers may be eligible for the following additional benefits and incentives:

Education and certification pay:

• Qualified lateral police officers will receive additional pay for college course work and/or DPSST Certification at the time of hire as described below.

• 5% for two years of college-level course work or DPSST Intermediate Certificate
• 6% for two years of college-level course work and DPSST Intermediate Certificate
• 10% for a four-year degree or DPSST Advanced Certificate
• 11% for a four-year degree and DPSST Advanced Certificate 
• 15% for an advanced college degree (Master’s or Doctorate Degree)

Language premium:

• Employees who are determined by the City to be fluent in additional languages shall receive an additional 5% of their base pay.

Vacation:

• Qualified lateral police officers will be eligible to receive up to sixty (60) hours of banked vacation time. 
• Qualified lateral police officers may be considered for accelerated vacation accrual rates based on their time as a sworn police officer.

Longevity Pay:

• Qualified lateral employees will be eligible for longevity pay as described in Article 8.5 of the LOPOA CBA, commensurate with their years of relevant experience in the related field. 
• Qualified lateral employees will receive 3% longevity pay if they have more than six (6) years relevant experience, 4% for more than nine (9) years relevant experience, and 5% for more than twelve (12) years relevant experience. .
• Qualified lateral employees will receive the longevity incentive pay upon hire as described in LOPOA CBA Article 9.3

To Qualify as a lateral employee, the candidate must:

• Currently be employed in the equivalent position applied for or hold current certification for the position applied for;
• Currently possess any certifications as required by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST);
• Have completed a field training and evaluation program where required;
• Have three (3) or more years of experience in the position applied for; and
• Be in good standing with a State of Oregon Law Enforcement Agency

RETIREMENT:

• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Member contributions are paid on your behalf by the City.

• Tier 1 & 2 PERS eligible employee contribution rate is 29.54% 6% pick up
• OPSRP Police and Fire PERS eligible employee contribution rate is 27.34% 6% pick up 

•  City maintains a 457 deferred compensation plan and contributes 2.5% of base salary into the employee deferred compensation account 

For more detailed information on medical plans, benefits, incentives, and premiums, please review the Benefits tab on the job posting, or the full Lake Oswego Police Officers’ Association Labor Agreement: LOPOA

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications must be submitted to https://agency.governmentjobs.com/lakeoswego/default.cfm

Incomplete applications will not be accepted and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application. This position will remain open until filled. 

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ TO THE END AND FOLLOW ALL STEPS

Pre-Employment Profile:

In order to be considered for employment with the Lake Oswego Police Department, you must complete and attach the supplemental questionnaire form titled "Sworn Pre-Employment Profile."
 
You will find the Pre-Employment Profile form at the link below. Please complete the questionnaire and then attach the document to your on-line application. Any ‘Yes’ answers in the Pre-Employment Profile document must have an explanation. Those explanations may be attached on a supplemental page in either a WORD or PDF document. You must complete this step before you certify and submit your application. 
Link to the Sworn Pre-Employment Profile: http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/hr/recruitment-support-documents
 
If you have questions regarding this step of the process, please feel free to contact Human Resources at 503-534-4244 or jobs@ci.oswego.or.us.

Salary : $73,489 - $93,853