Career in Criminal Justice as an Oregon Public Safety Professional
About DPSST and Basic Academy Requirements
Thank you for your interest in the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). DPSST sets minimum training standards and operates the Basic Academy courses for Oregon’s public safety agencies.
Under Oregon law, anyone attending a DPSST Basic Academy must first be employed by an Oregon police department, corrections agency, parole and probation office, public safety dispatch center, or the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC).
Hiring and Background Requirements
All public safety employees must complete several pre‑employment steps, which may include:
- Background investigation
- Psychological evaluation
- Physical examinations (when required)
Because hiring requirements vary between agencies, applicants should contact each agency directly for details.
You can find hiring links through:
Basic Academy Training
After you are hired as a police officer, corrections officer, parole and probation officer, OLCC regulatory specialist, or 911 dispatcher, you must complete the Basic Academy training at DPSST.
Oregon does not offer self‑sponsored basic law enforcement or dispatch academies. Training attendance is limited to those already employed by a qualifying agency.
Physical Standards for Basic Police
Basic Police students must meet specific physical conditioning standards during their academy program by completing the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT). These standards are available on the DPSST ORPAT webpage.
Ways to Prepare for a Career in Public Safety
To strengthen your qualifications, consider:
- Volunteering with local police departments, sheriff’s offices, community corrections agencies, or 911 dispatch centers
- Applying to become a Reserve Police Officer and attending a Reserve Academy
- Participating in a Citizens Academy offered by local agencies to learn more about law enforcement roles
Education and Career Advancement
A college degree can help you stand out when applying for public safety positions. Many agencies require a two‑ or four‑year degree for certain roles or promotions.
Common degree areas include:
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Psychology
- Communications
- Any other accredited degree
Contact Us
Thank you again for your interest in DPSST. We wish you success in your public safety career and look forward to seeing you at a future academy training.
For questions, please contact the Criminal Justice Standards and Certification section at (503) 378‑4411 or email certification.scheduling@dpsst.oregon.gov.