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Apply Yourself

Apply the Law.
Apply Yourself.
Apply Today.

Launch a rewarding and impactful career
as a Trooper with the Oregon State Police.

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An Exceptional Force Seeking Exceptional Recruits  

An Exceptional Force Seeking Exceptional Recruits

The Oregon State Police is a modern, multi-disciplined policing agency charged with protecting Oregon’s people, wildlife, and natural resources. We are recruiting exceptional individuals for an exceptional opportunity to build a meaningful, fulfilling career in law enforcement.

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Oregon Outline  

Join Our Modern, Multi-Disciplinary Police Force

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More than a job.
A calling.

Oregon State Police are service-oriented individuals who are hardwired to respect and apply the law. Through charter and disposition, we find purpose in the process of keeping the peace and protecting the rights of all of Oregon’s communities.

Opportunities as diverse
as the state you will serve.

Troopers are trained to work throughout the state. You will be encouraged to prepare for assignments ranging from patrol to interdiction to investigation and more; ensuring you will have the skills and flexibility to adapt and continue to advance your career.

A serious choice
for serious people.

Before anyone steps behind our badge, Oregon State Police Trooper Recruits will have demonstrated innate abilities to meet adversity with composure, calamity with compassion, and uncertainty with confidence.

OSP  

Do You Have
What it Takes?

Interested in how to become a Trooper? Before we invite you to our training academy, you will need to show you meet the requirements and have the skills needed to succeed as an Oregon State Trooper. Beyond the physical and academic qualifications, this includes possessing the composure, compassion and confidence necessary to serve.

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Oregon  

A Natural Next Step
for Military Veterans

The skills you have gained in service of your country directly transfer to a career in law enforcement. If you are looking to continue your career in service, the Oregon State Police is a perfect fit.

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Make a Lateral
Transfer

Are you already working in another part of law enforcement? Or are you a cop in another state looking to make a lateral transfer? Our pay structure, benefits, and diversity of programs, jobs, and growth opportunities are exceptional.

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How to Become an Oregon State Trooper

Step 1: Apply

Applicants must submit an online job application with all supplemental materials and information.

Step 2: Entry Level Testing

Applicants must then pass the Entry Level Testing (ELT), consisting of the physical fitness test, an academic exam, and a pre-offer psychological exam and risk assessment.

Step 3: Command Interview

Applicants selected to move onto this stage will then sit with a panel of Oregon State Police Majors and Captains for a 30-to-40-minute interview.

Step 4: Background Check

Applicants must fill out a Recruit Background History Packet and sign wavers permitting OSP to conduct a thorough background investigation.

Step 5: Conditional Offer

At this stage, OSP will extend a conditional job offer to applicants deemed up for the challenge of becoming a Trooper.

Step 6: Post-Offer Evaluation

Successful applicants will then be scheduled for the required medical screening, psychological examination, and a fingerprint check.

Step 7: Appointment & Training

Trooper Recruits attend training consisting of:

  • OSP Pre-Academy (~3 weeks)
  • DPSST Basic Police Academy (16 weeks)
  • OSP Post-Academy (6-7 weeks)
  • Field Training (3 months)
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Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the police academy qualifications and skills?

  • Must be a US Citizen or able to attain citizenship within 18 months of hire.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • 21 years of age by the first day of employment.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Meet all medical and physical requirements.
  • Pass all background, credit, and criminal history checks.
  • Be of good moral character, possessing empathy, courage, fortitude, honesty, loyalty, and sound judgment..

How does a candidate stand out from other candidates?

  • Working understanding of the Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR).
  • Strong written and verbal communication and de-escalation skills.
  • Ability to apply critical thinking and decision-making in stressful situations where a timely resolution is required.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform under pressure and maintain composure, particularly in a position exposed to a high level of public scrutiny.
  • Strong integrity and ethics, along with responsibility and accountability in all professional and personal interactions.
  • Working knowledge and desire to learn about law enforcement as a career. Including participating in ride-alongs with OSP or other law enforcement agencies, understanding the OSP mission and values, and actively preparing for a career in law enforcement.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Oregon State Police Officer?

The application process takes an average of 6 months, from submitting an application to arriving at the Academy.

Pre-, Basic, and Post-Academy training take 26 weeks, followed by three months of Field Training. Recruits can expect a nine month journey from the first day of the Academy to the first day of solo patrol.

What Does the Application Process & Police Academy Cost?

All costs related to the application process (meals and associated travel notwithstanding) are covered by OSP. All training costs are fully paid for once an applicant has been hired as a Trooper Recruit.

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