The police department in the city of Eugene, Oregon, employs 185 police officers and 130 civilians to support the work of officers. The Eugene Police Department provides a broad variety of public safety services, including traffic law enforcement, canines, SWAT, bicycle patrol, crisis negotiations and an investigation unit whose emphasis is on crimes of property, against persons, financial crimes and narcotics.
Eligibility
To serve on the police force in Eugene you need to meet certain eligibility qualifications. According to the Eugene Police Department, applicants to the force must be older than 21 years of age and be U.S. citizens. In addition, potential Eugene police officers must hold a minimum of a high school diploma. Applicants must also have at least three years of work experience in an area related to police work or have a college degree. The department also emphasizes competency in written and oral communication.
Officer Selection
The Eugene Police Department has an officer selection process to recruit officers. The very first part of the selection process is completing an application and questionnaire. Based on the results of this information, the most qualified applicants are selected to complete additional testing. Selected applicants submit to a multiple-choice test to measure general knowledge of law enforcement. Part of the tests required for selection include a physical fitness evaluation to measure the strength, agility and stamina needed to perform the duties of police work.
State Certification Qualifications
Once eligible for service on the police force, applicants must meet the requirements for certification as a law enforcement officer in the state of Oregon. Certification from the state depends on passing suitability tests, including vision and hearing. Applicants are also required to undergo a background check to ensure the absence of felony convictions, a clear driving record and no Class A misdemeanors in the previous two years. In addition, the state of Oregon requires officers to have a CPR certification within the first year of employment.
Police Academy Training
The city of Eugene requires police officers to undergo paid training by the Eugene Police Department. The typical police recruit normally goes through about two weeks of training and orientation specifically related to the Eugene Police Department. The new recruit then attends the 16-week long Basic Police Academy. The program takes place in Salem, Oregon, according to the specifications of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. Upon completion of the training program, recruits work with a field training officer (FTO) for five months. After completing five months with the FTO, new police officers attend a supplementary program lasting four to six weeks to complete training.
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