Join Our Team

Ontario PD has a variety of ways that you can become involved. From ride-alongs and volunteering at the station to joining our recruit program, Citizens on Patrol or as a Police Officer, if you are interested in Law Enforcement, we want to hear from you.

Become a Police Officer

Department Overview

​Ontario Police Department provides 24/7 service to the citizens of Ontario. Field operations includes patrol, school resource officers, detectives, ordinance enforcement, and the reserve officer program. 

The department also has administrative staff and support services. ​

Benefits and Pay

K-9 Handler Incentive: 5% bonus as a K-9 handler.
Bilingual Pay: 5% bonus for bilingual (Spanish and English) officers.
DPSST Certificates: Intermediate 3% bonus; Advanced 3% bonus.
Equipment: All equipment is provided by the department
Boot Allowance: Each officer receives a $125 boot allowance each year.
Work Schedule: Rotating 10-hour and 12-hour monthly shifts.
Retirement: New members- OR PERS 1.8%; City covers employee contribution portion.
Medical/Dental/Vision: City provides 100% of the premium.
Vacation: 90-228 hours per year; max calculated at twice the annual accrual rate.

Equipment

All uniforms and duty equipment are furnished by the City. A $125 boot allowance is provided on an annual basis. 

Application Process

During a recruitment period, applications are collected and screened. Candidates meeting minimum qualifications are invited to an interview panel. Finalists may be invited to a second interview panel. This process may vary depending on application volume and lateral vs. open recruitment. Applicants must satisfactorily pass a background process.

To Apply

Open positions are posted on this website's Human Resources page, the City Facebook page, Oregon LEDS, and the League of Oregon Cities. When a position becomes available, complete and return your application to 444 SW 4th Street Ontario, OR 97914.

Police Officer Hiring Information

Minimum Qualifications
  • ​Be a United States Citizen by birth or Naturalized United States Citizen
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • At least 21 years old within six months of application and must be at least 21 years old by date of hire.
  • Possess and maintain a valid license to operate a motor vehicle.
  • Applicants must be in good health and good moral character: moral character is defined as possessing the attributes of empathy, courage, fortitude, honesty, loyalty and additional virtues deemed to be morally good.
  • Meet all applicable medical and physical requirements.
  • Meet all applicable background, credit, and criminal history checks.
    • The criminal history check will include, but will not be limited to, a review of your conviction arrest records for any violation of OAR 259-008-0010 (4)​ which would make you not eligible to be a certified police officer by Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).
Automatic Disqualifiers
An application will not be processed for any of the below listed reasons.
  • A felony conviction under state or federal law.
  • A misdemeanor conviction relating to domestic violence, sex crimes, fraud, or moral turpitude.
  • Other misdemeanor conviction within the last five years.
  • Conviction for minor in possession of an alcoholic beverage within the last 12 months.
  • Conviction for minor in possession of Marijuana within the last 12 months.        
  • Conviction for a traffic crime or a DUII diversion within the last five years.
  • Criminal (Felony/Misdemeanor) operator’s license suspension within the last five years.        
  • Three or more moving traffic violation convictions within the last two years.
  • Careless driving conviction within the last 12 months.
  • Conviction for an open container of an alcoholic beverage within the last 12 months.         
  • Conviction of a Class A traffic violation within the last 12 months.
  • Five or more traffic violation convictions, including suspensions, within the last three years.         
  • Operator’s license suspension within the last three years.
  • Possession, sale, distribution, manufacture, or use of an illegal drug within the last 10 years.         
  • Personal use of marijuana within the last 12 months with the exception of Cannabidiol (CBD) for purchase through the retail market.
  • Discharge from any branch of the Armed Forces classified as Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, or Dishonorable.
  • Currently No Valid Operator’s License.
  • Operator’s License Currently Expired.   
  • Operator’s License Currently Suspended.
  • Convicted Arrest Record in violation of OAR 259-008-0010 (4) Not Eligible to be Certified Police Officer by DPSST.

​Each applicant must be of good moral fitness (moral character).  The following are indications of a lack of good moral fitness.
  • Illegal conduct involving moral turpitude.
  • Conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
  • Intentional deception or fraud or attempted deception, or fraud in any application, examination, or other document.
  • Conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.
  • Acts or conduct which would cause a reasonable person to have substantial doubts about the individual's honesty, fairness, respect for the rights of others, or for the laws of the state and/or the nation.
  • Conduct that adversely reflects on the individual's fitness to perform as a law enforcement officer.
Police officer hiring steps
  1. Submit a City of Ontario application, letter of interest, and resume to Human Resources.
  2. Take the Police Officer Selection Test (POST) which is a written exam that evaluates the following categories: observation and memory, written communication and report writing, reading, and understanding written information, and reasoning and analytical ability.
  3. Take the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT). This test is designed to test a person’s physical strength, muscular endurance, coordination, and agility by performing basic physical tasks that professional police officers will use throughout their career.
  4. Oral Board Interview
  5. Background Investigation
  6. Psychological and Medical Examinations
  7. Begin your career at the Ontario Police Department!

Citizens on Patrol (COP)

OPD is fortunate to have a group of dedicated individuals that volunteer their time to assist the Police and Fire Department. Citizens on Patrol drives through neighborhoods within our city and report suspicious activity or problems to our officers. 

Interested candidates may use the form below to learn more about the duties associated with COP and apply to the program. Applications can complete the attached form and return it to Ontario City Hall. 

COP Application

Ride-Alongs

The Citizen Observer (Ride-Along) Program allows citizens to accompany and observe OPD officers. The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity to educate about law enforcement and build relationships. If you are interested in the program, complete and return the application and waiver below to City Hall. 

Candidates must pass a background check to be eligible for the program. Once an applicant has been accepted, Ontario Police Department will be in contact to schedule the ride-along. Appointments may be limited based on availability. 
 
Citizen Observer (Ride-Along/Hold Harmless) Program Application and Waiver
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