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Lateral Police Officer

Lateral Police Officer

Discover Medford: Police Career Page, Applicant Support, and Benefits within Our Vibrant City
This recruitment is open to lateral candidates only and will also be used to create an eligibility list for future MPD openings.
Don’t wait to apply - we’re looking to fill positions immediately!

Not a Lateral Police Officer?  Click HERE to sign up for email notifications when we next recruit for Entry-Level Police Officers.

Are you an experienced police officer who enjoys serving others?

Do you seek a challenging and rewarding position while fulfilling your passion for law enforcement?
The Medford Police Department is looking for candidates who are driven, possess strong communication abilities, and thrive in team-oriented environments. Our officers operate within a culture that values fresh and innovative ideas, empowering them to find new ways to enhance the service we provide to our community.

MPD's dedicated team consists of nearly 190 employees and over 30 volunteers, committed to delivering excellent police services and outstanding customer service in all operations.
 Go to Medfordoregon.gov to apply!


A lateral applicant is one who:
  1. Holds an active Oregon DPSST Police Officer certification, or holds an active Police Officer certification in their respective state; and
  2. Has been employed as a certified Police Officer for a minimum of 18 months.
    • Note: Military Police, Federal Law Enforcement, Corrections and Parole/Probation DO NOT qualify as a Lateral Police Officer.
  3. Meets DPSST established physical standards.
    • Click HERE to see physical, hearing, and vision requirements
  4. Completes background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.
Work schedule:
The patrol teams operate on 3/12 and 4/10 weekly schedules, with an additional 8-hour training day each month - supporting a balance between work and personal life. Monthly training covers important refresher topics including defensive tactics, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC), crisis negotiation, Mobile Response Team (MRT) skills, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) awareness, ethics, leadership development, CPR/first aid, and up-to-date legal information.

Here are some of the benefits of joining "Team MPD":
  • Cutting-edge equipment and technology, including external load-bearing vests and body-worn cameras.
  • Competitive salary and benefits.
  • A wide range of specialty assignments for diverse experiences and career growth within the department, including K-9 Handler, Drone Operator, SWAT; Motorcycle Officer, School Resource Officer, Livability Team member, or Field Training Officer; Investigative, Computer Forensic, or Narcotic Detective; Corporal.
  • The department currently has 119 sworn officers, with plans to expand to 123 by 2027!
  • Great career mobility within the department.
  • 3/12 and 4/10 weekly work schedules.
  • Regular monthly training.
  • Southern Oregon offers a fantastic environment for living, working, and leisure activities!
Compensation & Information on Benefits:

This position is part of the Medford Police Officers Association (MPOA) employee group. 

Learn more about our benefits HERE.  


It's estimated that a Lateral Police Officer will typically begin at step three (3) or four (4), though placement may be higher depending on experience. Compensation is determined by the amount of directly related experience and qualifications, evaluated in accordance with Pay Equity Law to ensure alignment with others performing comparable work. The salary range includes six steps, providing opportunities for annual progression.

Potential Pay Differentials:
  • English/Spanish bilingual proficiency 4.5%
  • College credits up to 5% for a bachelor’s degree
  • DPSST Intermediate certification 2%
  • DPSST Advanced certification 5%
  • Certain specialty assignments also qualify for differential pay
 Note: Additional details related to specialty pay or benefits can be found in the MPOA labor agreement.

Healthcare Benefits Provided by the City at NO Cost to Employees:
  • Medical, vision and dental benefits for employee and family.
  • Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance with a policy value of $50,000.
  • Long-term disability insurance.
  • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA-VEBA) contributions.
Retirement Benefits:
  • Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) lifetime pension after retirement at no cost to employee.
  • PERS is 100% fully paid as the City pays both the employer and the employee’s (6%) contributions.
  • Opportunity to contribute into a deferred compensation retirement plan (Section 457 Plan) for retirement planning.
Additional Benefits:
  • Paid vacation and sick leave.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • The City’s Wellness Program promotes physical, social, emotional, intellectual, financial and environmental wellness with various goals and challenges to participate in throughout the year. Employees may qualify for wellness incentives by completing milestones set within the program up to $200 annually.
  • Access to the City's fully equipped fitness center 24/7.
A well-equipped gym featuring weightlifting benches, dumbbells, cardio machines, and a motivational wall mural.

Additional Info

Job Type : Full-Time

Education Level : High School

Experience Level : Mid to Senior Level

Job Function : General, Development, Customer Service

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