Employment Opportunity FAQs

What is the process to become a Florence Police Officer?

There are many routes that can be taken to become a police officer with the City of Florence.

We have a reserve officer program that is an excellent opportunity for men and women who want to see if law enforcement is something they really want to do for a career without having to quit their current jobs or careers. From the police department, the reserve officer program permits us as a department to get a good look at our reserves as a potential pool of job applicants. We also look for lateral applicants. These are currently certified officers that seek to relocate to the Oregon coast and work in our department. Finally, we also look at people who simply may have the potential and desire.

All potential applicants should check the City of Florence web site for employment opportunities. There is the required written test which is the Standard Test for writing and reading comprehension at the 12th grade level. There is the ORPAT (ORegon Physical Agility Test) that must be passed. Both of these are requirements for certification from the State of Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).

We hold an oral panel comprised of minimally a Florence police officer, a Florence supervisory police officer, and a member of the community at large. It is the responsibility of the oral panel to determine which applicants would make good solid police officers that are the right fit for our community.

Top ranked candidates from the oral panel process may or may not be interviewed by the Chief of Police at this point or prior to a conditional job offer, however those selected to undergo a background investigation will be asked to complete some extensive questionnaires and submit them back to the department.

The successful candidate who successfully completes a background investigation may be given a conditional job offer contingent upon a psychological evaluation for suitability, passing a pre-employment drug screening, and a medical evaluation to meet the requirements per DPSST standards for certification.

The person who reaches this stage is offered the job of Police Officer and provided a start date. The Chief of Police would administer the Oath of Office on the first day on the job. Training then begins either with a Field Training Officer or by attending the Basic Police Academy course at DPSST in Salem, OR.

Every employee of the Florence Police Department is a recruiter for our agency. Interested persons who want more information may contact any member of our department's staff.
 

How can I volunteer with the Florence Police Department?

If you are interested in volunteering for the Florence Police Department you can pick up an application at the Justice Center or download one from our website. We currently have two organizations of volunteers assisting the Florence Police Department which are founded to generally serve the needs of the community, and specifically, the needs of the Police Department.

One organization is the Reserves. They are dedicated individuals who have put themselves through an extensive "Reserve Academy" which provides training equal to that, that our regular officers have received. The Reserve Police Officers are a support group to our regular officers assisting them in their day to day operations and special events.

The other dedicated group is our Auxiliary Volunteers. Auxiliary members assist the Police Department in a variety of ways; we attempt to match each individual's desired duties with their ability to perform those duties. This allows for areas of different contribution, without devaluing limited or restricted efforts.

For more information about either or both organizations contact the Florence Police Department and you will be directed to the appropriate individual.