The Police Department is recruiting for Reserve Police Officer utilizing the National Testing Network (NTN) as the first step in the hiring process. (Please see below for NTN directions.) NTN testing and the City of Hillsboro application must be completed by Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 11:59 pm.
Purpose:
The Hillsboro Police Department Reserve Program is comprised of a group of volunteer citizens who are interested in serving the City of Hillsboro to make it a safer and better community. This organization provides both the Police Department and the community with additional resources, and it is comprised of a carefully selected group of community service oriented citizens who are departmentally trained to legally and competently perform the police function on an as-needed basis. Reserve officers may also be used to assist the Investigation and Records Divisions, and to perform any assignment, at the direction of the Chief of Police.
General Description of Duties
A professional, sworn position that performs law enforcement and crime prevention work including patrol and investigation; apprehension of criminals, preservation of peace and protection of life and property; enforces Federal, State and local laws; practices the principles of Community Policing; does related work as required.
Eligible persons who are qualified and interested in applying for the position must follow the selection process instructions listed below. Selection Process
City of Hillsboro application and National Testing Network (NTN) Directions:
Step 1 - Eligible persons who are qualified and interested in applying for the positions must login and sign-up with the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com. Select Reserve Police Officer and sign up for City of Hillsboro Police Department. NTN testing must be completed and scores released to Hillsboro Police Department by the closing date of Sunday, June 22, 2025. If tested prior to our opening date of May 9, 2025, contact NTN to transfer score to our current process. The City of Hillsboro does not accept exam results from other agencies outside of NTN.
OR
1b. Submit transcripts verifying that they possess at least a four-year academic degree from an institution recognized by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), and would be exempt from the National Testing Network (NTN) Exam. A transcript showing the award of at least a bachelor's degree must be included with your application to be considered and complete, in lieu of the NTN Exam. For more information about recognized academic institutions by DPSST, click here: OAR 259-008-0045
Schedule and pass the written exam with the National Testing Network.
Minimum passing score for NTN is: Video 65%, Writing 70% and Reading 70%.
(Test must be completed prior to submitting application). National Testing Network (NTN) help desk: 206-428-3265, 8 am – 5 pm, PST. Questions may also be referred to Cindy Tucker at cindy.tucker@hillsboro-oregon.gov.
Step 2 – The City of Hillsboro/Hillsboro Police Department will review the applications of those who have successfully passed NTN and supplied a completed City of Hillsboro Application which includes a cover letter and resume. Applications will be evaluated based on minimum and required work experience, training and skills presented in the employment application.
Step 3 - Applicants who successfully pass the application review phase will be invited to participate in the Oregon Physical Agility Test (ORPAT). If an applicant has taken ORPAT and passed within 12 months of June 22, 2025, you will not need to retest. Prior ORPAT scores may be attached to your application.
Step 4 - Selected applicants will be invited to participate in other stages of the selection process including oral board interview, and extensive background investigation. All applicants will be notified in writing of the final status of their application.
Step 5 – Any applicant who receives a conditional offer of employment will be subject to passing a pre-employment physical, drug screen and psychological evaluation.
Reserve Police Officer positions are non-compensated volunteer positions. Applicants must be 21 years of age by date of appointment, be a United States citizen at time of appointment, have a valid Driver's License, safe driving record and no criminal history. All successful applicants will be required to attend a Reserve Police Officer Academy to be held two evenings per week and several Saturdays over a five-month period.Scanning the QR Code leads to Hillsboro Police Department's City Web Page
All Reserve officers are subject to emergency call up. In case of emergency and/or disaster conditions, Reserve Officers may be asked to report to the station or other location as instructed.
Reserve officers are required to attend all scheduled Reserve training classes and meetings each month. They are required to put in a minimum of 16 hours each month.
- High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by college-level coursework.
- Some experience in law enforcement, military or other fields (for example, psychology, social service, customer service) that demonstrates desired knowledge, skills and abilities, OR
- Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work will be considered.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS- Be at least 21 years of age by the date of appointment.
- Possess or be able to obtain a valid State of Oregon Driver's License.
- Have a safe driving record.
- Be a United States citizen at time of appointment.
- Be in good physical and mental health as determined by a medical and psychological examination.
- Must pass an extensive background investigation and be free of felony conviction.
MEMBERSHIP:
Reserve Officers are volunteer personnel and may be dismissed at will. Reserve officers must meet the same basic appointment requirements as that of full-time police officers and go through the same selection process to include written test, oral board, extensive background investigation, and physical testing. The final phase of the process are medical and psychological examinations that are paid for by the City. All successful applicants will be required to attend a Reserve Police Officer Academy, which is generally held two evenings per week and several Saturdays over a five-month period.
PROBATION:
Probation will begin on the day a reserve officer is sworn in and will be for a period of eighteen (18) months. The probationary period may be extended at the discretion of the Reserve Program Lieutenant.
SCOPE OF AUTHORITY
Reserve officers are sworn police officers with police powers, including power of arrest, whenever they are on-duty. This authority is limited only to those times when they are on-duty. Reserve officers are equipped with the same uniform and equipment as full-time police officers of the Hillsboro Police Department. As a result of their function and role in the criminal justice system, reserve officers may, on occasion, be subpoenaed to testify in court.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The Reserve Program is commanded by the Reserve Program Lieutenant and coordinated by the Reserve Program Sergeant. They coordinate the selection of new reserve officers, training for all reserve officers, and the overall operation of the Reserve Program. The Reserve Program Lieutenant reports to the Patrol Division Commander, who authorizes the selection of new reserve officers.
A Reserve Liaison Officer will be a full-time police officer appointed by the Chief of Police to serve in this role in addition to his/her regular duties as a police officer. His/her duties will be to assist and advise the reserve officers throughout their involvement in the Reserve Program. Reserve Liaison Officers will work closely with and report to the Reserve Program Sergeant.
When working either independently or with other members of the Department, regardless of the task, reserve officers will respond to the direction of any sworn, full-time member of the Department, from the rank of police officer to Chief of Police.Hillsboro Police Department Vision, Mission, and Values Statement
Our VISION is to be the most trusted police department in the Pacific Northwest by fulfilling our MISSION of delivering exceptional police service to the Hillsboro community through our shared VALUES of Dignity, Respect, Service, and Just Outcomes.
AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS
The following standards have been adopted by the Hillsboro Police Department as AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS from a police department hiring process.
Additional information related to the items listed below or otherwise discovered through subsequent investigation may also disqualify a candidate.
1. Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Ability to possess a valid Oregon Driver's License. Ability to drive safely. Ability
to control a motor vehicle at high speeds. Ability to operate a motor vehicle in all
types of weather conditions.
A. Receipt of two or more moving violations within three years prior to application
may be disqualifying depending on the nature of the violations. A moving
violation for which there is a factual finding of innocence shall not be included.
B. Involvement as a driver in two or more chargeable collisions within three
years prior to date of application shall be disqualifying.
C. Conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs within three
years prior to application shall be disqualifying.
D. Suspension of a driver's license once within the past three years shall be
disqualifying.
2. Integrity
Refusing to yield to temptation of bribes, gratuities, payoff, etc. Refusing to tolerate
unethical or illegal conduct on the part of other law enforcement personnel. Showing
strong moral character and integrity in dealing with the public. Being honest in
dealing with the public.
A. Any material misstatement of fact or significant admission or omission during
the application or background process shall be disqualifying.
3. Credibility as a Witness in a Court of Law
Ability to give testimony in a court of law without being subject to impeachment due
to his/her character for honesty or veracity or due to prior felony conviction.
A. Conviction of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Oregon Law as an
adult shall be disqualifying.
B. Conviction of any offense classified as a misdemeanor under Oregon Law while
employed as a Police Officer shall be disqualifying.
C. Commission of any act while employed as a Police Officer involving
untruthfulness, falsification of any official report or document, or theft shall be
disqualifying.
D. All male U.S. citizens and male aliens born after 1960 and residing in the United
States who are 18 through 25 years of age are REQUIRED to register with the
Selective Service. Failure to have registered is an automatic disqualifier.
4. Dependability
A. Missing any scheduled appointment during the hiring process without prior
permission shall be disqualifying.
B. Having been disciplined by any employer as an adult for abuse of leave, gross
insubordination, dereliction of duty or persistent failure to follow established
policies and regulations shall be disqualifying.
C. Having been involuntarily dismissed (for reasons other than lay-off) from two or
more employers as an adult shall be disqualifying.
5. Illegal Use or Possession of Drugs
The following types of illegal drug use or possession will be considered automatic
disqualification in the pre-employment selection process for police personnel,
with no exceptions:
A. Any adult use or possession of a drug classified as a hallucinogenic within five
years prior to application for employment shall be disqualifying. Any other
illegal drug use within the last five years shall be disqualifying.