Forest Grove Police Department

Forest Grove, Oregon · Police Department · 32 officers

About Forest Grove Police Department

The Forest Grove Police Department serves a city of about 27,000 people in Washington County, home to Pacific University and a short drive from Portland and the Oregon coast. At the end of 2025 the department had 32 sworn officers: a chief, two captains, seven sergeants, two detectives and 19 patrol officers, backed by six civilian staff. Officers handled 21,817 calls in 2025.

The department runs three divisions. Operations covers patrol on day, swing and night shifts, each with up to six officers and a working sergeant who also takes calls. The Administrative Division houses the detective unit, and the Support Unit handles records, outreach and evidence. There's also a School Resource Officer assignment, a bike patrol, and a peer support team for officers and staff.

New officers attend the 16-week basic academy run by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, then complete Forest Grove's 17-week field training program. Incentive pay adds up to 14% of base for state certification (4% intermediate, 8% advanced), bilingual skills, field training, investigations, bike patrol and the school post. After five years you get a 30-day paid sabbatical and a $2,500 retention bonus, with another $2,500 at ten years.

Pay and benefits

Salary: $80,820 - $104,676
Education incentive: Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training certification pay of 4% of base for an intermediate certificate and 8% for an advanced certificate.
Retirement: PERS - Officers hired since February 2016 join the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System after a six-month wait, and the city pays the employee's 6% contribution. The city also puts 1% of base pay into each officer's health savings account and adds service-based deposits of $500 to $1,000 a year.
Benefits: Retirement Benefits, Education Incentives, Specialty Unit Opportunities, Bilingual Pay, Wellness Programs, Union Representation

Open positions at Forest Grove Police Department

Police Officer - Lateral - $80,820 - $104,676 per year

Agency website: https://www.forestgrove-or.gov/251/Police