Step 1: Application
Salem Police contracts with the
National Testing Network (NTN) for the written and physical portion of the selection process. All applicants must complete an application with the City of Salem and then register and complete an application with
NTN.
Step 2: Written test
Applicants will view a series of job-related videos and answer multiple choice questions based on each video. You must score at least 70 percent on the video portion of the test to get an interview.
You must also take a 12th-grade-level reading and writing test, which is scored for grammar, content, accuracy, and composition.
Take a practice test.
Step 3: Physical fitness test
You must successfully complete a physical fitness test in order to become a police officer with the
Salem Police Department. All applicants must pass the
Oregon Physical Ablities Test (ORPAT) before the closing date of the process.
Applicants must complete the ORPATin 6 minutes or less to pass the initial testing process. However, applicants must complete the
ORPAT in 5 minutes 30 seconds or less in order to pass the Police Academy and maintain employment.
Watch a
video demonstration of the Oregon Physical Abilities Test.
Step 4: In-person interview
Applicants will be asked job-specific questions in front of a panel of evaluators during a structured interview.
You must achieve a minimum overall cumulative score of 75 percent on your written test and in-person interview. Your overall score is a combination of your written test score and your in-person interview score. The written test counts for 40 percent and the interview counts for 60 percent of your cumulative score.
Step 5: Integrity interview and pre-offer, non-medical psychological testing
A trained investigator will ask questions relating to virtually every aspect of your life and use the information to assist in conducting a background investigation. Applicants will also be given a non-medical
PHQ and
CPI suitability assessment evaluation by a police psychologist.
Step 6: Conditional offer of employment
A conditional offer of employment is extended
pending successful passing of a background investigation, physical examination, and psychological examination.
Step 7: Background investigation
The background investigation will thoroughly examine all aspects of your personal and professional life. All academic, professional, legal, military, and personal records are obtained, verified, and examined. This includes:
- Credit history including tax records
- Criminal history
- Driving history
-
Military service
- Personal history and reference
- Residence history
- Social media footprint
- Work history and references
Step 8: Physical examination
Medical exams will be performed by Kaiser Permanente Occupational Health. Candidates may self-schedule their exam at any Kaiser location in Oregon.
- Drug screen
- Eye exam
- Hearing exam
- Physical exam
Refer to OAR 259 for medical disqualifiers.
Step 9: Psychological examination
A psychological examination will be performed by a police psychologist.
Step 10: Final job offer
Only after steps 1 through 9 have been successfully completed may a final job offer be extended.