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Police
Permanent employees receive a generous benefits package that includes paid holidays; employee health insurance; sick and vacation leave; optional life, dental, vision and income protection insurances; choice of retirement plans; and tuition reduction program with the University of Southern Maine and Thomas College. The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment. City benefits include:
- Thirteen paid holidays
- Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
- Sick, vacation, and personal leave
- Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
- Option of MainePers 3 C (25 year, 2/3rds) Retirement Plan or city contributed 401a plan
- Use of City recreation facilities
- Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College
If you’re interested in started the hiring process to become a Portland police officer, you need to first submit an online application, accompanied by a resume and cover letter.
In order to become a police officer, candidates must be a citizen of the United States or demonstrate a permanent right to work in the United States; have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) and meet the admission standards of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy; Have reached the age of 21 by the date of appointment.
All candidates will be asked to complete a physical fitness test, which can be done here at Portland PD. You will be asked to complete a 1 minute push-up test, a 1 minute sit up test and a 1.5 mile run. The exact requirements for the physical fitness test can be found HERE. You can watch an instructional video HERE.
The hiring process takes approximately 3-4 months to complete, depending on when you submit your application.
We do have the ability to work with candidates to expedite the hiring process. If you have military commitments or other extenuating circumstances that will affect your timeline, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.
For lateral officers, we can complete the entire process in as little as two trips to Portland.
Application
To start the process, submit an online application. The application must be accompanied by a cover letter and resume. Resumes are used as part of the screening process so candidates are advised to submit a solid, professional resume. Upon receipt of your application, we will notify you of the next available written test date.
Written Test
Produced by a national testing firm, the written aptitude capacity test consists of multiple choice questions which measure general aptitude and attributes important in performing as an entry-level police officer. The test is administered online at the Portland Police Department.
Physical Fitness Test
Candidates must pass a physical fitness test before attending the Academy. The test consists of sit-ups, push-ups, and a timed 1.5 mile run. We proctor the test here at Portland PD. Candidates can also take the physical fitness test at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. Please take the time to review the fitness requirements and adopt a training plan to ensure you are prepared to pass the test. Candidates’ test scores are valid for six months from the current hiring process.
Oral Interview
Candidates who pass their written and physical fitness exam, are interviewed by a panel comprised of department representatives and a Civil Service Commissioner. These interviews typically last 45 minutes and questions are intended to prompt candidates to talk about themselves. The panel makes recommendations to the Chief of Police who determines which candidates will move on in the hiring process. Candidates are expected to wear business attire to the interview.
Background Investigation
All candidates remaining in the process are given a background book to complete. The completed book is assigned to an investigator who will work to verify its contents. The purpose of the investigation is to uncover any disqualifying events in a candidate’s history. Honesty is at a premium here and false information, misinformation, or failure to disclose information will lead to removal from the hiring process.
Disqualifiers during the background phase include illegal drug use within five years of application. Marijuana use within one year of application date is considered an automatic disqualifier police candidates . Other disqualifiers are a less than honorable discharge from any branch of the military, convictions or have engaged in any conduct which would constitute Murder, Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D crimes, or any provision of the Maine Criminal Code, Chapters 15, 19, 25, or 45 which include thefts of property valued at over $ 500.00, Falsification in Official Matters, Bribery & Corrupt Practices, and Drugs. Candidates are removed from the hiring process if they falsify or misrepresent any information during the application process, background investigation or polygraph examination.
Conditional Job Offer
Candidates who satisfactorily complete the interview and background investigation may receive a conditional job offer. Upon acceptance of that offer, the next stages of the process take place.
Polygraph Examination
All applicants must complete a polygraph examination. Again, the emphasis is on honesty.
Job Suitability Assessment
The job suitability assessment stage is conducted by a clinical psychologist who is a consultant of the department. The suitability assessment process involves completing standardized psychological tests that assess personality and psychological functioning, timed tests of cognitive abilities, and an oral interview with the psychologist. Following the completion of the examination, the psychologist will provide the Portland Police Department with a written report of relevant findings and conclusions relating to her opinion of the candidate’s suitability for the position.
Medical Examination
Candidates are required to undergo a comprehensive medical examination designed to reveal any medical condition that may affect work performance or require some sort of accommodation.
You’re almost done!
Upon completion of all steps in the hiring process, the Chief of Police shall make a final review of the candidate’s complete background file and determine if the candidate shall be given a job offer. Successful candidates are sworn in and sent to the Maine Criminal Justice Academy for 18 weeks of instruction before beginning their career in Portland.
The City of Portland is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. We are fully committed to encouraging minority and/or female candidates to apply.
We accept lateral applications on a rolling basis. Maine Blue Pins and out of state officers are encouraged to apply. Salary is commensurate with years of service for all full-time law enforcement experience post graduation from the police academy. Our hiring process is accommodating and expeditious. Lateral officers serving in a full-time capacity are not required to take the written entrance exam.
To start the process, submit your resume and cover letter to Kate Morin, Principal Administrative Officer.
Email: kathrynp@portlandmaine.gov
Phone: 207-874-8588
Lateral applicants are not required to attend the BLETP and complete all academy requirements during their first week of employment.
Dispatch
Your community needs you! Come and join a team with purpose that makes a difference every day and night.
We are now accepting applications for Emergency Telecommunications Operator (911 Dispatcher). Answer the call and become the ears and voice of public safety. This is an important, fast-paced, and exciting position in Portland’s Regional Communications Center (PRCC). PRCC provides 24-hour emergency/non-emergency dispatch services for Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services for the municipalities of Portland, South Portland, and Cape Elizabeth.
The normal duties of this position include but are not limited to: Working 8,10 or 12-hour shifts, covering 24-hours a day 7 days a week, including holidays and weekends; communicating with police and fire units by radio; answering both emergency (911) and non-emergency telephones; provide Emergency Medical & Fire instructions over the phone for emergency situations; input data into computer regarding stolen property, vehicles, and guns; enter missing and wanted persons in state, local and national computer systems; other related duties as required.
This is a fast-paced team environment that requires the following qualifications: Graduation from high school or equivalent; ability to work with advanced computer-aided dispatching technology; capacity to act quickly, calmly and correctly in emergency situations; must be able to use tact and diplomacy in stressful situations; availability to work all shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays; strong listening, memory, and multitasking skills; accurate typing skills; solid customer service skills. Job suitability assessment, Police background check, and polygraph required. Must be able to obtain Maine Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatch Certification (EFD), and Maine Certified Terminal Operator Certification within 6 months of employment.
Highly competitive and comprehensive new compensation & benefit plan.
*Starting rate during 4 weeks academic training $22.17/hour, increasing by a minimum of $2/hour when training on shift. Upon passing probation at 6 months, rises to $23.81 plus a minimum of $2/hour shift differential. Additional increases for each qualification gained (Police Dispatch, Fire Dispatch).*
Lateral Hire Opportunities – Certified Emergency Telecommunicators can be credited for previous experience and placed at the corresponding pay scale step.
We are currently offering a $10,000 sign-on bonus with a 5-year commitment.
Well qualified candidates may be eligible for relocation reimbursement upon hire.
Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.
The City of Portland is strongly committed to diversity in its workforce.
Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.
We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Permanent employees receive a generous benefits package that includes paid holidays; employee health insurance; sick and vacation leave; optional life, dental, vision and income protection insurances; choice of retirement plans; and tuition reduction program with the University of Southern Maine and Thomas College.
• $10,000 Hiring Bonus
• Overtime opportunities
• Paid vacation, holiday (13) and sick days
• Clothing allowance/tuition reimbursement
• Free health insurance for employee
• Option of MainePERS 3 C (25 year, 2/3rds), Retirement Plan or city contributed 401a plan
• 401A with 7.5% City contribution
• Military buy back through MainePERS
For further details on our generous benefits package, please view our Benefits Guide (PDF).
Application
Submit an online application, accompanied by a resume and cover letter
Online Written Entrance Exam
We use an online entrance exam administered here at the Portland Police Department. The exam involves a series of tests designed to ensure that an applicant has the necessary aptitude to succeed as a Telecommunicator. Assessed elements include multi-tasking, prioritization, listening, reading, memory recall, map reading, summarization and typing. It is timed and candidates usually finish within two hours.
Oral Board Interview
Candidates who pass the written entrance exam are invited to participate in an oral board interview.
Background
All candidates remaining in the process are given a background book to complete. The completed book is assigned to an investigator who will work to verify its contents. The purpose of the investigation is to uncover any disqualifying events in a candidate’s history. Honesty is at a premium here and false information, misinformation, or failure to disclose information will lead to removal from the hiring process. In order to expedite the process, you may download a background book and complete it prior to your interview.
Conditional Job Offer
Candidates who satisfactorily complete the interview and background investigation may receive a conditional job offer. Upon acceptance of that offer, the next stages of the process take place.
Job Suitability Assessment
The job suitability assessment stage is conducted by a clinical psychologist who is a consultant of the department. The suitability assessment process involves completing standardized psychological tests that assess personality and psychological functioning, timed tests of cognitive abilities, and an oral interview with the psychologist. Following the completion of the examination, the psychologist will provide the Portland Police Department with a written report of relevant findings and conclusions relating to her opinion of the candidate’s suitability for the position.
Additional Information
The hiring process can take 3-4 months to complete. It is recommended that all candidates participate in a job shadow at some point during the hiring process.
Applications/resumes submitted are forwarded to the department with the position for review and consideration. Only those applications/resumes that meet the minimum qualifications for the position can be considered. Therefore, it is very important applicants apply only for those positions which they are qualified for based on knowledge, skills and abilities. Applicants will be contacted by the hiring department if they are selected for further consideration, or not selected to fill the position.
The City of Portland is strongly committed to diversity in its work force. We are an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer.
For any questions, use the form at the bottom of the page. You can also contact Human Resources via email or call 207-874-8596.
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