The Eugene Police Department has some career advice for graduating seniors: Become a police officer.
Sgt. Kathy Flynn said EPD is looking to fill 17 open police officer positions.
In addition, there are also three openings for public safety officers with the University’s Department of Public Safety, as well as a security officer position and a parking maintenance technician, said Tom Hicks, associate director of public safety.
However, police officers warned that these jobs aren’t for everyone.
“Everyone watches every move you make — 24 hours a day,” Sgt. Tom Eichhorn said.
Flynn said the 17 positions have opened not because the staff size of 183 sworn officers is increasing, but because about 20 members have either reached or exceeded age 50, at which they are eligible for retirement.
Oregon still has the highest unemployment rate in the country, and that became more apparent as about 150 people showed up for Tuesday’s Police Officer Career Night hosted by EPD.
Staff members from EPD spoke about the responsibilities of their occupations — from the worst scenarios to the most rewarding. Eichhorn said the mental stresses of working under “physically repulsive” conditions and dealing with “arrestees” who have no respect for the law can make law enforcement unappealing. Eichhorn presented a not-so-pretty picture of the job conditions — being spit on, arresting parents in front of their children, directing traffic for hours in the rain and working through lunch breaks.
“It’s the nature of the beast,” he said.
But he balanced the negatives with the joys of the job — good benefits and a starting salary between $38,958 and $49,732 annually, and the chance to be a hero.
“You get the opportunity to help people who are really in need,” he said. He added that putting handcuffs on a violent criminal who has preyed upon the weak and defenseless is “the greatest sound in the world.”
Audience members included some college students and many people who are unemployed. Many participants stuck around after the more than two-hour presentation to ask questions about the rigorous six-month hiring process, which includes a physical abilities test, background check, comprehensive multiple choice exam and descriptive writing exercise. If hired, new employees undergo 21 weeks of training.
“I work at a TV station, KVAL, and I’m always listening to the calls that come in on the scanners. I came here to get more information,” said sophomore Mike Gilbert. He came to the meeting even though he hasn’t turned 21 yet and therefore isn’t old enough to apply, he added.
Nineteen-year-old Ashley Middleton, a freshman who attends Lane Community College, said he wanted to see what college courses he needs to take, such as those in criminal justice, so when he does apply to the program, he’ll be qualified.
Middleton criticized EPD, however, saying it needs more people of color on staff. Presently, people of color make up 14.8 percent of the staff, according to statistics from Human Resource and Risk Services.
“What sets us apart is the quality of people we hire, the training we give them and the support they receive,” Flynn said. She added that the minimal number of staff members of color is an ongoing issue, and the department is interested in hiring more people of various ethnic backgrounds if they are qualified.
Gilbert said from what he has observed, EPD has a good reputation within the community, and its officers respond quickly to emergency calls and make educated decisions.
Hicks said DPS is experiencing “typical turnover” from people resigning to take better jobs. He said the department tends to hire employees who are both students and interested in “pursuing a law-enforcement career.” He encouraged to apply only those who are interested in working a minimum of 40 hours a week, plus overtime, and who want to have a positive impact on the campus climate.
Flynn said job application packets are available online at www.ci.eugene.or.us/jobs/default.htm, through Human Resource and Risk Services at 777 Pearl St., Room 101, or by calling the Employment Information Line at 682-2676.
Capt. Steve Swenson, who runs 13 special teams through EPD ranging from K-9 and SWAT teams to crowd control, encouraged those who don’t make the first cut in the pool of applicants to continue applying to the academy.
“You are the future of this department, and I only want the best,” Swenson said when he addressed the group.