Oregon State Police Rolls Out New Recruiting Website

Oregon State Police are gearing up efforts to add new troopers to Oregon's roads.

Photo source: Oregon State Police

(SALEM, Ore.) - As part of an aggressive and continuing effort to find men and women interested in law enforcement career opportunities, Oregon State Police rolled out a new recruiting web site today to help potential applicants learn who we are, what we are about, and understand the recruitment and testing process.

With the ongoing support of Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and the legislative leadership, the Oregon State Police is keeping the wheels moving in an unprecedented, aggressive recruitment and training plan that includes the approved addition of 100 new trooper positions during the 2007 legislative session.

The addition of these new positions, not only for the Patrol Services Division, but also for the Fish & Wildlife and Criminal Investigations Divisions, provides the agency with an exciting challenge to find highly qualified candidates.

"Our commitment to the Governor and the Legislature is that the Department's high standards will not be lowered in order to hire additional troopers," said OSP Superintendent Timothy McLain. "My message to every OSP office is that recruitment is one of our highest priorities at this time as we look for new ways to let people know who we are, what we do, and how they can be an important part of our future."

Superintendent McLain specifically pointed out that a total evaluation of OSP's recruitment process has led to several changes to help meet recruitment goals without reducing standards of excellence. Highlighted changes include:

* A completely re-tooled recruitment website at www.OSPTrooper.com specifically designed to provide important information to applicants;

* The ability to fill out an application online and immediately email it to OSP;

* Additional Entry Level Testing dates to provide more opportunities in streamlining the testing process;

* A first-time Career Officer Lateral Entry Employment Program (COLEEP) to accept qualified law enforcement employees from other agencies who have a minimum of three years of full-time job experience as a sworn, paid law enforcement officer within the past six years;

* Upcoming out-of-state visit at the University of Idaho campus to recruit, receive applications, and conduct Entry Level Testing over a four day period; and,

* New patrol vehicles with rear bumper decals reading: "BE A TROOPER OSPTrooper.com.

The new recruitment website idea came about when Sergeant Erin Reyes, who directs the OSP Recruitment Unit, found that most recent trooper applicants learned about OSP job opportunities on the Internet.

With the help of OSP recruiters, Troopers Ken Terry and Dave Randall, and creative OSP dispatcher Dina Rudesheim, the new up-to-date and relevant website was developed.

In addition to the online application improvement, the new website, OSPTrooper.com, contains an in-depth overview of the qualifications and testing requirements necessary to be offered a position as an OSP recruit, including video demonstrations of the required Entry Level physical testing.

"Many applicants were coming to take the physical test without proper preparation. The new website will provide information and demonstrations to help applicants understand the nature of the physical requirements, and also help in their preparation to pass that portion of the Entry Level Testing," said Sergeant Reyes. "The new website also includes special information for military personnel, and testimonials from female troopers and newly recruited lateral troopers."

New Entry Level Testing dates to provide more frequent testing opportunities and streamline the testing process were added on the following dates:

* March 1st 2008 at West Albany High School in Albany

* May 3rd 2008 at West Albany High School in Albany

* June 21st 2008 at Jefferson High School in Jefferson

* July 12th 2008 at Sunridge Middle School in Pendleton

* July 19th 2008 at Crater High School in Central Point

OSP recruiters will be on the University of Idaho campus at the Kibbie Dome during a four-day period starting February 13th at the WSU/UI career fair. Applications can be filled out prior to and at the career fair. Recruiters will screen applications for minimum qualifications and invite qualifying applicants to participate in the Entry Level Testing on Saturday, February 16th.

The Oregon State Police has many career opportunities to serve our communities in positions critical to the State's safety and economic vitality. In 2007, OSP hired 36 recruit troopers who were trained at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) academy.

All recruits receive a minimum of six months of training, including the 16-week DPSST training and eight weeks of training unique to the requirements of OSP.

"Check out the new website and check us out. OSP is a diverse organization with a variety of opportunities for people from all cultures and backgrounds," Superintendent McLain said.

More information about the Oregon State Police is also available on the Department's home website at oregon.gov/OSP. Visit the new Website: OSPTrooper.com