The City of Madras is located in Central Oregon and serves as the county seat of Jefferson County. Madras is a close-knit, growing rural community with a population of approximately 8,200 residents and a service population that extends throughout the surrounding region. The city is approximately 45 minutes from Redmond and Bend, offering additional options for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Madras offers a high quality of life for those who value open space, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community. The area is known for its proximity to world-class outdoor opportunities including hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and water recreation at nearby Lake Billy Chinook and the Deschutes River. The Cascade Mountains are within a short drive, offering year-round recreation.

Madras Regional Airport provides local air access, and Redmond Municipal Airport offers commercial flights within a short driving distance.

The community is diverse and includes a significant agricultural presence, as well as a strong connection to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Madras continues to experience growth while maintaining its small-town character and community-oriented values.

Madras is a community where relationships matter. Police Officers are visible and have regular, direct interaction with community members, local businesses, and partner agencies. Officers have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community livability and public safety through proactive policing and problem solving.

The Madras Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency committed to protecting life and property while enhancing community livability through professional, ethical, and community-oriented policing.

The department consists of patrol officers, patrol sergeants, a detective, and professional staff including records and evidence support. The department operates with a team-oriented structure where officers work closely with supervisors and specialty positions to manage calls for service, conduct investigations, and support overall department operations.

Madras officers serve in a dynamic rural environment that requires adaptability, independence, and strong decision making. Lateral officers are expected to bring prior experience and demonstrate sound judgement, initiative, and the ability to balance enforcement with problem-solving and community engagement.

Officers perform a broad range of duties including patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, and response to emergency and non-emergency calls. The department values professionalism, accountability, and integrity, and holds officers to a high standard as representatives of the City of Madras.

Why Lateral Officers Choose Madras Police Department

· Immediate Impact

At MPD, lateral officers step directly into meaningful police work where your decisions, initiative, and experience have a visible impact on the community and agency.

· Autonomy and Trust

Officers are trusted to work independently, make sound decisions, and manage calls without unnecessary micromanagement. If you are confident in your abilities, you will be given the space to do the job.

· Access to Leadership

MPD maintains a small, team-oriented structure where officers have direct access to supervisors and command staff. Good ideas are heard, and experienced officers have opportunities to influence how the department operates.

· Straightforward Policing Environment

Madras Police Department emphasizes practical, common-sense policing. Officers are expected to use sound judgement, communicate clearly, and handle situations professionally without unnecessary bureaucracy.

The Ideal Candidate

The Madras Police Department is seeking experienced officers who are self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of operating independently in a dynamic environment. Ideal candidates demonstrate sound judgement, strong communication skills, and the ability to make confident decisions while remaining accountable to the team and the community.

This position is best suited for officers who value autonomy, take ownership of their work, and are looking to make a meaningful impact within a small, team-oriented agency that prioritizes professionalism, accountability, and integrity.

Police Officers with the Madras Police Department are responsible for protecting life and property through the enforcement of state laws, local ordinances, and community-oriented policing practices. Officers work closely with community members, businesses, and partner agencies to promote public safety and address community livability issues.

This position operates in a dynamic and unpredictable environment requiring sound judgement, adaptability, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

- Patrol assigned areas to deter and detect criminal activity and enhance public safety.

- Respond to calls for service including emergencies, criminal complaints, and community assistance requests.

- Conduct criminal and traffic investigations; collect evidence and interview victims, witnesses, and suspects.

- Enforce state and local laws through arrests, citations, and other appropriate actions.

- Prepare clear, accurate, and timely reports and documentation.

- Provide testimony in court and assist with case preparation.

- Engage in community-oriented policing and problem-solving.

- Provide aid and assistance to the public, including first aid when necessary.

- Collaborate with other law enforcement agencies and community partners.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions in high-pressure situations.

- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

- Ability to analyze situations and apply problem-solving techniques.

- Ability to interact professionally and effectively with diverse members of the public.

- Ability to learn and apply laws, policies, and procedures.

- Ability to maintain composure and adapt in unpredictable environments.

Work Environment and Expectations

- Work is performed in a 24/7 operation with rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

- Officers must be prepared to handle high-stress and rapidly evolving situations.

- The position requires independent decision making, accountability, and professionalism.

- Officers are expected to maintain composure, exercise discretion, and interact respectfully with all members of the public.

- Work includes walking, running, lifting, and physical interaction with individuals.

- Ability to work in all weather conditions and varied environments.

- Exposure to high-stress situations, including emergencies and potentially hazardous conditions.

What You Can Expect

- Immediate assignment to patrol with an experience-based FTEP process.

- Exposure to a wide variety of calls for service, including investigations, and community-based problem-solving.

- A hands-on policing environment where lateral officers are trusted to operate independently and make decisions.

- Direct access to supervisors and command staff in a small, team-oriented agency.

- Opportunities to contribute experience, take ownership of work, and influence department operations.

Minimum Qualifications

- Must be 21 years of age at the time of employment.

- Must be a U.S. citizen.

- Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Oregon driver’s license.

- Must possess a current Oregon DPSST Basic Police Certification OR be eligible for lateral certification through DPSST.

- Must have been employed as a full-time sworn officer within the last 5-year period.

- Out-of-state applicants must meet Oregon reciprocity requirements and be eligible to complete the Prescribed Career Officer Development course.

-Must pass a comprehensive background investigation, including criminal history, driving record, and credit history.

- Must meet department medical, physical, and psychological standards.

Madras Police Department - Lateral Police Officer has 2 vacancies.

Starting salary is based on experience and qualifications, with lateral officers placed within the pay scale consistent with prior law enforcement experience.

Annual Base Salary ranges from $61,907 to $88,006.

Lateral officers may be eligible for placement at higher steps within the salary range depending on years of service, training, and overall experience.

Officers progress through a step system based on experience and performance. Additional compensation opportunities include overtime, specialty assignments, and training incentives as available.

The City of Madras offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support officers’ health, financial security, and long-term career development.

Retirement and Financial Benefits

- 100% Employer-Paid PERS (no employee contribution required).

- Longevity pay (1%, 1.5%, 2%).

- Certification pay (3%, 4%, 5%).

- 5% incentive pay for bilingual (Spanish) officers.

Health and Wellness

- Health insurance available within 31 days of hire.

- Low employee premium costs.

- Employer contributions to Health Savings Account (HSA).

- Wellness benefit.

Time Off

- 10 paid holidays (including floating holiday hours)

Vacation Accrual:

- 1 year = 5 days

- 2 years = 15 days

- 5 years = 20 days

- 10 years = 25 days

- Additional accrual after 15 years (up to 6-week maximum)