Police Chief
Group: City of Forest Grove, Oregon
Location: Forest Grove, Oregon
Salary Range: $139,236 - $177,708
Deadline Information: Apply by November 23, 2025. (First review, open until filled.)
Posted Date: 10/18/2025
Website: https://www.prothman.com/open-recruitments/?jobId=3335
Contact Information for Applicants
Prothman Company
info@prothman.com
206-368-0050
Police Chief
City of Forest Grove, Oregon
Salary: $139,236 - $177,708
Forest Grove, (pop. 27,551), is located in Washington County in beautiful northwest Oregon, surrounded by rolling hills, evergreen forests, and vineyards that create a scenic backdrop for year-round recreation. From wineries and art galleries to concerts, sports fields, and lakes, Forest Grove offers an abundance of opportunities to live, work, and play in a vibrant and engaging setting. The city offers convenient access to the Portland metropolitan area and the Oregon Coast. Forest Grove is also served by the TriMet regional bus system, with 15-minute service that connects to the MAX light rail just six miles away, linking residents directly to downtown Portland. Forest Grove is home to Pacific University, the first university established west of the Mississippi, the roots of Willamette Valley’s pinot noir industry, and a thriving community of artists, academics, and outdoor enthusiasts.
The City of Forest Grove is a full-service city that operates under a council-city manager form of government, with 232 full-time employees and a 2025 budget of $162.2 million. Services include water, electricity, fire and police, parks and recreation, aquatics, library, engineering, public works, community development, building, economic development, municipal court, administration, and communications.
The Forest Grove Police Department is a full-service, community-oriented agency dedicated to providing high-quality public safety services. Guided by community input, the Forest Grove Vision Statement, and the goals of the City Council, the department plays a central role in maintaining the safety and well-being of the community. Operating on a 2025 budget of $9,164,444 the department is staffed by 38 full-time employees, including 32 sworn officers. Voter approval of a 2024 levy will allow for additional staffing over the next five years, further enhancing service capacity. In 2024, the department responded to 22,542 calls for service, including 8,803 dispatched calls and 13,739 self-initiated calls. The department is structured into three divisions: the Operations Division, which consists of three patrol shifts; the Administrative Division, which houses the detective unit; and the Support Unit, which includes Records, Outreach, and Evidence. The Police Chief oversees all departmental functions, including internal investigations and community relations initiatives. The Forest Grove Police Department takes great pride in its professionalism and commitment to innovation, continually seeking new ways to advance policing for the benefit of the community.
Education and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field, and eight (8) years of experience in law enforcement, including at least six (6) years of command level experience or equivalent training and experience is required. A master’s degree and/or executive-level training (FBI National Academy, SMIP, NEI, or similar) is preferred. Candidates must possess Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards & Training (DPSST) Management certification, or out-of-state equivalent, and possess or be able to obtain Oregon DPSST Executive certification within one (1) year of appointment.
For a complete position profile, full job description, benefits summary and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The City of Forest Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by November 23, 2025. (First review, open until filled.)