Lateral Police Officer

Summary

The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Police Department (CRITPD) provides law enforcement for 31 treaty fishing access sites and other tribal lands along the Columbia River from Bonneville Dam to McNary Dam, this 150-mile stretch is known as the Zone 6 fishing area. 

Lateral Police Officers conduct vehicle and boat patrols across the 31 treaty fishing access sites to ensure safety and enforce compliance with fishing regulations and tribal codes. Lateral Police Officers perform inspections, respond to incidents, issue citations, and apply prior law enforcement experience in a manner that respects the cultural practices of the four member tribes. 

Lateral Police Officers must have one to three years of experience as a sworn law enforcement officer and successfully completed a Basic Training Police Academy. 

This is an in-person position located in Hood River, Oregon. 

Responsibilities

• Enforce tribal fishing regulations and provide law enforcement services along the Columbia River.
• Maintain a working knowledge of and respect for the unique customs and traditions of the four-member tribes, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and the Nez Perce Tribe.
• Deescalate stressful situations through calm and careful communication.
• Learn and maintain strong knowledge of laws, resolutions, and tribal codes. These include the codes of the four-member tribes, the codes of the states of Oregon and Washington, and the codes of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other federal agencies.
• Investigate violations and incidents, issue warnings and citations, apprehend violators, write case reports, prepare cases for court, and process evidence and property.
• Learn how to use firearms in a safe and effective manner.
• Be an exceptional team member for your fellow officers. Listen well and speak with respect.
• Provide assistance to tribal members or any citizen during times of need.
• Always put safety first. Safely operate boats, vehicles, firearms, radios, and other electronic equipment.

Qualifications

• A strong track record of attendance and being on time for work. A reputation for being someone who can be counted on to not miss shifts.
• There is a residence requirement to facilitate officers reporting to work in a reliable and dependable manner. Generally, officers must live in Zone 6 of the Columbia River, i.e. in between McNary Dam (near Umatilla) and the Bonneville Dam, and no more than 15 miles south of Highway 84 (OR) or Highway 14 (WA). Trainees may live outside this area but once training is complete, they must follow the full residence requirement.
• In order to become a sworn Officer in the State of Oregon, you must be able to meet minimum moral fitness and ethical qualifications and pass a background investigation with no convictions of felonies. Candidates with a misdemeanor criminal history will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

CRITFC Motor Vehicle Policy 

This job requires driving a CRITFC vehicle and therefore you must be able to meet the terms of the CRITFC Motor Vehicle policy. Per the policy, applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for the past three years. This includes a three-year record clear of the following:

• Reckless Driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Suspension or revoked license
• No more than two at-fault accidents
• No more than one major violation or two minor violations.

Native Hiring Preference

CRITFC implements a tribal preference policy and encourages citizens and descendants of our member tribes (Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama) and other federally recognized tribes to apply.

CRITFC is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.

Recruitment period

Opened until filled