Oregon Police Badge Requirements & Regulations Guide
Complete guide to DPSST certification, badge traditions, and law enforcement credentials in Oregon
Oregon law enforcement badges are governed by DPSST. All sworn officers must complete 640 hours of training. Oregon has 36 counties with elected sheriffs using star badges, while municipal police use shield badges. Portland Police is the largest department. Oregon has 36 counties and requires DPSST certification. Coastal areas face salt air exposure.
- 36 county sheriff offices
- DPSST certification required
- Minimum training: 640 hours
- Population rank: 27th
- All sheriffs use star badges; police use shields
Oregon Law Enforcement Overview
Oregon’s law enforcement structure includes 36 county sheriff offices and numerous municipal police departments. County sheriffs serve as primary law enforcement in rural areas, while municipal departments cover cities and towns. Portland Police is the largest department in the state.
Certification Requirements
DPSST establishes certification requirements for all law enforcement officers in Oregon. Basic training requires 640 hours including criminal code, patrol procedures, firearms qualification, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, and crisis intervention.
Oregon Badge Traditions
All 36 Oregon county sheriffs use star-shaped badges, typically 5-point or 6-point designs with county name displayed. Gold finish for sheriff; silver for deputies. Municipal police departments use shield-shaped badges following the national police tradition.
Major Oregon Law Enforcement Agencies
Oregon’s major agencies include the state police/highway patrol, Portland Police, and county sheriff offices. Each maintains distinct badge designs reflecting their jurisdiction and traditions.
- Hard enamelโwithstands climate conditions
- Quality plating (20+ mils)โprevents wear and tarnishing
- Star badges for sheriffs; shield badges for police
Frequently Asked Questions
โ How long does Oregon certification take?
Oregon requires 640 hours of basic training at a certified academy, typically 13-18 weeks depending on the program, plus field training with the hiring agency.
โ Do all Oregon sheriffs use star badges?
Yes. All 36 Oregon county sheriffs use star-shaped badges, maintaining traditional law enforcement iconography.
โ Can I transfer my certification to Oregon?
Oregon offers reciprocity for officers certified in other states, subject to approval. You’ll typically need to complete state-specific legal training.
- Oregon has 36 county sheriff offices
- DPSST certification (640 hours) required
- All sheriffs use star badges; police use shields
- Portland Police is the largest department
The Bottom Line
Oregon maintains traditional law enforcement structures with 36 county sheriffs using star badges. For more information on badge procurement, see our complete badge procurement guide.