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Bring a Friend: Careers at Portland Police
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to start a career with the Portland Police Bureau (PPB)—and maybe even bring a buddy along for the ride—this episode of the Talking Beat podcast is a must-listen. In this episode, recruiter Officer Patrick Johnson sits down with Sergeant Trevor Tyler and Officer David Hughes to talk about their lifelong friendship, their careers, and why the Bureau is encouraging applicants to “bring a friend.”
Lifelong Friendships, Unforgettable Careers
Both Trevor and David are Portland natives who ended up in law enforcement together—thanks, in large part, to a little friendly persuasion. Sergeant Tyler describes his greatest accomplishment not as a medal or a headline, but as dragging his college buddy David into a police career. “You don’t have to be great, but you have to have a great accomplishment,” Trevor jokes, recalling how he convinced David (who was working loss prevention at Target at the time) to join him in the hiring process.
David is grateful for the push: “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do after college, but having a buddy who knew what he wanted helped me think of something I might not have considered.” They both went through the hiring process and academy (just a few months apart), leaning on each other for advice and support.
Why Friendship Matters in Police Work
While Trevor and David’s careers have taken them across different units—from patrol, the rapid response team, gang enforcement, and human trafficking investigations to the child abuse and enhanced community safety teams—their friendship has been a constant source of support.
“There’s a lot of unknowns in this job, especially at the start,” says David. “Being able to bounce things off a friend—someone who’s just a few steps ahead of you—gives you confidence.” Trevor agrees: “It’s exciting, but sharing that excitement with someone going through it with you makes all the difference.”
Their friendship didn’t just help them through the tough parts of training; it’s enriched their lives outside of work too. Their families are close, their wives are best friends, and their kids are buddies—turning what can be an isolating career into a shared community.
Building New Bonds and Bringing People Home
Trevor and David’s story isn’t unique at the PPB. In this episode, Trevor shares how he kept in touch with a former colleague who moved away to another agency in Nevada, eventually persuading him to come back to Portland and join the Bureau’s canine unit. The annual in-service trainings serve as reunions for officers across the Bureau, reinforcing bonds and building new ones.
Why Join the Portland Police Bureau?
Both officers highlight the opportunities and benefits the Bureau offers:
- Diverse Career Paths: From patrol to specialized units, the PPB offers opportunities to work in a variety of roles.
- Work-Life Balance: The schedule allows for quality time with family and friends—something many officers value highly.
- Competitive Pay and Benefits: “We’re currently the highest paid agency in the state,” says Trevor, who also praises the vacation, overtime, and deferred compensation benefits.
- Wellness Support: The Bureau invests in officer wellbeing—mental, physical, and financial—with resources like on-duty workout time and wellness programs.
- A Chance to Make a Difference: Both Trevor and David chose the Bureau because of their love for Portland and their desire to give back to the community.
Bring a Friend—Or Become One
The episode ends with a message for anyone considering law enforcement as a career (or knows someone who might be a good fit): “Why wouldn’t you bring a friend?” Trevor asks. “This job can be a great foundation for life, whether you stay for a few years or make it a career. It makes you a better person, and you gain lifelong skills and friendships along the way.”
Even if you don’t see yourself as a police officer, you might know someone who would thrive in the role. “Call your nephew, your son, your next-door neighbor,” Trevor urges. “This is a way to make our city a better place.”
Want to Learn More?
The Portland Police Bureau is currently hiring new and lateral officer positions. If you have questions about the process or want to apply, visit our recruitment website to get in touch with a recruiter.
Listen to the full episode for more stories and advice from Trevor, David, and the PPB recruiting team!