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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

City of Bexley, OH

Police Officer - ENTRY-LEVEL

Bexley, OH · On-site

$71K - $119K/yr

Purpose of Work WAITLIST: Entry Level Police Officer The City of Bexley is currently accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officers. Interested candidates may apply here to join the waitlist ...

City of Riverside (OH)

Police Cadet

Dayton, OH · On-site

$55K/yr

Description The Police Cadet is an entry-level, non-sworn position intended for individuals currently enrolled in an Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA)-certified basic training program. The ...

City of Riverside, OH

Police Cadet

Dayton, OH · On-site

$55K/yr

... entry-level, non-sworn position intended for individuals currently enrolled in an Ohio Peace ... The purpose of this position is to prepare recruits for a career as sworn law enforcement officers ...

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All JobsPolice Officer JobsEntry Level Police Officer JobsEntry Level Police Officer Jobs in Ohio

Entry Level Police Officer information

See Ohio salary details

$30.9K

$59.1K

$98.4K

How much do entry level police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in Ohio is $59,084.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $70,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level police officer?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a police department and are in the initial stages of their law enforcement careers. They typically perform basic duties such as patrolling designated areas, responding to emergency calls, conducting preliminary investigations, and enforcing laws. Entry level officers often undergo a period of training at a police academy followed by on-the-job training with experienced officers. Their responsibilities and authority increase as they gain more experience and demonstrate their abilities.

What does an entry level police officer do?

The job duties of an entry-level police officer involve working to protect citizens and perform other law enforcement duties. Your responsibilities in this career include going on patrol, working to investigate crimes, and documenting complaints. An entry-level officer has completed officer training and public safety testing (PST) and has been sworn-in as a law enforcement professional. However, you may undergo additional on-the-job training with the assistance of a senior officer, and you may have a period of probationary employment until you have proven yourself in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level police officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, a clean background, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong soft skills include integrity, critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law ethically, and responding effectively to emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level police officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level police officers often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning departmental procedures, and developing effective communication skills in high-pressure situations. Balancing the demands of public interactions with the need to enforce the law can be stressful, especially when dealing with difficult or emotional incidents. New officers also spend significant time in training and mentorship programs, which help ease the transition but require adaptability and resilience.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police Officer vs Police Dispatcher?

AspectEntry Level Police OfficerPolice Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, communication training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionDispatch center, phone and radio communication
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsPolice departments, emergency communication centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Police Officers primarily patrol communities, enforce laws, and respond to incidents, requiring police academy training. Police Dispatchers handle emergency calls, coordinate responses, and communicate with officers, focusing on communication skills. Both roles are essential in law enforcement but differ in duties, environment, and training focus.

Can you get hired as an entry level police officer with no experience?

Entry level police officers are typically hired with little to no prior law enforcement experience, as agencies often provide training and academy instruction. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete physical and written tests. Having relevant skills such as communication, problem-solving, and a clean background can improve chances of hiring without prior experience.
More about Entry Level Police Officer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Police Officer jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Entry Level Police Officer job openings:

Entry Level Police Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,084 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Lateral Entry-Level Police Officer

City Of Lakewood

Lakewood, OH • On-site

$73K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

City Of Lakewood (Colorado) rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

119th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Lateral Entry Level Police Officer

The City of Lakewood is accepting applications for an entry level Police Officer position. This appointment is being made through a lateral entry process open to candidates who are currently Police Officers or who have been employed as Police Officers in the State of Ohio within the past year.

Qualified candidates must provide proof of current or past appointment through a competitive Civil Service examination process in Ohio.

To apply, candidates must:

    • Complete an application for employment,
    • Show proof of High School Diploma or GED,
    • Have a valid Ohio Driver’s license with a good driving record (six or more violation points may be disqualifying),
    • Provide proof of OPOTC Certification

To be considered, applicants must:

    • Have current or previous peace officer employment as a result of a civil service examination process,
    • Have no more than a one year break in service from previous employment as a peace officer,
    • Possess adequate physical ability to perform all duties and utilize all issued equipment,
    • Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at time of appointment, and
    • Successfully complete polygraph and background investigations, medical and psychological exams, and drug testing

Candidates must also complete a physical agility examination to be conducted at the Cuyahoga Community College Police Academy.

Starting salary: $73,921.13 – $85,607.45, based on prior experience, plus benefits, including:

  • Competitive health insurance plan
  • 152 annual holiday hours that be used as time off or pay in addition to vacation
  • Annual $2,400 firearms proficiency/body worn camera bonus
  • Annual $2,000 uniform allowance
  • Credit for additional vacation time, based on previous years of service
  • $1.00 an hour LEADS bonus

The City of Lakewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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