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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

POSITION DEFINITION We are ONLY accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Police Officer. PLEASE APPLY VIA POLICEAPP.COM The East Hartford Police Department is on the lookout for a ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Watch this video about Gresham Police The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officer positions. We are a full-service police department with a variety ...

The Auburn Police Department (APD) is seeking motivated, service-driven individuals to join our team as Entry Level Police Officers. This is an opportunity to serve a continuously growing community ...

Entry Level Police Officer

Auburn, WA · On-site

$108K - $129K/yr

The Auburn Police Department (APD) is seeking motivated, service-driven individuals to join our team as Entry Level Police Officers. This is an opportunity to serve a continuously growing community ...

Watch this video about Gresham Police The City of Gresham Police Department is accepting applications for Entry Level Police Officer positions. We are a full-service police department with a variety ...

$46.53 - $52.77/hr

Police The Richland Police Department is currently seeking Exceptional Entry Level Police Officer applicants. If you are currently a sworn Police Officer who works full-time for another police agency ...

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Entry Level Police Officer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

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

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level police officers?

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.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Entry level police officers can typically start their careers at age 27, as many departments accept applicants up to their late 20s or early 30s. Age requirements vary by jurisdiction, but physical fitness, background checks, and training are standard parts of the hiring process regardless of age. Being physically prepared and completing necessary certifications like police academy training are essential steps to entering the field at this age.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, and why are they important?

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 is the lowest level of police officer?

The lowest level of police officer is typically a probationary or entry-level officer, who has completed basic police academy training and is beginning their field duties. Advancement to higher ranks such as corporal or sergeant usually requires additional experience, training, and testing. Entry-level officers often perform patrols, respond to calls, and enforce laws under supervision.

Can you apply to be a police officer with no experience?

Entry level police officer positions typically do not require prior law enforcement experience, but applicants must meet minimum qualifications such as a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete police academy training. Having relevant skills like communication, problem-solving, and physical fitness can improve chances of hiring. Most agencies provide training after hiring, so prior experience is not always necessary.

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 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.

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 easiest law enforcement job to get into?

Entry-level police officer positions are generally considered among the more accessible law enforcement roles, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a civil service exam, and completing basic training. These roles typically have a straightforward hiring process compared to specialized or federal law enforcement jobs, which may require additional qualifications or experience.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Police Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs? The most popular types of Police Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Police Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Police Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Police Officer - ENTRY-LEVEL

City of Bexley, OH

Bexley, OH • On-site

$71K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Salary : $71,407.23 - $119,278.85 Annually
Location : Bexley City Police Department
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202500051
Department: Police Department
Division: Patrol
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Become a valued member of a team that works hard every day to provides excellent services to residents, business, and organizations across the City of Bexley. Our employees make a meaningful difference in our community and help make Bexley a special place.
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 for our police officer eligibility process. Qualified candidates will be contacted to begin the eligibility process, as outlined below, once recruitment opens.
If you meet the definition of a Lateral Police Officer, please submit your application on our Lateral job posting instead.

When recruitment opens, you will be contacted to complete the following steps:
1) Entrance Exam via NTN:
Instructions to Take the Exam:
  • Applicants may register for the exam at www.nationaltestingnetwork.comYou may call National Testing Network (NTN) at 1-866-563-3882 with any questions regarding scheduling your exam.
  • Locate the Bexley Police Department Job Page to send in your scores:
  • Your exam score will remain valid with National Testing Network for a period of one (1) year. When registering, be sure to choose City of Bexley as one of the agencies to send your scores to. Our NTN Agency Page can be viewed here:
  • After you have tested, the City will receive your scores and will be in contact with all passing candidates about completing the next step in the process.

2) Physical Ability Testing:
  • Applicants with qualifying test scores will be invited to participate in Physical Ability Testing
3) Background Investigation:
  • Applicants who successfully pass all requirements of Physical Ability Testing will move to the background investigation phase
  • Candidates must complete a detailed Personal History Questionnaire and background waivers, which they will receive from HR
4) Civil Service Certification
  • Candidates completing all phases of the eligibility process will be referred to the Civil Service Commission for certification to the eligibility list
  • Certified candidates remain on the list for one year from certification.
Additional post-certification steps include but are not limited to oral board interviews, BCI/FBI fingerprinting, polygraph, physical exam, and a psychological exam. Please read below for more details regarding the eligibility process
Summary:
To serve and protect the public by patrolling designated areas, responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, enforcing laws and ordinances, deterring criminal activity, and building trust with community members.
Responsibilities
  • Patrols assigned areas by vehicle, foot, bike, or other mode to deter and detect criminal activity,
  • Responds to dispatched calls, including emergencies, traffic accidents, and disturbances,
  • Handles calls as appropriate, including taking incident/accident reports and settling disputes and disturbances;
  • Enforces local, state, and federal laws, including issuing warnings, citations, and making arrests as necessary -
  • Secures warrants, makes arrests, and transports arrestees
  • Conducts initial investigations of accidents, misdemeanors, and felony crimes, preserves the crime scene, and gathers and preserves evidence
  • Takes statements from witnesses and suspects
  • Prepares written reports and maintains accurate records of incidents and activities
  • Maintains visibility and a positive relationship with the community, participating in community outreach events, conducting business checks, and other directed patrol
  • Serves in specialized roles as needed (e.g. Federal Task Force Officer, Officer in Charge)
  • Operates police vehicles and uses department-issued equipment such as radios, firearms, mobile data terminals, and defensive tools to accomplish tasks
  • Other related duties may be assigned.

Qualifications
Age: 21 at the time of appointment
Citizenship Required: Yes
High School Grad/GED: Yes
Valid Ohio Driver's License: Yes
Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes
Vision: Eyesight correctable to 20/30. No color blindness.
College: To be appointed to the position of entry-level police officer, a candidate must have completed at least one (1) year of post-high school education. This year of education may be undertaken at either a two- or four-year college or university. However, this requirement will be waived if the candidate has completed an OPOTA-accredited police academy and is currently eligible to be certified as an Ohio peace officer.
Tattoos, Brands, and Decals: Sworn members are permitted to have visible tattoos, body art, or branding while on duty, or while representing Bexley Police Department. Tattoos, body art, and branding are not permitted on the hands, neck, face, or head. The Chief of Police is the arbiter as to the approval of offensiveness, obscenity or extreme tattoos. Applicants to the police department who are in violation of this requirement are subject to disqualification from the hiring process. No body piercing other than female employee's ears will be visible at any time
Eligibility Process:
  • When the City of Bexley announces an active recruitment; interested candidates will be given a deadline by which to submit for testing through the NTN and to submit an application for employment.
  • A minimum passing score of 70% on the NTN video component is required to proceed through the hiring process. A minimum of 75% is necessary for the reading and writing components.
  • Candidates are ranked by a weighted score from a combination of the video and PSSA scores.
  • Passing candidates will be invited to participate in a Physical Fitness Test and complete a Physical Fitness Questionnaire. The Physical Fitness Testing is a pass/fail test and will take place at a date and time determined by the City of Bexley.
  • The top ten Candidates from the candidates overall ranking who pass the Physical Fitness Test (which includes any bonus) will complete a background investigation
  • Candidates who successfully pass all phases of the recruitment process will have their name placed on an eligible-for-hire list and shall remain on the list for a period of one year from certification by the City of Bexley Civil Service Commission or unless the list has become fully exhausted.
  • Additional post-certification steps include but are not limited to oral board interviews, BCI/FBI fingerprinting, polygraph, physical exam, and a psychological exam.

PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS- 300 Meter run or 1.5 Mile Run OptionsTIER 1SIT-UPS (1 MIN)PUSH-UPS (1 MIN)300 METER RUN1.5 MILE RUNAgeMaleFemaleMaleFemaleMaleFemaleMaleFemaleAt date of testing
21-293535262062.17513:2215:5730-3932322015638214:0816:3540-492727151077106.714:5617:2450+21211098712615:5718:23
Ranking: A candidates overall ranking will be comprised of their NTN overall score plus additional points for education, military status, Ohio Peace Officer Certification, and Bexley Police Department Reserve Police Officer Service.
  • Educational Points - Bachelor's Degree, 5% of NTN score. (Note: education points awarded only for highest degree achieved)
  • Military points - Honorable Discharge, 5% of NTN score.
  • OPOTA Certification - Certified Police Officer in Ohio, 5% of NTN Score.
  • Bexley PD Reserve Service - Completion of 1 year of service, 5% of NTN score.

Once the final eligibility list is approved and certified by the City's Civil Service Commission, the top 5 candidates (for a single vacancy) will be asked to be interviewed in front of an Oral Board consisting of police officers and officials from the City of Bexley as determined by the Chief of Police. A final ranking is made and a candidate will be offered a conditional offer for employment. The conditional offer is contingent upon the candidate successfully passing four additional examinations:
  • Polygraph
  • Psychological
  • Medical
  • Hearing test

Removal Standards for Police Officer Applicants:
Excepted from Bexley Civil Service Commission Rules:
6-11 Removal Standards for Police Officer Applicants
This rule is designed to address the general circumstances under which an applicant for a police officer position may be disqualified and not considered for employment by the City. This rule is not intended to set forth every factor or circumstance that could disqualify an applicant. The Chief of Police, in consultation with the Safety Director, is authorized to implement rules and standards for disqualifying applicants not inconsistent with these civil service rules.
Applicants for police officer may be rejected from consideration or refused admittance to any examination, and those eligible may be disqualified or removed from an eligible list, or a certification list, for, but not limited to, the following causes:
(A) Lack of any of the established minimum requirements or qualifications for the position for which the individual applies;
(B) The individual has been convicted of any crime that is classified as a felony under the O.R.C. or any other state code or law of the United States;
(C) The individual has been convicted of any crime that is classified as a misdemeanor under the O.R.C. or any other state code or municipal law, or
law of the United States that was punishable by a potential jail sentence, regardless of whether one was actually imposed, provided the City shall
consider the facts and circumstances of such conviction, including, but not limited to, the time that has passed since the event occurred;
(D) The individual has been dismissed from previous employment for misconduct;
(E) The individual has practiced or attempted to practice deception or fraud on the application or examination or in securing eligibility or appointment,
including but not limited to any false statements in the application or testing process;
(F) The individual cannot be located, fails to report for an interview or other step in the selection process as directed by the Commission or Appointing
Authority and/or fails to report for duty as directed by the Appointing Authority;
(G) The individual fails to pass a drug test;
(H) The individual has an unacceptable driving record and/or is not insurable by the City's insurance provider;
(I) The individual has a less than honorable discharge from a branch of the military and/or conviction of any article of the Uniform Code of Military Justice that would be equivalent to a felony under the Ohio Revised Code.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge:
  • Criminal and traffic laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures

Skills:
  • Firearm proficiency, defensive tactics, de-escalation techniques, high-stress driving
  • Verbal and written communication skills for effective community engagement and documentation

Abilities:
  • Physical stamina and fitness; ability to meet physical fitness standards
  • Ability to recognize, analyze, and define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
  • Sound judgement under pressure, patience, and quick decision-making in high-stress scenarios
  • Ability to use proper research and investigative methods, techniques, and practices in gathering data
  • Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with the public

Other Characteristics:
  • Ability to pass a background investigation
  • Must possess valid Ohio driver's license with an acceptable driving record
  • Must be a United States Citizen or United States Permanent Resident
  • Minimum of 21 years of age at time of appointment
  • Must be insurable under the City's fleet insurance policy
  • Adheres to the department's values of Fairness, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy
  • Demonstrates regular and punctual attendance
  • Possesses or has ability to possess and maintain the following certifications:
    • Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Certification
    • Firearm Certification
    • Blood Alcohol Content (B.A.C.) Certification
    • LEADS (Law Enforcement Automated Data System) Certification
    • AED/CPR Certification

The City of Bexley is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City's employment actions will be based upon merit, fitness, and such other bona fide occupational qualifications and not on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or other non-job related criteria.
  • Health insurance with generous employer HSA contribution
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Optional additional life, accident, and critical illness insurance
  • Employee assistance and mental health resources
  • Paid vacation
  • Paid sick leave
  • 5 personal days per year
  • Employer pension contribution

01
The age requirement for Police Officer is minimum age of 21 at the time of appointment. Do you meet the age requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

02
This position requires United States of America citizenship. Do you meet this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed? <