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Ohio Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Possess an Ohio Police Commission or the ability to obtain certification within three months of hire. * Valid Ohio motor vehicle operator's license. Current driver's license record must not reflect ...

Additionally, full-time employees receive paid vacation, sick, and personal leave Police Officers contribute to Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund. You can schedule a ride-along with a New Albany police ...

Police Cadet

Dayton, OH · On-site

$55K/yr

Police Department Opening Date: 07/22/2026 Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Description The ... Must possess a valid Ohio driver's license and maintain a satisfactory driving record. * Must be ...

Police Officer

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Police Department, 5230 Pleasant Ave., Fairfield, OH Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2026015 ... Either scroll down to "Ohio" or filter by state, selecting OHIO and click the Update button - then ...

Police Officer

New Albany, OH · On-site

$73K - $115K/yr

Police Officers contribute to Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund. You can schedule a ride-along with a New Albany police officer to discover what it is like to work at the New Albany Police Department.

Police Officer

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

... Police Officer. All testing with the National Testing Network (NTN) must be completed by the ... Under the Header- Find Jobs, click on "Law Enforcement Jobs" Either scroll down to "Ohio" or filter ...

Police Officer

Whitehall, OH · On-site

$36.52 - $53.60/hr

If candidate is over 35 years of age, his or her years of service with Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund, Ohio Public Employment Retirement System - Law Enforcement, and/or Ohio Highway Patrol ...

Police Officer

Columbus, OH

$36.52 - $53.60/hr

If candidate is over 35 years of age, his or her years of service with Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund, Ohio Public Employment Retirement System - Law Enforcement, and/or Ohio Highway Patrol ...

Applicants must be under 35 year of age If applicant is 35 or older, applicant must state how many years he/she has with Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund, OPERS - Law Enforcement, and/or Ohio ...

Lateral Police Officer

Whitehall, OH · On-site

$36.52 - $53.60/hr

If applicant is 35 or older, applicant must state how many years he/she has with Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund, OPERS - Law Enforcement, and/or Ohio Highway Patrol Retirement System. Applicants ...

Ohio Police Officer Training Academy certificate or the ability to attend and successfully complete a residential police academy as required for appointment. Knowledge of: Knowledge of government ...

Ohio Police Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) certified * Two (2) years experience and current appointment at an Ohio law enforcement agency as a sworn law enforcement officer, full time or part time ...

Ohio Police Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) certified * Two (2) years experience and current appointment at an Ohio law enforcement agency as a sworn law enforcement officer, full time or part time ...

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Ohio Police information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do ohio police jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for ohio police 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 is an Ohio police?

Ohio Police officers are law enforcement professionals who work to maintain public safety and enforce the laws of the state of Ohio. Their duties include patrolling neighborhoods, responding to emergencies, investigating crimes, and supporting community outreach efforts. Ohio Police officers can serve in local police departments, county sheriff's offices, or state agencies. They are required to complete training at an accredited police academy and must meet state certification requirements. The role is vital to ensuring the safety and security of Ohio's residents.

What is the difference between Ohio Police vs Ohio Sheriff's Deputy?

AspectOhio PoliceOhio Sheriff's Deputy
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certificationHigh school diploma or GED, sheriff's academy certification
Work EnvironmentUrban and city streets, law enforcement agenciesCounty jurisdictions, rural areas, county jails
Employer & IndustryCity police departments, municipal governmentCounty sheriff's offices, county government

Ohio Police officers typically work for city police departments in urban areas, focusing on city law enforcement. Ohio Sheriff's Deputies serve county jurisdictions, often in rural areas, and may also oversee county jails. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in their jurisdiction and specific duties.

What are some common challenges Ohio police officers face during their daily patrols?

Ohio Police officers often encounter a variety of challenges during daily patrols, including quickly assessing and responding to unpredictable situations, managing community relations, and maintaining situational awareness in both urban and rural environments. Officers must balance enforcing the law with de-escalating tense encounters, often working long or irregular hours. Additionally, they regularly collaborate with other first responders, such as EMTs and firefighters, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills.

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

To thrive as an Ohio Police Officer, you need a strong understanding of law enforcement procedures, criminal justice, and public safety, typically supported by completion of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) and a valid driver's license. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, body cameras, and report-writing systems is essential. Strong communication, critical thinking, and emotional resilience are vital soft skills for handling diverse situations and building community trust. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively enforcing laws, ensuring public safety, and maintaining positive community relations.
More about Ohio Police jobs

What cities are hiring for Ohio Police jobs?

Cities with the most Ohio Police job openings:

What states have the most Ohio Police jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ohio Police jobs include:

Infographic showing various Ohio Police job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Police Officer- Certified Lateral

City of Columbus

Columbus, OH

$37.47 - $59.04/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Definition POLICE OFFICER Under general supervision, is responsible for serving and protecting the community by performing crime prevention, criminal investigations, and law enforcement activities; performs related duties as required. With a Police Officer certification, you may bypass the Police Officer Civil Service Exam. In accordance with Civil Service Rule VIII(A)(1) - An open eligible list shall be prepared for all other applicants who: 1.

attained a final passing grade or, 2. in the case of the Police Officer classification, the applicant possesses Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training certification or comparable state peace officer certification; and in either case submit any required supplementary materials identified. The names of eligibles on the open eligible list shall be arranged in the order of test grades earned, except for certified peace officer applicants whose names will be placed in the highest band on the current Police Officer eligible list as a result of their certification.

TRAINING REQUIRED AFTER A FINAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT: Those who MAY be selected to attend our inside Ohio lateral academy (5 weeks): Current Ohio police officers with three or more years of continuous service in law enforcement other than the City of Columbus. Current Ohio police officers who have previously attended and graduated from the Columbus Division of Police Training Academy and currently work in a law enforcement capacity with another Ohio agency. Refer to the complete list of experiences that may qualify for the 5-week inside Ohio lateral class.

After completion of five weeks of Certified Lateral Training, officers will complete a 12-week Field Training program on Patrol. Lateral Transfer Officers will return to the Academy for a week of transition from Field Training to Probation. Those who must attend the full academy (31 weeks): Certified applicants with no police officer experience.

Certified police officers from jurisdictions outside of Ohio. Police officers with fewer than three years of service as a police officer who did not previously graduate from the Columbus Division of Police Training Academy. Certified lateral hires completing the 31-week academy will complete a 15-week Field Training program on Patrol.

Examples of Work (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.) Prepares for duty by properly wearing a uniform, ensuring all worn equipment is operational (i.e., body-worn camera, firearm, etc.), and inspecting the vehicle and its equipment to ensure readiness for duty; Interacts with members of the community to promote public safety and crime prevention; patrols an assigned area for the prevention of crimes; responds to questions, concerns, and complaints to resolve situations and to provide law enforcement services; Responds to calls for police service by assessing the information attained through dispatch, training, and experience to determine the type of situation and response needed; drives at appropriate speeds to safely arrive on scene; Appears at scenes of crimes, disputes, and vehicle accidents; visually and audibly evaluates victims, suspects, and scene layout to make an initial determination of safety and threat level; evaluates the needs of victims and bystanders; Investigates reports of crimes and complaints by collecting accounts of the incident and physical evidence to ensure the integrity of and to corroborate statements; identifies, collects, and protects evidence used in the commission of crimes or traffic offenses; Intervenes in disputes by actively listening to involved parties, maintaining visual contact with disputants, and asking relevant questions to determine the most appropriate strategy to protect the public and mediate disputes; Conducts pat-down searches, vehicle searches, and premises searches following proper procedures to ensure officer safety, public safety, and collection of evidence; Pursues suspects on foot or via bicycle, motorcycle, or motor vehicle to effect an arrest; Apprehends and/or charges persons responsible for criminal or traffic violations; confirms and executes existing warrants through the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS); Determines appropriate violations of law by referring to the Ohio Revised Code or City Code to reflect accurate charges in citations, incident reports, accident reports, and arrest reports; issues initial court dates; Appears in court as a testifying officer, serves subpoenas, and assists in the enforcement of court orders; Facilitates medical or mental health treatment and social services for individuals and arranges the transportation of individuals to these facilities; Explains policies, directives, the Ohio Revised Code, Columbus City Code, or court activities to individuals to foster understanding of what is under an officer's jurisdiction; Prepares official forms and reports and submits to superiors for appropriate actions; Responds to disasters as a first responder; manages evacuations, controls traffic in disaster areas, and uses protective equipment where hazardous materials may be present; Continuously learns, reviews, and stays up-to-date on current division policies, trainings, and procedures; maintains first aid, firearms, and other required certifications. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of de-escalation and conflict resolution strategies and techniques; ability to act with integrity in words and actions; ability to show respect, empathy, and compassion; ability to communicate verbally and actively listen, including in high duress situations; ability to learn and understand policies, rules, instructions, laws, regulations, first aid, and police related literature; ability to take proper law enforcement actions; ability to write clear and accurate reports; ability to understand and follow oral directions; ability to explain and defend reasoning, conclusions, and actions; ability to operate and provide ordinary care of motor vehicles and firearms; ability to meet current standards established by OPOTC; ability to obtain and maintain LEADS access; ability to accept individuals of diverse cultures; ability to deal effectively and equitably with persons of a different race, cultural background, or gender without racist, sexist, homophobic, and xenophobic attitudes; ability to subdue person(s) resisting arrest; ability to pursue fleeing suspect(s); ability to run while wearing a duty belt and bulletproof vest; ability to drag or pull person(s); ability to climb up and over objects; ability to assess emergency needs; ability to diffuse situations; ability to recognize underlying problems; ability to recognize sounds and understand their significance; ability to visually recognize persons and their activities; ability to remain focused despite distractions; ability to multi-task; ability to maintain a professional demeanor in volatile, highly emotional, and high duress situations. Minimum Qualifications Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalence (GED)

At least twenty (20) years of age when applying, and at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of being sworn-in. Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license at time of hire (appointment). A citizen of the United States of America.

SPECIAL NOTES Probationary Period: The probationary period shall conclude three hundred sixty-five (365) days after being sworn in unless the City further extends the probationary period beyond the 365 days per Civil Service Rule XI (C). Tattoo Policy: Applicants are expected to meet the Division's Tattoo policy at the time of hire. Directive 11.01- Professional Appearance Shall have no visible tattoos on the head, neck, or hands

Shall have no tattoos (visible or not visible) that depict obscene or gang-related images or extremist or otherwise offensive images which may bring the Division into disrepute. No visible body modifications or gauges shall be permitted. No visible piercings with jewelry (other than the ears) shall be permitted.

Test/Job Contact Information Recruitment #: 25-3064-CC1 Employment Type: Full-Time (Regular) Should you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact: CONTACT INFORMATION Civil Service Commission Public Safety Test Team Location: 1111 East Broad Street, Suite 201 Phone: (614) 645-0800 Email: Policefiretesting@columbus.gov Websites: www.columbus.gov/civilservice For those candidates passing the application review step, the hiring process will include submission of a Personal History Statement, a criminal background check, a polygraph exam, and medical and psychological exams. The selection process can take as little as 3 weeks and up to 6 months. The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer.