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Police Instructor Jobs in Cleveland, OH (NOW HIRING)

Instructor, Law Enforcement Academy

Parma Heights, OH · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Teaches, instructs, and coaches students in basic police training, related topics, and skills ... Works individually and with other instructors to review and evaluate individual students and their ...

Required Certification: Ohio Peace Office Training Commission certification. Additional Position Information: * Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the needs of the school are met.

Police Instructor information

What is a police instructor?

Police Instructors are experienced law enforcement professionals who teach and train police recruits and current officers. They design curricula, deliver classroom instruction, and conduct practical exercises on topics such as law, ethics, firearms, defensive tactics, and emergency response. Police Instructors ensure that officers are up-to-date with current laws, procedures, and best practices, helping maintain public safety and professional standards within police departments. They may work at police academies, training centers, or within police departments themselves.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police instructor?

To thrive as a Police Instructor, you need extensive law enforcement experience, instructional certification (such as from a police academy or POST board), and a deep understanding of policing procedures and legal standards. Familiarity with training technologies, firearms simulators, scenario-based learning systems, and curriculum development tools is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and adaptability are essential soft skills for effectively engaging trainees and fostering a positive learning environment. These skills ensure that officers receive accurate, practical training that enhances their competency and public safety.

What are some common challenges faced by police instructors when training new recruits?

Police instructors often face the challenge of addressing diverse learning styles and backgrounds among recruits, ensuring everyone masters both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Additionally, balancing classroom instruction with realistic scenario-based training requires careful planning and adaptability. Instructors must also stay updated with changing laws, technologies, and policing methods to provide current and relevant instruction, while fostering a supportive yet disciplined training environment.

What is the difference between Police Instructor vs Police Trainer?

AspectPolice InstructorPolice Trainer
CertificationsPeace officer standards, teaching credentialsSimilar certifications, often includes instructor certifications
Work EnvironmentClassroom, training facilities, on-site at police departmentsTraining sessions, workshops, field exercises
Employer & IndustryPolice departments, law enforcement agenciesLaw enforcement agencies, private security firms
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap, both focus on law enforcement training roles

Police Instructors and Police Trainers often share similar roles, focusing on law enforcement training. While both require certifications and work within police departments or related agencies, Police Instructors typically develop and deliver structured courses, whereas Police Trainers may focus more on practical skills and field exercises. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, but Police Instructor emphasizes formal classroom instruction.

What are popular job titles related to Police Instructor jobs in Cleveland, OH?

For Police Instructor jobs in Cleveland, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Cleveland, OH are hiring for Police Instructor jobs?

Cities near Cleveland, OH with the most Police Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Instructor job openings in Cleveland, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, and 56% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Instructor, Law Enforcement Academy

Tri-C

Parma Heights, OH • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Instructor, Law Enforcement Academy
Department: Basic Police Academy Credit
Location: KeyBank Public Safety Training Center
Reports To: Dir, Public Sfty Inst Pol Acad
Recruitment Type: External/Internal
Requisition ID: req6390
Employment Type: Part-Time Faculty
Union Position: Non-Union
Work Schedule: Work hours vary, as needed by the program
Job Description:
SUMMARY
Designs lesson plans, identifiesobjectives and outcomes, and delivers curriculum within the Ohio Peace OfficerTraining Academy (OPOTA) Basic Peace Officer (POLICE) certification.
ESSENTIALFUNCTIONS
  • Provides lesson plans, objectives and identified outcomes for the learning modules tied to OPOTA Basic Police Training Curriculum
  • Teaches, instructs, and coaches students in basic police training, related topics, and skills
  • Monitors students' performance to make suggestions/corrections for improvement and to ensure that students satisfy course standards, training requirements, and OPOTC state licensing standards
  • Works individually and with other instructors to review and evaluate individual students and their progress
  • Maintains accurate and complete student records as required
  • Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION ANDEXPERIENCE/TRAINING
  • OPOTA Basic Peace Officer (POLICE) Instructor certification (unless otherwise approved by OPOTA)
  • Certification must list all course curriculum in subject areas which the instructor is certified to instruct
  • Instructor Certification. (Unless otherwise approved by OPOTA)
  • Minimum of five years Law Enforcement experience
  • Unless an "OPOTA Special Subject Instructor"

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Possess advanced communication (verbal, written, and interpersonal), interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Word Processing and PowerPoint Presentation software, as well as Internet and Email basic skills
  • Ability to effectively present, teach, and coach basic police training curriculum at the basic police academy level
  • Ability to navigate and function in an adult learning environment
  • Must have curriculum subject area knowledge/personal experience either through years of service, specialized training, or educational opportunities
  • Must have the physical ability to instruct and function in the required subject matter being taught
  • Possess sensitivity to appropriately respond to the needs of the community

COMPETENCIES
CRITICALCOMPETENCIES
  • Service Focus
  • Communication
  • Time Utilization

VERYIMPORTANT COMPETENCIES
  • Collaboration
  • Quality of Work

IMPORTANTCOMPETENCIES
  • Adaptability
  • Continuous Improvement

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION ANDEXPERIENCE/TRAINING
  • Possess a license in a relevant field or recognized competency with at least three years of full-time experience and training in the subject area
  • An Associate Degree in Criminal Justice or related field

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
(The demands described here are representative ofthose that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essentialfunctions of this job. Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to performthe essential functions.)
  • The work is performed in a normal, professional classroom environment, with some work being completed outdoors.
  • The work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated.
  • Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the duties of the job and will perform repetitive motions with hands/fingers using a computer mouse and keyboard to type. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, files, pamphlets, books, etc.
  • Work may also require walking and standing in conjunction with travel to and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the worksite.

Special Note: This is aPart-Time Non-Bargaining Unit Position, with the following Set Rate of Pay: $25.00/hour.
Pooled Position - If hired, you must reside in the state of Ohio and be within commuting distance of this work location/campus to respond to onsite work demands upon the employment start date and throughout the duration of your employment with the College, as outlined in 3354:1-40-01.1 Recruitment and Selection Procedure.
Special Instructions to Applicants: During the application process, you may be required to attach a cover letter and/or resume. It is recommended that you have these documents ready to be attached electronically to the online application. This system accepts only MS Word or PDF attachments. Any employment with the College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and drug screen.
Affirmative Action Statement: Cuyahoga Community College is committed to attaining excellence through the recruitment and retention of a qualified and diverse workforce. Cuyahoga Community College is an equal employment/educational opportunity institution.