What Do Police Officers Do
Police officers are part of the larger law enforcement system they are the first line of defense in protecting the communities in which they work. The life of a police officer is demanding and can be challenging because they are required to carry out a large number of different tasks.
Some of the many tasks typically carried out by police officers include:
- Patrolling the city
- Arresting offenders
- Hostage negotiations
- Teaching members of the community the importance of safety and how they can go about helping to keep the city safe
- Controlling traffic and issuing speeding tickets
- Preparing administrative reports on crimes and statistics within their region
- Appearing in court to testify in cases which they may have been involved in
Cleveland Police Officer Requirements
The Cleveland police recruitment process is based on a competitive ranking of applicants through each stage of screening. The process begins with prerequisites that all candidates must meet. To become a member of the CPD, applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 21 and 40
- Be a US citizen
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Possess a valid Ohio drivers license
- Have no felony convictions
- Have no disqualifying misdemeanor convictions, including domestic violence
- Be honorably discharged from the military, if a veteran
Residents of Cleveland may receive 10 bonus points in the competitive police hiring selection process, though residency is not a prerequisite to being hired. All potential cops must first pass the City of Cleveland civil service written exam and take the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory assessment. Applicants are also required to pass a physical fitness test, complete a personal history questionnaire, participate in a formal interview, pass a medical exam, and undergo a psychological evaluation. Accepted applicants will be invited to complete recruit training as conditional hires.
For more information about becoming a law enforcement officer in a big city like Cleveland, check out 10 Steps to Becoming a Police Officer on our home page.
Obtain The Necessary Education And Training In Ohio
To get a Class B license, the state of Ohio requires that you have two years of experience working in investigatory work. This requirement can be waived if you have equivalent experiences such as working as a military policeman, law enforcement officer, or peace officer.
If you get formal training in criminal justice, such as obtaining an associates or bachelors degree, this can count for half of your experience requirement. You can obtain criminal justice degrees from schools within Ohio or from online schools that offer this training. You will need to prove that you have obtained such a degree.
Armed PI Training You will need to learn the basics of firearms training at a school that has been approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and prove that you successfully completed the program. This entails 20 hours of training in using a handgun. If you plan on using other types of firearms, you will need 5 hours of additional training.
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What Steps To Becoming A Police Officer
Given the nature of the job and the level of responsibility it brings, becoming a police officer requires meeting specific standards and processes. While there is no formal education required to become a police officer, most state departments now prefer hiring candidates who have at least an associates degree in criminal justice or a related field. Here are the steps to pursue a career in law enforcement.
- The minimum requirement to become a police officer in Ohio is high school diploma or GED.
- Some law enforcement agencies prefer candidates to have at least an associates degree in criminology or criminal justice.
- To be able to enroll in a police training academy, applicants are required to undergo a comprehensive background check.
- It is recommended to consult Professional Screening and Information for a thorough check.
- The investigation process includes checking criminal record, drug abuse history, verification from family and friends, credit history, and employment record.
- Before joining a police training academy, candidates are required to pass Law Enforcement Entrance Exam .
- Police academy training in Ohio takes around six months to complete.
- During this time cadets are given hands-on field training that include firearms, patrolling, and how to respond to dangerous situations.
- Cadets also get training in filing report, investigation, drug/alcohol abuse, and defensive tactics
If You Have A Passion For Law Enforcement And Love The Outdoors Become A Natural Resources Officer
Ohio Natural Resources Officers protect our natural resources and the people who enjoy them. These officers are highly trained law enforcement officers who patrol Ohios premier state parks, state forests, waterways, and state natural areas to keep them safe and enjoyable for visitors.
Were looking for motivated candidates to answer the call and join our ranks as Natural Resources Officers.
Applications will be accepted beginning November 1, 2022.
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Skills For Police Officers
Police officers in Ohio typically need the following basic skills:
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Interpersonal skills: Police officers work in teams and with the public, requiring strong interpersonal skills such as communication, active listening, collaboration and empathy.
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Good judgment: Police officers may encounter difficult situations where good judgment can help them avoid danger or take decisive action. Good judgment and instincts are typically a requirement for police work.
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Firearms proficiency: Police officers learn to handle their firearms during academy training, practicing proper discharge, when to discharge and firearms safety. Familiarity with firearms prior to training may help boost an applicant’s success in firearms training.
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Legal knowledge: Police officers have a strong understanding of basic Ohio laws and municipal laws and ordinances, so they know what laws to enforce.
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Patience and empathy: Officers may encounter distressing situations that require patience and empathy to navigate.
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Driving skills: Officers also need strong driving skills to operate their vehicles safely, follow traffic laws and potentially participate in a suspect pursuit on the road.
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Writing skills: Officers typically complete reports on their activity, file reports to the local and state courts and draft citations. This can require strong writing and reading skills.
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Submit Your Ohio Application
When you submit your application, you will also have to provide the following:
- Examination fee of $25
- A license fee of up to $375
Forms are available on the states website for the PISGS. If you want to carry a firearm in the line of work, you will need to notify the Director.
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What Does A Police Officer Do
Police officers are law enforcement professionals that have various duties that can include:
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Patrolling local areas to deter crime
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Investigating crimes or traffic incidents
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Providing security for events or people
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Drafting reports on criminal activity and police action
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Interacting with community members to encourage good relations between police and community members
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Handling a firearm when necessary
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Driving police vehicles and performing basic maintenance
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Cooperating with other law enforcement agencies
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Best Schools For A Police Officer And Detective Degree
Lackawanna College
AS in Criminal Justice
Lackawannas AS in Criminal Justice program welcomes individuals interested in careers in the police force, including officers and police detectives. Many graduates also take on non-police jobs like emergency dispatchers and corrections officers. The associate degree is an excellent step for entry-level jobs, career advancement, or higher studies, such as a bachelors degree.
The extensive coursework includes courses in criminal law, criminology, criminal investigations, and criminal justice ethics. Both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of a criminal justice career are emphasized. It is evident in courses like quantitative methods and critical analysis concerning the US criminal justice system.
Students understand the fundamentals of the US police, judiciary, and corrections systems through their academic coursework, including their histories and relationships. Students can also engage in meaningful discussions about the roles of police and the community in crime prevention.
Lackawanna provides working professionals with the opportunity to earn an associate degree as part-time students. However, the Accelerated Part-Time Program has a faster pace than its traditional counterparts since students can complete it in just over two years. Students take their classes in a traditional classroom setting and online.
Programs Offered:
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Private Investigator Salary Information For Ohio*
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , private investigators earned an annual, average salary of $50,530 as of May 2020. The top earners herethose whove put in the time and built careers based on their credibilityaveraged $75,870 during this time.
To become a private investigator in Ohio, you must earn a license through the Ohio Department of Public Safety, which requires passing a written exam and a background check, completing at least 4,000 hours of experience as an investigator , and providing proof of liability insurance in the following amounts:
- $100,000 per investigator
- $100,000 for property damage
- $300,000 for each occurrence of bodily injury
If youve gone the extra mile and earned a degree in criminal justice, youll only need 2,000 hours of experience to qualify for licensure. Applicants who want to be armed must attend a school approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.
PI Salaries in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Youngstown, Warren and Non-Metro Ohio
According to May 2019-2020 BLS statistics, the Cincinnati metro region was ranked eighth in the nation for its employment level of private investigators, while the north-northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area was ranked third in the nation for its annual mean salary of PIs$46,900.
The following BLS stats indicate what PIs in the median-top 10% salary range are earning in Ohios largest MSAs:
Meet The Basic Requirements
To pursue career training as a police officer, you must first meet the minimum requirements. In Ohio, a prospective candidate must possess a high school diploma or GED and be a citizen of the United States. Moreover, you must live in and possess a valid Ohio driverâs license, and be no younger than 20 years old. When appointed, you must be 21 years of age.
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Additional Perks For Police Officers
Since police officers enjoy a high reputation among the general public, they often get additional perks.
Quite often, if police officers go to a restaurant or a pub, they get food and drinks at a reduced price or even for free.
Consequently, apart from your decent salary, you will also be able to save money on many occasions in your daily life, which makes becoming a police officer even more attractive from a financial standpoint.
Ohio Police Officer Training Academy
To be a sworn police officer in Ohio, you must successfully complete the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy . Tiffin University partners with Terra State Community College to include the cost of the academy in tuition and it can be earned in just one semester.
This unique training academy is state mandated for all police officers and covers firearms, legal administration, human relations, traffic, patrol, driving, subject control, investigations, civil disorder, physical conditioning and other aspects of law enforcement. Students apply direct, hands-on practice in the crime lab, firing range and police cruisers. With experienced, certified instructors and hands-on application, our students consistently achieve passing rates on the state-certified exam.
Once graduates of the program earn the certification, they are immediately eligible for full-time employment.
Tiffin University gave me my best friend and pushed me to my highest potential. The OPOTA program put me ahead in the hiring process and my bachelors degree set me apart from other candidates.
Cassidy Ralph
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How To Become A Police Officer In Pennsylvania
As of 2015, the state of Pennsylvania had nearly 12.8 million people. To protect their life and property, there were nearly 27,570 police and sheriff officers in the state and recruitment is still ongoing. If you are among the people who are interested in knowing how to become a police officer in Pennsylvania, here is all the information that will be of help to you.
The first thing you would need to decide upon is whether you want to work for the municipal police departments or become the state law enforcement agent. These are the two types of Pennsylvania police officers careers you should look into in great detail, since the regulations and training methods for these vary as well.
Do Not Complete Any Forms For The Spring 2023 Or Fall 2023 Academies
Forms are time sensitive per the State.
The Tri-C® Peace Officer Basic Training Academy, also known as the Police Academy, is the first step on your path to a rewarding career as a police officer. Earn college credit while preparing to become a police officer in the state of Ohio.
The spring and fall Police Academies are face-to-face training at the Tri-C Public Safety Training Center. Tri-C adopted safe distancing measures and precautions recommended by health officials. Learn more about the measures we are taking to keep students safe.
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Police Training Academies In Ohio
The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission is responsible for setting and enforcing minimum standards for police training in Ohio. There are over 60 police training facilities in the state that provide training in basic, advanced, and specialized skills. Those who are offered a law enforcement position with any agency in the state of Ohio must undergo training at one of these academies. Ohio police academies include:
- Cleveland Police Academy Cleveland, OH
- Columbus Police Academy Columbus, OH
- Eastland Police Academy Groveport, OH
- Franklin County Sheriffs Academy Grove City, OH
- Greene County Criminal Justice Training Academy Xenia, OH
- Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy London, OH
- Toledo Police Academy Toledo, OH
For a full list of police academies in Ohio, including community colleges that provide basic training for tuition-paying students, see the OPOTC website.
How Much Money Do Police Officers Make In Ohio
With all of the Ohio police officer requirements, its important to consider whether the career will be profitable for your future. Theres no doubt that becoming a police officer in Ohio is challenging, and the benefits are pretty extensive.
Outside of your salary, there are several fantastic incentives that law enforcement agencies offer, including:
- Physical fitness test pay and compensatory time
- Ammunition allowance
- Overtime for court and special events
- Shift-differential pay
On average, the starting salary for police officers in the state is approximately $39,000 annually. With more on-the-job experience, you can earn up to $65,256.49 per year. Overall, taking the time to learn how to become a cop in Ohio can be well worth the time investment it requires.
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The Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy
Ohio law requires successful completion of the OPOTA before any functions of a law enforcement officer can be legally completed. Academy students concentrate on developing or improving skills in firearms, legal administration, human relations, traffic, patrol, first aid, driving, subject control, physical conditioning, investigations, and civil disorder aspects of law enforcement. Upon satisfactory completion of the Academy, these skills enable students to advance their law enforcement career.
Many students are commissioned by local law enforcement agencies however, students without a commission may enroll in the Academy as an open enrollment student.
How To Become A Police Officer
Minimum Qualifications of Columbus Police Officers
- High School graduation, or a valid Certificate of high school equivalency, like the Ohio GED Certificate. If you have a GED from another state check with the Ohio Board of Education to ensure that your state’s GED transfers acceptably to Ohio.
- You must be at least 20 years old on the date your application and at least 21 years old when you are appointed to the police officer training class.
- You must have a current and valid Ohio Motor Vehicle driving license.
- Required: you must be a citizen of the United States.
- Residency: Applicants must live within Franklin County or within an adjoining county in order to start attending the 28-week training course at the Police Academy.
The City of Columbus needs police officers that:
- Are safe drivers and will protect life and property
- Respect the rights of All individuals
- Respect the law and are willing to enforce it
- Have a consistently good employment history
- Demonstrate good attendance
- Show consistently reliable and effective judgment that produces positive results
A background investigation is conducted for all job applicants with the Columbus Police force. This includes a polygraph test to determine level of honesty in all applicants, a complete family history, a professional experience survey, a complete military history, traffic citation record, gambling history, criminal activity and records, substance abuse history, and a full credit history form the three major credit bureaus.
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Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper/cadet Candidate Applicant Process*
*The information below may be outdated so make sure to visit the police agency that you are interested in working for.
Your application for the position of Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper or Cadet Candidate is the first step in the employment process.
How to applyIf you have a valid drivers license and have graduated from high school or can show satisfactory completion of the G.E.D., contact your nearest Highway Patrol post during open recruiting . A Patrol officer will talk to you, answer your questions, and provide you with an application.
Note: No applications are provided or accepted via e-mail.
In the future, you will be expected to successfully complete a series of assessments and to pass a thorough screening process. You will be notified of dates, times, and locations where you must appear to fulfill these requirements.
A detailed explanation of these assessments and the screening procedures is included below.
You will be given notice of your acceptance or rejection for training as soon as possible after completion of the application process.
I. Written Examination:
The entrance examination is a three part test which will evaluate your:
- Ability to read and comprehend information
- Ability to use information
Applicants will normally be notified of their examination results by mail. The number of applicants processed further will be based on test score and the number of applicants needed to fill a training class.
II. Preliminary Physical Screening: