Police Officer-Lakewood Division of Police

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Job description

LAKEWOOD DIVISION OF POLICE
12650 Detroit Ave
Lakewood, Ohio 44107

Updated: August 22, 2024

Position Title: Full-Time Police Officer

The City of Lakewood is establishing an eligibility list for full-time Police Officers. Qualified candidates who score a minimum of 70% on the online written exam and meet the minimum requirements will be placed on the eligible list and notified of their placement.

The City of Lakewood hires police officers through the Civil Service Commission, which requires all eligibility list hires to go through a competitive testing process. Applicants need only to complete the online examination to apply; no separate application through the City of Lakewood is required. All applicants must complete the exam, personal history questionnaire, and public safety self-assessment. A copy of a valid drivers license, high school diploma or GED, and any documentation for additional credit must be uploaded at the time of application. The deadline to apply and complete the online examination through the National Testing Network and upload documentation for extra credit is October 9, 2024.

Candidates who previously completed a police entry exam on or after February 1, 2024, through the National Testing Network may use that score for possible placement on Lakewoods eligibility list. They must contact the Civil Service Secretary directly before October 9, 2024, to arrange this.

The top 25 scoring candidates will be invited to participate in physical agility testing on October 19, 2024. Testing details, including location and reporting times, will be emailed to candidates the week prior to testing. Candidates must achieve at least the 30th percentile of the Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research Standards in all three components (sit-ups, pushups, and 1.5-mile run), based on age and gender. Candidates unable to successfully complete testing will be removed from the eligibility list.

Candidates who have graduated from an OPOTC-approved police academy up to a year prior to October 9, 2024, are exempt from participating in physical agility testing. To be exempted, candidates must upload a copy of their OPOTC certificate to the National Testing Network before the October 9, 2024, deadline.

Salary Information:
The starting base salary for 2024 is $67,653.32 plus benefits.

Benefit Information:
The City of Lakewood offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, prescription, dental, vision, life insurance, and a flexible spending account. Other benefits include paid vacation and personal days, sick leave, 18 paid holidays, paid parental leave, longevity pay, tuition reimbursement, firearms proficiency bonus pay, and a uniform allowance.

Department Overview:
The Lakewood Division of Police consists of 99 full-time sworn officers, including the chief, three captains, four lieutenants, and 10 sergeants. The remaining 81 officers serve as detectives, investigators, and patrol officers. Specialty assignments include Patrol Investigator, Technology Investigator, Drone Operator, SWAT Officer, Hostage Negotiator, K-9 Officer, Motorcycle Officer, Field Training Officer, Bomb Technician, Plain Clothes Detective, Narcotics Detective, DARE/School Resource Officer, and Neighborhood/Community Police Officer.

Area Information:
The City of Lakewood is a diverse community located about 5 miles west of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Covering 5.6 square miles and with an estimated population of 50,942, Lakewood is the most densely populated community in the Greater Cleveland area.

Job Requirements (Eligibility List Candidates):

Age: Must be 21 years of age at the time of hire.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or have legally declared intent to become a U.S. citizen.
Education: Must be a high school graduate or show proof of GED equivalent.
Driver's License: Must have a valid State of Ohio drivers license with a good driving record (six or more violation points may disqualify) or the ability to obtain one by the start of employment.
Language: Must be able to read and speak English.
College: Not required, but additional credit is given with proof of a bachelors degree (5% of your grade) or an associate degree (2% of your grade).
Academy Certification: OPOTC certification is not required. Successfully hired candidates who are not OPOTC certified will be sent to a Police Academy for training while earning their first years salary. Full police academy tuition reimbursement is available for those who graduated from an academy up to 12 months before hire.
Hiring Process:

To be eligible for appointment, applicants must meet all qualifications and successfully complete required testing (written, physical agility, polygraph, and background investigation). After an offer of employment, applicants must also successfully complete comprehensive psychological and medical examinations, including a drug screen.

Additional Credits:

Military Service: An honorable discharge from the U.S. military earns up to five additional points (proof required).
Residency: Six credit points are awarded to candidates who have resided in Lakewood for at least 12 months before the exam (proof required).
Employment Credit: One point is awarded to full-time employees of the City of Lakewood, part-time patrol officers with the Lakewood Division of Police, or members of the Lakewood Auxiliary Police for the 12 months before the exam.
Disqualifiers:

Past criminal acts or traffic convictions may result in disqualification. False statements during the application process may lead to disqualification, removal from the eligibility list, or dismissal if already hired.

The City of Lakewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer and follows all federal guidelines regarding fair and impartial hiring practices. The City welcomes the opportunity to recruit and select a diverse workforce.

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