Learn the requirements to become a CPD police officer, as well as the hiring process, disqualification factors & jobs
One of the biggest reasons to become a police officer for the city of Columbus is the opportunity to contribute to your community in a more meaningful way. The impact that you can make in your community is the true reward of policing.
The demand for good cops in this country is high. While some agencies have come a long way in police reform, There is still a lot of work to be done. It will take dedications of new applicants to change the image of policing in this country
One of the benefits of working in law enforcement is the many career advancement opportunities available like SWAT, Detectives, aviation, Air Support, Crime Scene Investigator, Traffic, CSI, K-9, gang unit, mounted patrol & more
Note: CPD will require that you pass a comprehensive background check prior to becoming a police officer for their agency.
* The salary above does not reflect overtime pay, longevity, educational level, shift differential and etc.
Click below to search for police jobs near me in OH. Browse jobs by city/county or zip code
***IMPORTANT***The Information below may have changed and may no longer be relevant, please visit CPD recruiting page for verification of information
| – Step One – |
| The first step in the testing process is to file an application with the Columbus Civil Service Commission for the position of Police Officer. The requirements for filing an application are as follows:You must be 20 years of age at the time of application and you must be at least 21 years of age in order to be appointed.At the time of filing, you must present your valid driver’s license and high school diploma, or GED equivalent.You must be able to speak, read, and write the English language.You must be a US Citizen. |
| – Step Two – |
| After filing the application, Civil Service will notify you by mail of the time and place to report for each phase of a three phase examination. The phases of the examination are:Multiple Choice ExaminationWriting SampleOral Exercise |
| Phases I and II are given on a pass/fail bases. Phase III will be scored and passing scores will determine placement on an eligibility list. You must pass all three phases of the Civil Service examination. Tutorials will be offered for each phase and we strongly urge you to attend these tutorials. |
| – Step Three – |
| Those of you who score high enough on the Civil Service examinations to begin the selection process will be mailed a personal history questionnaire. At a later date, you will be required to report to Police Headquarters for a pre-interview with a Background Investigations officer. You will be photographed and have your fingerprints taken. You will sign waivers which allow the Background officer to conduct and extensive background investigation, and you will be given an appointment for a polygraph examination. |
| – Step Four – |
| You will be given a polygraph examination to verify the information provided to the Background Investigation Section in your Questionnaire, reference checks, employment history checks, etc. |
| – Step Five – |
| Your background investigator will conduct a thorough check of your employment history, references, etc. and visit you in your home and speak with your spouse or significant other. This interview usually lasts 2-3 hours. |
| – Step Six – |
| Information is compiled concerning your background and polygraph results. This information is then sent to the ORAL REVIEW Board. This board consists of 3 veteran officers. You will be required to interview with this Board and questions will be asked concerning you background. |
| – Step Seven – |
| The Civil Service Commission will review your entire package to make sure there are no violations of the hiring guidelines with the Division of Police. |
| – Step Eight – |
| Applicant packages will be reviewed by the Police Personnel Division chain of command and then sent to the Safety Directors for approval The Safety Director will decide if you are offered a conditional letter of appointment. |
| – Step Nine – |
| This step will involve a physical examination which is a rigid physical designed to evaluate your fitness. You are given a cardiovascular stress test and a psychological evaluation. The vision requirements state that you must be correctable to 20/20 and no more that 20/125 BINOCULAR uncorrected each eye. The Vision, Physical and Psychological all must be passed before permanent appointment to the Academy is granted. |
| – Step Ten – |
| You will be notified either by mail or a hand delivered letter of your appointment date for the Police Academy. You must reside in Franklin County or a county that adjoins Franklin County once you begin your 26 week course of training at the Academy. |
Police Officer Salary and Benefits
The Columbus Division of Police officers an attractive wage scale and benefit package that is competitive with private business and other major police departments.
Health Insurance
The health insurance plan covers the officer and family and is provided at a cost of $10 per month. It is administered by United Health Care of Ohio for physicians and hospital services in a PPO plan
Life Insurance
Will pay to officer’s estate one year gross annual base salary plus other optional term insurance plans.
Paid Holidays
Eleven paid holidays per year including officer’s birthday
Paid Sick Leave
15 days per year. Officers using 8 or less sick hours per calendar year, will receive an additional 16 vacation hours.
Paid Vacation Leave
2.4 weeks each year for first 3 years then advances in stages up to 6.3 weeks after 20 years
Clothing and Equipment Allowance
Uniforms and equipment at no cost to the officer plus a uniform maintenance of $850 per year for uniformed officers and $1250 per year for non-uniformed.
Prescription Drugs
The deductible is $4 per prescription with the remainder at 100%.
Dental Plan
After 1 year of service
Personal Liability Insurance
Fully furnished by the City of Columbus
Retirement
After 25 years of service and age 48
College Tuition Reimbursement
After 1 year of service
Annual Service Credit
Paid yearly starting with your 6th year of service
Family Leave
After 1 year of service
Military Leave
When called to service in armed forces of the United States
Deferred Compensation Program
Defer up to $8,000 yearly for additional retirement benefits.
Credit Union
After 90 days employment
Promotions
Eligible to take Sergeant’s Exam after 3 years. Pay differential is 18% between ranks.
TESTING
The Civil Service Commission is currently accepting applications for the position of police officer. The phases of the examination are: PHASE I – Multiple Choice: PHASE II – Writing Sample: PHASE III – Oral Exercise. Phases I & II are on a pass/fail basis. Phase III will be scored and passing scores will determine placement on an eligibility list. You must pass all three phases of the Civil Service examination. Tutorials will be offered for each phase and we strongly urge you to attend these classes.
Please realize that the Pass/Fail portions of the test remove pressure of being scored, which is an advantage over receiving a graded score.
APPLICATION PROCESS FOR PERSONS LIVING OUT OF STATE
Out-of-state applicants will receive an application by mail. They can apply by returning the completed application to the Civil Service Commission. All other applicants will apply in person at the Civil Service office 50 W. Gay St. in downtown Columbus.
TUTORIALS
The Civil Service Commission will conduct tutorials prior to the testing date. You will receive the date, time and locations during the application process.
INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS
The Minority Recruiting Unit will conduct informational sessions at Police Headquarters in the auditorium at various times throughout the application process.
VISION STANDARDS
The vision requirements state that you must be correctable to 20/20 and no more that 20/125 BINOCULAR uncorrected each eye.
GETTING IN SHAPE
Although testing has not begun, it is never too early to begin training you body for the academy. The academy class is a 26-week course of training. It is scheduled during the day Monday – Friday with weekends off. It is a ‘quasi-military- environment. Physical exercise is a daily requirement. The day you arrive at the academy you will be expected to be able to do the following:
| Run 1.5 miles in 15 minutes | Do 20 sit-ups in 1 minute |
| Do 15 push-ups in 1 minute | Be capable of one pull-up in 1 minute |
STAYING A GOOD CANDIDATE
It is important to remember that becoming a Police Officer is a sacrifice. You may have to distance yourself from activities that would have a negative effect on your quest to become a Columbus Police Officer. You should keep that thought in mind now and throughout the selection process.
Here are some areas that are looked at during the background investigation:
| Honesty | Traffic Record History |
| Gambling | Criminal Activity |
| Substance Abuse History | Family History |
| Employment History | Military History |
When you review this list also keep in mind no one is perfect and this is a job worth fighting for!
RIDE-ALONG PROGRAM
You may wish to schedule a Ride-along with a veteran officer to give you a taste of what may be ahead of you as a Columbus Police Officer. Contact us with a date, shift, and possible precinct where you would like to ride. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, Call the Minority Recruiting Unit, 645-4090, to schedule a ride-along.
ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER CHANGES
Any changes in address or phone number must be made in writing and mailed to the Minority Recruiting Unit at 120 Marconi Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43215. You may call the Minority Recruiting Unit at 645-4642 or 1-800-837-4642 to verify the reception of your letter.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
You must reside in Franklin County or a county that adjoins Franklin County once you begin your 26-week course of training at the academy. SO – if you pack up and go – we should be the first to know!!
Speaking Events Best Fit:
Speaking Events Best Fit:
With an unparalleled charisma and a captivating stage presence, EL Forestal, the founder and creator of Hero Helper AI, has the ability to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact. Drawing upon his immigrant upbringing, law enforcement background and expertise in AI automation, strategic recruiting growth & business development, EL Forestal delivers powerful messages that resonate with both personal and professional aspirations.
During his keynote address, EL Forestal will delve into the depths of motivation, sharing valuable insights and practical strategies to unlock hidden potential and drive success. He will inspire attendees to break through barriers, overcome challenges, and reach new heights in their lives.
EL’s unique perspective and experience make him the perfect keynote speaker for your event. With over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, EL has seen it all. He has a deep understanding of the challenges law enforcement professionals face daily and knows how to motivate and inspire them to overcome those obstacles.
Whether you are a law enforcement professional seeking to excel in talent acquisition or a leader looking to inspire your team, EL Forestal’s keynote speech is a must-attend event. Prepare to be energized, motivated, and empowered as EL Forestal imparts his wisdom and passion to ignite the fire within.