Lateral

Police officer

Lateral Police Officer

Make a difference, serve your community.
Our division offers rewarding careers with outstanding benefits.

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Lateral Police officer

Police officer

Earn up to $116,963 / year

Under general supervision, Police Officer is responsible for serving and protecting the community by performing crime prevention, criminal investigations, and law enforcement activities; performs related duties as required.

Requirement

Current Ohio police officer with

3 or more years of continuous law enforcement experience
OR
Less than 3 years of service but have previously attended and graduated from the Columbus Police Academy

5 weeks of academy training followed by a 12-week field training period

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benefits

Competitive pay

immediate health benefits

vacation accrual

why columbus police

Core Values (P.R.I.D.E.)

Professionalism

Demonstrating excellence in our words and actions through leadership, cooperation, dedication, and attention to detail.

Respect

Expressing empathy and demonstrating appreciation for human dignity, diversity, and individual rights while holding reverence for human life above all else.

Integrity

Consistently demonstrating honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior and accepting responsibility for our actions.

Discipline

Exhibiting proper conduct and demonstrating commitment to training and organizational standards, even in the face of adversity.

Enthusiasm

Serving with compassion and a sense of urgency while embracing a spirit of collaboration to make a difference in our community.

Comprehensive Training and Development

We provide extensive training to prepare you for the diverse requirements or challenges and opportunities of law enforcement. Our training academy offers comprehensive programs covering criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms proficiency, emergency response, and community policing. Ongoing professional development ensures you continue to grow and excel in your career.

Career Advancement Opportunities

The Columbus Police Division offers numerous pathways for career advancement. Whether you're interested in specialized units such as SWAT, K-9, narcotics, or advancing into leadership roles, we provide clear career progression and support to help you achieve your professional goals.

Dive Team

Specially trained and equipped police unit that specializes in recovering items lost or concealed in water. Their specific team goal is to safely and efficiently perform all recovery tasks in a timely manner.

K-9 Unit

Provides specially trained canine teams charged with the responsibility to successfully fulfill the needs of the Division of Police by assisting patrol officers, narcotic officers, SWAT officers, and detectives in crime suppression through criminal apprehension and evidence recovery.

Swat

Provides a team of officers with advanced training and equipment to support other sections within the Division of Police and other law enforcement agencies by responding to and resolving barricade situations, serving high-risk search warrants and arrest warrants, engaging in proactive responses to violent crime patterns, and more.

forensics

Enhances the capabilities of Columbus Division of Police personnel in the investigation and prosecution of crimes that involve digital evidence by collecting and analyzing digital evidence.

educational opportunities

Our College Tuition Reimbursement program is here to support your growth and development while you serve your community.
Join us to unlock a world of opportunities where your aspirations are our priority. Let's invest in your future together. Tuition reimbursement is available for coursework taken at over 60 accredited universities.

Community Engagement

Beyond enforcing laws, we are deeply involved in community outreach and education. Our programs aim to build trust and foster strong relationships with residents. As a Columbus police officer, you'll have opportunities to engage with the community through youth programs, neighborhood meetings, and public safety initiatives.