Public Safety Officer - Entry Level Exam & Benefits

Patrol Officer – Entry Level Examination

OPEN CS

Application Open Date: 07/13/2026

Application Close Date: 10/25/2026

SALARY: The starting 2026 salary while in the Police Training Academy is $26.52 per hour. Upon successful completion of the Academy, the annual salary range for Patrol Officer is $66,466.75 - $92,212.18

• Up to $5,000 sign on bonus ($1,000 upon starting academy, $1,000 upon graduating academy, $3,000 upon completing field training)
• Increased salary upon graduation for veterans and college graduates with a bachelor s degree and higher. Reimbursement for candidates that completed the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Academy.
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $6,000 a year
• Longevity up to $800.00 per year
• Clothing and maintenance of $1,200.00 per year
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave and 20 hours of prenatal leave

NOTE: You are not applying for an immediate job opening. You are applying to take an examination, which will be used to create an eligibility list for this job classification.

Next Police Hiring Event: October 23, 24 & 25, 2026

LIFE OF THE ELIGIBILITY LIST

The life of the eligibility list from this examination will not exceed one year from the date the list is established. Candidates will remain eligible for no more than one year from the date they have been added to the eligibility list.

NOTE: Primary correspondence with applicants is made via email. Please check your email frequently for updates on the next Cleveland Police Hiring Event (October 23, 24 & 25, 2026).

At the time of appointment to the Academy, cadet candidates will be required to enter into a Training Cost Reimbursement Agreement with the City of Cleveland. The Agreement will obligate the cadet to reimburse training costs if they separate from the Division of Police within five (5) years. Additional information about this Agreement can be obtained from the Public Safety Recruitment team by calling .

WRITTEN EXAMINATION
:
Applicants will take the LAW ENFORCEMENT exam administered electronically by the National Testing Network (NTN). The Office of the Civil Service Commission will email practice test vouchers and an actual test voucher. Testing instructions and vouchers will be sent after application approval.

Have you earned an NTN Law Enforcement exam passing score? If you have not done so, please report your score to Cleveland Police Department at the NTN website. There will be a cost to provide your score to the City; refer to the pricing page for details.

Have you earned an NTN Law Enforcement exam failing score? Per NTN policy, you must wait a minimum of 90 days to retest from the date you last took the exam. You will need to re-submit your application to retake the exam.

Engage in an active public safety role by responding to emergencies; protecting citizens and property; upholding the Constitution; enforcing state and city laws; and promoting positive community policing through empathy, service mindset, open-mindedness, problem solving, adaptability, and self-control. Responds to emergency calls and other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities include:

emergency response, de-escalation, making arrests, administering first aid/CPR, collecting evidence, community policing, patrolling neighborhoods, traffic stops, report preparation, cooperation with prosecutors, carrying departmental weapons and equipment, testifying as required, and performing other duties as assigned.

Must be willing and capable of carrying any divisional issued weapon and wearing any divisional issued equipment. Testifies at administrative or judicial proceedings as required. Assist other City departments in emergencies and take assignments in special details. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Possess and maintain an Ohio Driver s License free of suspensions at all times during employment. A valid Ohio Driver’s License must be obtained prior to appointment to the Cleveland Police Training Academy.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and no older than 54 years of age at the time of appointment to the Cleveland Police Training Academy
• Ability to obtain and maintain Ohio Peace Officer and LEADS…