Police Officer-Lakewood Division OF POLICE at National Testing Network Cuyahoga County, OH

Position Overview

Position Title:

Full‑Time Police Officer. Updated:
August 22, 2024.

Location:

Lakewood Division of Police, 12650 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, Ohio 44107. Phone: (216) 529‑6040. The City of Lakewood is establishing an eligibility list for full‑time police officers that will be processed through the Civil Service Commission.

Applicants must complete the online written examination, personal history questionnaire, and public safety self‑assessment through the National Testing Network. A valid driver’s license, high school diploma or GED, and any documentation for additional credit must be uploaded with the application. The Final date to receive applications and upload documentation is October 9, 2024.

• Minimum score for eligibility: 70% on the written exam.
• Top 25 scorers will be invited to the physical agility test on October 19, 2024; those who have earned an OPOTC‑approved police academy certificate within the past year are exempt.
• Physical agility test requires at least the 30th percentile on Cooper Institute Aerobic Standards for sit‑ups, push‑ups, and a 1.5‑mile run, based on age and gender.
• Successful completion of the written, physical agility (or exemption), polygraph, and background investigation is required for appointment.
• Upon hiring, candidates must complete psychological, medical, drug‑screening, police academy, and training requirements.

• Honorable military discharge: up to five points.
• Residency in Lakewood for at least 12 months before the exam: six points.
• Full‑time or part‑time City of Lakewood employee, or member of Lakewood Auxiliary Police before the exam: one point.
• Bachelor’s degree: 5% of the campus score; associate degree: 2%.

• Past criminal acts or traffic convictions.
• False statements during the application process.

The starting base salary for 2024 is $67,653.32 plus benefits. Benefits include medical, prescription, dental, vision, life insurance, and a flexible spending account. Other benefits: paid vacation and personal days, sick leave, 18 paid holidays, paid parental leave, longevity pay, tuition reimbursement, firearms proficiency bonus pay, uniform allowance.

The Lakewood Division of Police consists of 99 full‑time sworn officers: chief, three captains, four lieutenants, and ten sergeants, with 81 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.

The City of Lakewood is a diverse community located about five miles west of downtown Cleveland, covering 5.6 square miles with an estimated population of 50,942.

• Age:
  Must be 21 years at the time of hire.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen or legally declared intent to become one.
• Education:
  
  High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• Driver’s license:
  Valid State of Ohio license with good driving record (≤6 violation points).
• Language:
  English reading and speaking.
• College:
  Not required; bachelor’s degree adds 5% of score, associate degree adds 2%.
• Academy certification: OPOTC certification not required; non‑certified hires will attend a police academy for salary earning. Tuition reimbursement available for graduates within 12 months.

Full‑Time. Salary: $67,653.00 per year.

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.