Lateral Patrol Officer

Required The City of Forest Park Police Department formally announces multiple patrol officer vacancies that will be filled through a newly improved lateral entry that will be posted on a continuous basis until all vacancies are filled. Efficient process – Application submission to first interview in less than two weeks for qualified applicants. Forest Park Police Officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, investigating crimes, protecting life and property, and enforcing the laws and ordinances of the City of Forest Park and the State of Ohio.

It is a rewarding career in a progressive Police Department. The department is anticipating hiring up to six police officers through this process. The Police Officer reports directly to a first‑line supervisor and is required to exercise initiative and discretion when faced with emergency conditions. Patrols an assigned area during a specific period, assists other City services, maintains order in crowds and monitors parades, funeral processions or other public gatherings, maintains records and prepares reports, attends professional training sessions as scheduled, maintains custody of prisoners and appears in court as arresting officer or witness in court proceedings.

Police Officers are assigned to a wide variety of specialized roles within the Police Department, including but not limited to:

• Traffic Officer
• Motorcycle Officer
• SWAT Officer
• Firearms Instructor
• Field Training Officer
• Explorer Advisor
• Detective
• D.A.R.E. Officer
• Community Policing Officer
• Crime Prevention Officer
• Bicycle Officer
• Canine Officer
• Forensic Technician
• Narcotics Officer
• Other positions as assigned

• Minimum knowledge of policing and the ability to interpret and apply the Ohio Revised Code, Forest Park Municipal Code, and the policies, procedures, and directives of the Forest Park Police Department.
• Good judgment and the ability to communicate orally and in written form.
• Thorough knowledge of the geography of the City, dependable and maintains good health.
• Maintain state standards with duty and off‑duty firearms.
• Graduation from high school or GED.
• Must be able to work a variety of shifts, weekends and holidays.
• Must successfully pass all civil service testing requirements.
• Complete polygraph, psychological, and physical examinations; pass an agility/fitness test; and submit to a background investigation.
• Must be certifiable by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council as an Ohio Peace Officer.
• All officers will complete their certification at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy; attendance may be waived if already certified and proven to have a minimum of three to five years of equivalent full‑time experience in a comparable community.
• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license issued by the State of Ohio.
• Must be able to be insured by the City’s insurance carrier if the position requires driving.
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain any or all requirements of specific job assignments (e.g., Detective, D.A.R.E. Officer, Canine, Traffic Officer); and operate specialized equipment associated with assignment.
• Minimum age of 21 years old.
• All Police Officer ranks, positions, or assignments are required to meet the minimum requirements as established with the job description of Police Officer.

Skills and abilities

that will allow the Police Officer to handle the essential functions, duties and responsibilities as described above are required. The position requires the Officer to work effectively with all employees of the Department, City and the public.