Lateral Entry Police Officer

Overview

The City of Forest Park Police Department formally announces multiple patrol officer vacancies that will be filled through a newly improved lateral entry. The positions 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.

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, and maintains order in crowds and at public gatherings such as parades and funeral processions. The officer maintains records and prepares reports, attends professional training sessions, maintains custody of prisoners, and appears in court as arresting officer or witness in court proceedings.

The officer must exercise good judgment, be able to communicate orally and in written form, and possess a thorough knowledge of the geography of the City. The officer must be dependable, maintain good health, and maintain state standards for duty and off‑duty firearms.

Police officers are assigned to a wide variety of specialized roles within the Police Department.

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

• Graduation from high school or GED.
• Must be able to work a variety of shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Applicants must successfully pass all civil service testing requirements.
• Candidates must 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 of the academy may be waived if the candidate is already certified and has proven to have a minimum of three to five years of equivalent full‑time experience in a community comparable to the City of Forest Park.
• 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; i.e. Detective, D.A.R.E. Officer, Canine, Traffic Officer, etc., and operate specialized equipment associated with the assignment.
• Must be a minimum 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.