How To Become a Police Officer in Ohio (With Requirements)

Updated July 16, 2023

Choosing to become a police officer can allow you to positively impact local communities and help enforce the law, creating safer public environments. In Ohio, aspiring police officers require special training, education and state licensing to operate within state lines. Understanding these requirements can help you determine whether this job is right for you and develop an actionable career plan. In this article, we explain how to become a police officer in Ohio and discuss key information relating to this profession including duties, skills and the average salary.

How to become a police officer in Ohio

If you're interested in becoming a police officer in Ohio, follow these steps to help you get started:

1. Meet the state's basic requirements

The state of Ohio sets minimum requirements to ensure that the police force consists of responsible, law-abiding citizens who can maintain public order. These requirements also ensure that candidates have equal opportunities to succeed. While requirements may vary based on jurisdiction, the state typically requires candidates to:

Be at least 21 years of age at the time of application or after graduation from the Peace Officer Academy
Have no prior felony convictions
Possess a high school diploma, GED or equivalent certification
Possess a current, valid Ohio driver's license
Pass a drug screening test
Meet physical fitness standards
Pass a criminal background check
Be a United States citizen
Be an Ohio resident

Related: 21 Jobs in Law Enforcement

2. Obtain a criminal legal degree

While a criminal legal degree isn't a requirement for police work in Ohio, this academic credential can help you prepare for your career. A degree may improve your job prospects If you plan to advance beyond policing into administrative work or qualify for promotions. Consider a degree in a field like:

Police science
Forensic science
Paralegal studies
Criminology
Criminal legal systems

You might also prepare for your career by familiarizing yourself with Ohio law. Note that many criminal justice programs offer online training you can complete from home, making it accessible to pursue your postsecondary education.Related: 11 Jobs You Can Get With a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

3. Complete basic training at the Peace Officer Academy of Ohio

If you meet the state's basic requirements, you can apply for the Peace Officer Academy of Ohio. At the Academy, cadets learn the basics of policing, improve their physical fitness and develop their firearm and investigation skills. They also learn specific Ohio laws and codes to better police in their geographic area. In certain cities, prospective officers also learn local ordinances and may participate in direct training with licensed officers. The state of Ohio requires 737 hours of training, though local academies may mandate additional hours.Related: Guide: How To Become an Undercover Cop

4. Meet additional criteria

Depending on the city or department you plan to work for, you may be subject to additional testing and criteria to become a licensed police officer. Candidates to certain departments may also be required to complete a polygraph test to demonstrate their honesty and integrity. A department may use the results of this test to evaluate a candidate's determination to uphold the law and honor their position.Some departments also require a psychological examination to ensure candidates are mentally fit to handle a weapon, respond to dangerous situations and interact with the public. Other criteria may include a written examination to explore a candidate's law enforcement proficiency.

5. Start working as a police officer

Once you pass basic training and meet any department-specific criteria, you can apply for open police positions. When you begin work, you typically start under the supervision of an experienced officer. They teach you the basics of the job by directing you in public interactions, assisting you with investigations and ensuring you adhere to departmental procedures. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may work with field training officers for anywhere between 10 and 20 weeks.Related: Differences Between Law Enforcement Jobs

Police officer duties

After completing the appropriate training and earning their credentials, police officers in Ohio generally perform duties like:

Patrolling local areas to deter crime
Investigating crimes or traffic incidents
Providing security for events or people
Drafting reports on criminal activity and police action
Interacting with community members to encourage good relations between police and community members
Handling a firearm when necessary
Driving police vehicles and performing basic maintenance
Cooperating with other law enforcement agencies

Skills for police officers

To be successful in their roles, police officers require a specific set of skills. Many police officers possess these skills naturally and develop them further throughout their training Some of the most important skills are:

Interpersonal skills: Police officers use interpersonal skills like communication, active listening, collaboration and empathy to work in teams and communicate with the public.
Discretion: Police officers may encounter challenging situations that require them to use discretion to make a decision or prevent a situation from escalating.
Firearms proficiency: Police officers learn to handle their firearms during police academy training, including when to discharge their weapon and how to follow safety procedures.
Legal knowledge: A police officer in Ohio must understand local and state regulations to properly enforce the law.
Patience and empathy: Police officers may encounter distressing situations that require patience and empathy to keep everyone calm.
Driving skills: Police officers rely on driving skills to operate their vehicles safely, follow traffic laws and potentially pursue suspects on the road.
Writing skills: Police officers use writing skills to draft citations and file reports to the local and state courts.

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Police officer salary in Ohio

The average salary for a police officer in Ohio is $48,064 per year. This amount can vary depending on where you work and how much experience you have. As a police officer in Ohio, you may be eligible for benefits ranging from insurance coverage to retirement packages.For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link(s) provided.

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How To Become a Police Officer in Ohio (With Requirements)