The City of Kettering is accepting submissions for Full-Time Lateral Patrol Officer
Salary & Benefits
2026 Minimum Annual: $81,598
2026 Maximum with Bachelor Degree: $110,198
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Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Plans
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Accrued Vacation, Sick and Compensatory Time (Refillable 240 Hours Comp Max)
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11 Paid Holidays & 40 Hours Paid Personal Leave per year
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10-Hour Patrol Shifts
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Paid Ohio equivalency training (if necessary) and Tuition Reimbursement
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Paid Overtime per Court Appearance (4 Hours Paid Minimum)
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Ohio Police and Fire Pension Plan
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Ohio Deferred Compensation Plans
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Employee Wellness Program w/ Access to City of Kettering Recreation Facilities
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All Equipment and Uniforms Provided Upon Hire
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Annual Paid Uniform Allowance and Shift Differential
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Relaxed Beard and Tattoo Policy
Professional Development
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Special Response Team (SWAT)
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Criminal Investigations (Detective) Unit
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Vice, Narcotics & Organized Crime Unit
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K-9 Unit
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Bike Patrol and Motorcycle Unit
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Accident Investigation/Reconstruction Team (AIT)
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Hostage/Crisis Negotiation Team (HNT)
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Evidence Technician Unit
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Field Training Officer Unit
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School Resource/Community Relations Unit (SRO)
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Personnel and Training Officer
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Public Information Officer
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Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
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Drone Program
Selection Process
The Patrol Officer hiring process consists of the following:
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Submit Online Application
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Oral Board Interview
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Polygraph and Background Investigation
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Executive Staff (Chief’s) Interview
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Conditional Offer of Employment
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Post-Conditional Polygraph, Psychological Evaluation, Physical/Drug/Alcohol Screen (to include Marijuana)
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Final Offer of Employment
Minimum Qualifications
At time of appointment candidates must have:
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A high school diploma or its equivalent; and successfully completed at least two years of continuous service as a full-time commissioned police officer and possess a current Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (O.P.O.T.C.) peace officer certificate or equivalent peace officer certification in candidate’s current state of residency within the past 3 years, at time of appointment); or
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Obtained credit hours equivalent to an Associate Degree (60 semester hours/90 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university AND must have successfully completed at least one year of continuous service as a full-time commissioned police officer and possess a current Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (O.P.O.T.C.) peace officer certificate or equivalent peace officer certification in candidate’s current state of residency within the past 3 years, at time of appointment); or
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Two years of active military service or equivalent years of service in the Reserves or National Guard (active duty or reserves) with a satisfactory service record or honorable discharge AND must have successfully completed at least one year of continuous service as a full-time commissioned police officer and possess a current Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (O.P.O.T.C.) peace officer certificate or equivalent peace officer certification in candidate’s current state of residency within the past 3 years, at time of appointment).
Physical Condition: Must be physically capable of performing essential police duties and pass a thorough medical examination, where applicable, candidate must meet Academy minimum physical fitness entrance standards as required by Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (O.P.O.T.C.); and a drug/alcohol screen.
Ohio Operator’s License – Appointee must possess, obtain and maintain a valid State of Ohio Operator’s License.
U.S. Citizen - Must be 21 years of age and eligible to work in the United States at the time of appointment.
Certain criminal convictions, poor choices, or other behaviors may disqualify you from consideration for employment as a Patrol Officer.
Tattoos on the ears, head, face and hands, including fingers, or anything that undermines the City or Departmental values, may also disqualify you from consideration.
Information or Questions
For more information, including how to apply, please visit www.ketteringoh.org/jobs. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Out-of-state applicants are encouraged to apply.
The City of Kettering is an Equal Opportunity Employer
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
Performs police related tasks in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of statutes and ordinances, or may perform tasks in the staff services or administrative sections of the Police Department. Does related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE POSITION:
Work normally consists of preventive patrol, preliminary investigations and traffic control duties in a designated area, but can also include a variety of staff assignments. Duties may involve an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without immediate and direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies. The nature of the work requires that the employee may work irregular hours and in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements. Regular schedules include working on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. May be called in during emergencies. Specific work assignments are made by a Sergeant or other Police Supervisor and work methods and results are checked through performance evaluations, review of reports and discussions.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to develop a working knowledge of criminal, civil and traffic laws, departmental policies and procedures, effective police methods, first-aid techniques and procedures and geography of the City. Ability to learn to use police computer system. Knowledge of the care and skill in the use of police related equipment, including firearms. Effective oral communication skills and the ability to deal courteously and effectively with the general public. Ability to deal with offenders firmly, courteously and tactfully and with respect for the rights of others. Ability to handle emergencies and tense situations and maintain one’s composure. Ability to write accurate, clear and comprehensive reports. Ability to learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
Prior to appointment, candidates for positions in this class must successfully pass a thorough background check including pre-offer and post-offer polygraph, medical/physical/drug and alcohol screen and psychological examination. Must be physically capable of performing essential police duties. Must have physical agility sufficient to lift and/or move heavy objects or persons in the course of rescue activities; the ability to physically restrain persons in the course of law enforcement activities; the ability to give chase on foot in the course of law enforcement/criminal apprehension activities; and the ability to withstand working outside in all extreme weather conditions. Must have visual ability sufficient to operate a police vehicle by both day and night, to observe criminal actions taking place, to observe traffic violations taking place, to read and write reports, correspondence, etc. Must have hearing ability sufficient to understand radio transmissions, conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone. Must have speaking ability sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person, over a telephone, or over a radio.
Candidates for positions in this class must also be at least 21 years of age and eligible to work in the United States citizen at time of appointment. Must have demonstrated moral integrity and the ability to conduct oneself in a manner above reproach, legally and morally. Must have the ability to evaluate information, analyze situations and exercise sound judgment; must obtain a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Ohio within 60 days of appointment; must successfully complete the Police training course chosen by the City which meets or exceeds the standards prescribed by law; and must successfully complete a one-year probation period prior to permanent appointment.
Out-of-state officers, hired through the lateral entry process, may have to successfully complete mandated courses by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of credit hours equivalent to an Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours/90 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university; or must possess a current Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (O.P.O.T.C.) peace officer certificate or equivalent peace officer certification in candidate’s current state of residency; or must have two years of active military service or equivalent years of service in the Reserves or National Guard (active duty or reserves) with a satisfactory service record or honorable discharge.
