Top 7 Entry police Jobs in Columbus

Police Officer (ENTRY LEVEL)
City of Grandview Heights —Grandview Heights, OH
- $33.19 - $56.94 an hour
- Weekends as needed
- Background check
- OSHA
- Ability to walk for extended periods
- Wellness program
- Paid parental leave
Police Officer
City of Upper Arlington —Upper Arlington, OH
- $77,801.86 - $121,913.68 a year
- Full-time
- Residential
- High school diploma or GED
- Driver's License
- Wellness program
- Health savings account
3d
911 Dispatcher/Communications Technician July 2026 Exam
City of Dublin, Ohio —Dublin, OH
- $63,267.06 - $81,851.75 a year
- Overtime
- 18 years or older
- Pass drug screening
- Residential
- Wellness program
- Health savings account
Police Officer - Lateral and Entry-level
City of Delaware, OH —Delaware, OH
- $36.18 - $50.39 an hour
- Full-time
- Writing skills
- Basic math
- Pass drug screening
911 Dispatcher/Communications Technician - Lateral July 2026
City of Dublin, Ohio —Dublin, OH
- $63,267.06 - $81,851.75 a year
- Overtime
- 18 years or older
- Pass drug screening
- Residential
- Wellness program
- Health savings account

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Police Officer (ENTRY LEVEL)
City of Grandview Heights —Grandview Heights, OH
US Citizen: Yes or otherwise authorized to work in the United States High School Grad/GED: Yes Valid OHIO State Driver's License: Yes (or able to obtain a valid…
$33.19 - $56.94 an hour
Police Officer
City of Whitehall, OH —Whitehall, OH
Valid US driver's license. Must acquire, develop and maintain the ability to interpret and apply principles, concepts, methods, laws, ordinances, and techniques…
$36.52 - $53.60 an hour

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Police Officer (ENTRY LEVEL)
City of Grandview Heights —Grandview Heights, OH
US Citizen: Yes or otherwise authorized to work in the United States High School Grad/GED: Yes Valid OHIO State Driver's License: Yes (or able to obtain a valid…
$33.19 - $56.94 an hour
Police Officer
City of Upper Arlington —Upper Arlington, OH
LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Must possess a valid state of Ohio driver's license and maintain insurability under the city's vehicle insurance policy…
$77,801.86 - $121,913.68 a year
3d

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entry police jobs near columbus

Police Officer (ENTRY LEVEL)

City of Grandview Heights -
Grandview Heights, OH

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Job Details

Full-time
$33.19 - $56.94 an hour

Benefits

Wellness program
Paid parental leave
457(b)
Paid holidays
Disability insurance
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Adoption assistance
Parental leave
Vision insurance
Life insurance

Qualifications

Computer operation
Police records management
Outdoor work experience
English
Company vehicle operation
Medical emergency response
High school diploma or GED
Driver's License
Peace Officer Certification
Basic firearms training
Safety equipment
State-specific police officer certification
First aid protocols

Full Job Description

Summary Description

*** All applicants for entry-level positions are required to create an account through the National Testing Network (NTN) at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com and submit their written test. All required documents (listed below) must be uploaded to your individual NTN account profile. Any candidate who has not completed their NTN test or attached the required documents will not be considered. Certified officers who are not currently employed must complete the entry-level application and are not eligible for lateral entry. ***

The Grandview Heights Division of Police is accepting applications for an eligibility list for the position of Police Officer. Eligibility Lists, upon approval of the Grandview Heights Civil Service Commission, are valid for a period of one (1) year.

The Grandview Heights Division of Police services the City of Grandview Heights and the Village of Marble Cliff and approximately 8,900 residents. Situated just west of downtown Columbus and THE Ohio State University, our growing community is home to multiple hotels, restaurants, mixed-use development, twenty parks, and is within walking distance to multiple professional sports stadiums and arenas. Authorized staffing is twenty-four (24) sworn law enforcement officers and nine (9) civilian staff and support members, including positions in Police Administration, Patrol, Investigations, Communications, Canine Handler, Bicycle Patrol, and Task Force Officer(s).

The Division recently transitioned to twelve-hour (12) shifts, guaranteeing members every other weekend off.

We are interested in dedicated candidates willing to work in a team environment and those who will create partnerships with the community to proactively preserve the peace, protect life and property, and safeguard the constitutional rights of all. All members must adhere to our Core Values of Professionalism, Respect, Courage, Integrity, and Accountability.

Eligibility Lists are obtained and created after the candidate successfully completes the required examination(s) through the National Testing Network (NTN). All entry-level candidates must create a profile and submit test scores through NTN at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, in addition to completing the application for employment. Entry-level candidates do not currently have an OPOTA certificate and requires basic police academy training, or the candidate possesses an OPOTA certificate but is not currently employed as a police officer for a village, township, municipal, or state law enforcement agency within the State of Ohio for at least two years continuously, without a break in service.

A candidate with a current OPOTA certificate (or a certified law enforcement officer in any other U.S. state) with a minimum of two years of continuous service for a township, village, municipality, or state law enforcement agency and without a break in service should refer to the job posting for a Lateral Police Officer.

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Operates a police vehicle in an assigned area of the City to maintain law and order
Responds to calls for emergency
Responds to citizen complaints
Interview witnesses
Transports suspects to police headquarters for processing
Appears in court as the arresting officer
Investigates criminal and traffic offenses
Directs traffic
Crowd control
Delivers subpoenas
Transports prisoners as directed
Receives and dispatches radio messages
Attends formal training classes and staff conferences
Prepares daily reports of police matters encountered on his/her shift
Prepares special reports as required
Works irregular, on-call, and/or emergency hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Maintains licenses and certifications as required
Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance
Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions

EQUIPMENT USED: The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

Motor vehicle
Police cruiser
Bicycle
Specialized law enforcement equipment
Standard office equipment, such as computer, telephone, fax machine, duplicating equipment, two-way radio
Police vehicle computer
Service weapon

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The essential functions of this position require sufficient physical ability to work in a law enforcement setting and an office setting
Ability to give chase by vehicle or on foot
Ability to restrain or subdue individuals, or to engage in other routine peace-keeping functions
Ability to walk, stand, sit, or run for prolonged periods of time
Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist
Occasionally climb and balance
Regularly push, pull, lift, and/or carry light to moderate weights in addition to weight of uniform, bulletproof vest, holster, service weapon, and other standard-issue equipment
Occasionally lift and/or move moderate to heavy weights
Requires a sense of touch, finger dexterity, and gripping with hands and fingers
Ability to work in a range of weather conditions
Ability to speak and hear to exchange information
Ability to operate a vehicle to travel to various locations
Ability to operate and use specialized law enforcement tools and equipment, including firearms
Ability to hear and see in the normal range with or without correction
Ability to deal calmly and rationally with high stress situations and threats to personal safety during periods of search and seizure and arrest
May be exposed to toxic materials, bloodborne pathogens and other infectious environments
Ability to respond appropriately to unruly or dangerous individuals, unsafe building sites, and incidents that may require a response to resistance up to and including the use of deadly force.

Management reserves the right to modify the foregoing job parameters at any time.

Education & Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent
Ability to successfully complete prescribed police officer certification training and one year of work probation
Participation in and selection through competitive examination process, as set forth in Civil Service Commission procedures
Possession of a valid State of Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license at time of appointment
Knowledge of operation of police equipment, including vehicles, computer equipment, and tools
Weapons training and license/certifications

QUALIFICATIONS: (* indicates developed after employment).
Knowledge of:

Law enforcement theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of services and programs
Operations, services, and activities of a municipal law enforcement program
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including laws governing search and seizure and the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons accused of felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses
Methods and techniques used in providing the full range of law enforcement and crime prevention services and activities, including investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control, records management, care and custody of persons and property
Techniques and applications of self-defense and proper use of force
The rules and regulations of the police organization

SKILL IN:

Conducting criminal, traffic, and special investigations
Interviewing witnesses, victims, or suspects
Using a firearm and other modern police equipment
Understanding, interpreting, applying, enforcing, and making decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations
Physical agility

ABILITY TO:

Perform a wide range of law enforcement assignments
Think clearly and act quickly in a variety of situations
Operate specialized law enforcement equipment, including specialized police vehicles, radios, video systems, and radars
Gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate, and use facts and evidence
Analyze crime and service patterns to develop effective tactical responses
Administer first aid
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, City officials, and the general public
Keen powers of observation
Meet age requirements established by the Ohio Revised Code and Civil Service Commission
Work on shift assignments
Work outside during periods of inclement weather
Write and speak effectively
Maintain records and prepare reports

Supplemental Information

Salary Information (Shift Differential of $1.30)

Effective 01/01/2026

Step

2026

Cadet/Recruit

$ 69,036.94 - $70,571.09

Starting Police Officer

$ 76,707.71

After one year

$ 84,249.18

After two years

$ 93,451.54

After three years

$ 103,665.63

After four years

$ 115,006.79

After five years

$ 118,441.38

**DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FROM APPLICANTS**: (Complete and/or upload the following documents to your NTN account)

NTN Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)
Copy of Driver’s License
Copy of Birth Certificate
Copy of OPOTA Certificate (if applicable)
College Diploma (If applicable) - Eligible for an additional 5 points added to the candidate's weighted test score with a Bachelor's or Master's degree and 3 points if the candidate possesses an Associate's degree.
Military Experience – DD 214 (if applicable) or proof showing to be a current Reservist - Eligible for an additional 10 points added to the candidate's weighted test score with proof of Honorable Discharge and 5 additional points for those candidates who are a current military reservist.

Contact Information: Email Sergeant Zac Scurlock at [email protected]

Special Requirements

Age: 21 (not yet 36 years old) at the time of appointment. If currently serving as a full-time sworn police officer in the State of Ohio (or served as a full-time sworn police officer within 1 year prior to appointment), then current age shall be reduced by the number of years served as a full-time sworn officer in the State of Ohio. US Citizen: Yes or otherwise authorized to work in the United States High School Grad/GED: Yes Valid OHIO State Driver's License: Yes (or able to obtain a valid Ohio license by time of appointment) Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes Vision: Corrected to 20/20 College: Not required (Additional points may be added to scores for applicants who possess a college degree or equivalent college credit. Additional points will ONLY be added if the applicant passes the written examination with the minimum passing grade and provides documentation.) Academy Certification: Not required (Must be OPOTA certified by appointment) Prior Experience: Not required Necessary Certifications: Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy certificate is required prior to appointment. The Division of Police may sponsor the selected candidate through an OPOTA academy. Schooling Prior and Post Hiring: OPOTA Certified

Miscellaneous Information

The Grandview Heights Division of Police will conduct thorough background checks as part of its pre-employment process of any candidates whose competitive test scores result in them being named to the eligibility list. The background check will include but not be limited to a review of previous employment, a criminal background check including a truth verification examination, and driving history.

Health Care:
The City provides health, prescription, vision and dental through the Franklin County Cooperative. http://www.Bewell.franklincountyohio.gov.

Life Insurance:
The City provides $75,000 in life insurance to all full time and permanent part time employees.

Additional Voluntary Benefits:
The City also offers VOLUNTARY supplemental life insurance above the city provided coverage, short-term and long-term disability, and flexible spending accounts. These are all voluntary programs that will have a cost associated with them.

Wellness:
Participation in the City's Wellness program is available to all “Benefit Eligible” employees, at no cost, and allows employees to earn up to $400 and a reduced deductible for next year.

Ohio Deferred Compensation Program:
City employees can participate in the Ohio Deferred Compensation 457(b) and Ohio Deferred Compensation Roth 457.

Longevity:
Employees shall receive an annual longevity payment based on completed years of continuous service with the City.

Leave Accrual: Full-Time employees are eligible to earn personal, sick, vacation and compensatory or flex time.
Personal Leave
Employees earn 24 hours of personal leave per year.
Sick Leave
Employees earn 4.6 hours per pay period.
Vacation Leave
Employees accrue vacation based on years of public service ranging from 96 to 216 hours per year.
Holidays
Employees receive eleven paid holidays. Payment is made in a lump sum once a year. Employees that work on the holiday receive time and a half for hours worked on the holiday.

Paid Parental Leave
Paid Parental Leave is available to full-time employees who have worked for the City a minimum of 90 days. Paid parental leave is available following birth or adoption or foster placement of a child under the age of 17. Eligible employees will be paid 100% of their regular pay for a period of two weeks following a two-week waiting period.

Sick Leave Reciprocity
Eligible full-time employees are eligible to cash out a portion of their accrued sick leave each year.

Pool Passes & Resident Pricing for Recreation Programs and Parks Rentals
All full-time employees are eligible to receive a pool pass to the City’s Municipal Pool, subject to a small fringe benefit tax deducted through your paycheck. In addition, employees receive resident pricing on all programs and parks rentals.

Tuition and Training Reimbursement:
Full-time employees who have completed their probationary period may be eligible for the reimbursement of tuition and fees for job-related education, up to a maximum of $3,500 per calendar year.

Pension Contributions:
City employee earnings are not covered under Social Security, instead, contributions are made on your behalf to the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Funds (OP&F) at the rate of 19.5% of earnings.

Uniforms & Clothing
Employees that are required to wear a uniform will have them provided by the City.

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entry police jobs in columbus

Police Officer (ENTRY LEVEL)

Police Officer

911 Dispatcher/Communications Technician July 2026 Exam

Police Officer - Lateral and Entry-level

911 Dispatcher/Communications Technician - Lateral July 2026

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