cover letter for a police officer entry level

10 Professional Police Officer Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your police officer cover letter must immediately establish your understanding of the laws you'll be sworn to uphold. It should reflect your unwavering commitment to serve and protect the community. Demonstrate your ability to remain cool under pressure with specific examples from your experience. Your cover letter also needs to communicate your interpersonal skills, highlighting how you effectively interact with the public.

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Cover letter guide.

Police Officer Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Police Officer Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Crafting a standout police officer cover letter can be a hurdle if you've already jumped into the job application process, only to realize a gripping cover letter is part of the checklist. It's your chance to highlight a crowning professional achievement, telling its story without echoing your resume. Striking a balance between formality and originality, while axing the clichés and keeping it to one page, can feel like a tightrope walk – but it's one you can master.

• Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
• Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
• Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
• Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.

And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your police officer resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.

If the police officer isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Police Officer resume guide and example
• Retired Police Officer cover letter example
• Security Dispatcher cover letter example
• Entry-Level Police Officer cover letter example
• Volunteer Firefighter cover letter example
• Wildland Firefighter cover letter example
• Public Safety Officer cover letter example
• Incident Manager cover letter example
• Investigator cover letter example
• Fraud Investigator cover letter example
• Firefighter cover letter example

Police Officer cover letter example

BENJAMIN GARCIA

Dallas, Texas

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Proven Track Record: The cover letter emphasizes the candidate's successful history of enhancing safety protocols and protecting assets, suggesting that the candidate is experienced and has a track record of measurable achievements.
• Quantifiable Achievements: Mentioning specific metrics, such as the 45% decrease in unauthorized entries and reduction of operational costs by 20%, provides concrete evidence of the candidate's effectiveness and efficiency in their previous role.
• Leadership and Team Management: The capacity to lead a team of 25 officers highlights the candidate's leadership skills and the ability to handle responsibility, which is crucial for a senior position in security management.
• Alignment with the Organization's Needs: The willingness to discuss how the candidate's experience and skills align with the organization's operational requirements suggests a tailored approach and an understanding of the company’s specific security challenges.

Standard formatting for your police officer cover letter

Structure your police officer cover letter, following industry-leading advice, to include:

• Header - with your name, the role you're applying for, the date, and contact details;
• Greeting - make sure it's personalized to the organization;
• Introduction paragraph - no more than two sentences;
• Body paragraph - answering why you're the best candidate for the role;
• Closing paragraph - ending with a promise or a call to action;
• Signature - now that's optional.

Set up your police officer cover letter for success with our templates that are all single-spaced and have a one-inch margin all around.

Use the same font for your police officer cover as the one in your resume (remember to select a modern, Applicant Tracker System or ATS favorites, like Raleway, Volkhov, or Chivo instead of the worn-out Times New Roman).

Speaking of the ATS, did you know that it doesn't scan or assess your cover letter? This document is solely for the recruiters.

Our builder allows you to export your police officer cover letter in the best format out there: that is, PDF (this format keeps your information intact).

The top sections on a police officer cover letter

• Header: This section should include the applicant's contact information, the date, and the recipient's details, ensuring a professional appearance and making it easy for the hiring manager to file and respond to the application.
• Introduction: The opening paragraph should immediately capture the hiring manager's attention by succinctly stating the police officer position being applied for and expressing the applicant’s passion and understanding of law enforcement responsibilities.
• Law Enforcement Experience and Skills: In this section, the applicant should highlight their relevant law enforcement experience, specialized training, and specific skills that directly align with the duties of a police officer, demonstrating credibility and preparedness for the role.
• Community Involvement and Values: The candidate should showcase any community service or volunteer work that reflects their commitment to public service and aligns with the values and community-oriented approach of contemporary policing.
• Closing and Call to Action: The final section should express gratitude for the opportunity to apply, reiterate the applicant's enthusiasm for contributing to the police department, and include a call to action, inviting the hiring manager to arrange an interview to discuss the candidate's qualifications further.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Integrity and Ethics: Police officers are entrusted with upholding the law and protecting the citizens they serve, making a strong moral character essential for the credibility and trustworthiness of the role.
• Conflict Resolution Skills: Officers routinely handle disputes and potentially volatile situations, requiring the ability to de-escalate conflicts and negotiate peaceful outcomes.
• Physical Fitness: The job can be physically demanding, necessitating strength, endurance, and agility for pursuits, arrests, and maintaining public safety.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for reporting incidents, testifying in court, and engaging with the community to build rapport and gather information.
• Experience with Law Enforcement Techniques: Knowledge of proper procedures, legal guidelines, and tactical skills ensures the officer can perform duties effectively and within the bounds of the law.
• Commitment to Community Service: A dedication to serving and protecting the community demonstrates the officer’s understanding of the role’s civic responsibility and connection to the public.

What greeting should you use in your police officer cover letter salutation

A simple "Hello" or "Hey" just won't work.

With your police officer cover letter salutation , you set the tone of the whole communication.

You should thus address the hiring managers by using their first (or last name) in your greeting.

But how do you find out who's recruiting for the role?

The easiest way is to look up the role on LinkedIn or the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also contact the organization via social media or email, for more information.

Unable to still obtain the recruiter's name?

Don't go down the "To whom it may concern path". Instead, start your cover letter with a "Dear HR team".

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Department Name] Selection Committee,
• Dear Chief [Last Name],
• Dear Lieutenant [Last Name],
• Dear Sergeant [Last Name],
• Dear Captain [Last Name],

Your police officer cover letter intro: showing your interest in the role

On to the actual content of your police officer cover letter and the introductory paragraph .

The intro should be no more than two sentences long and presents you in the best light possible.

Use your police officer cover letter introduction to prove exactly what interests you in the role or organization. Is it the:

• Company culture;
• Growth opportunities;
• Projects and awards the team worked on/won in the past year;
• Specific technologies the department uses.

When writing your police officer cover letter intro, be precise and sound enthusiastic about the role.

Your introduction should hint to recruiters that you're excited about the opportunity and that you possess an array of soft skills, e.g. motivation, determination, work ethic, etc.

How to write an achievement-focused police officer cover letter body

We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your police officer cover letter - the body .

In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.

What better way to do this than by storytelling?

And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.

Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.

Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.

Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.

The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.

Time to wrap up your police officer cover letter

Writing the closing paragraph of your police officer cover letter is just as important as the salutation.

You have to make it personalized to the job advert and recruiter.

Experienced professionals advise candidates to end with a request or reminder for follow-up. Write that you're grateful for the opportunity, and, at the same time, hint that you're available for the next steps of the process.

Otherwise, you could also conclude your police officer cover letter by facing the future. How do you see yourself, as part of the team? In particular, how would you settle in your new role in the first six months to a year?

Addressing limited to no experience in the police officer cover letter

There's nothing to worry about if you lack professional experience .

Your police officer cover letter could bridge the gaps in your professional history by focusing on what matters most to recruiters, that's either:

• skills - focusing on transferable ones you've gained, thanks to your life experience (e.g. volunteering, certificates, etc.);
• achievements - select the most relevant and noteworthy one from your history (e.g. education, projects, etc.);
• motivation - describe how you envision your professional growth in the next up to five years, thanks to this opportunity.

Key takeaways

Turning your police officer cover letter into a success is all about staying authentic to yourself and relevant to the job:

• Be creative with your police officer cover letter introduction by stating something you enjoy about the company (that is genuine) or about your skill set (to get the recruiters' interested);
• Use single spacing and have a one-inch margin wrapping all around the content of your police officer cover letter;
• Select just one past achievement from your career or life to tell a story of how you've obtained job-crucial skills and how they'd be beneficial to the role;
• The finishing paragraph of your police officer cover letter doesn't necessarily have to be a signature but could be a promise of what you plan to achieve in the role;
• Instead of focusing on your lack of experience, spotlight your transferable skills, one relevant achievement, and career dreams.

Police Officer cover letter examples

Explore additional police officer cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

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Police Officer Cover Letter

You have the skills, and we have tricks on how to find the best jobs. Get cover letters for over 900 professions.

There is no need for trying to make your document perfect. Just look through the following tips, and take them into consideration. We know the skills that you need to describe first.

Show your originality

Everybody knows that the police officer must be brave and fearless. But if you start your cover letter for a police officer with these words, your potential employer will get bored. Make your own story: don’t just give facts; tell why the recruiter should choose your candidacy.

Give detailed information

It is always better to mention your name and the position that you are applying for. This way, you just simplify the recruiter’s task and show your interest in the position. There is no special need to list your previous workplaces if you are not going to describe the experience you got there.

Understand your potential duties

Describe your strong personal and job skills, but don’t forget to mention your activities in previous job positions or internships. It is much more effective to write about your experience of responding to traffic incidents than just to tell about your good memory, activism, or attentiveness.

Are you ready to take risks?

It is impossible to imagine the police officer’s job without some adrenaline and danger. After that, tell about some other features: calmness, equilibrium, and poise. A true specialist must keep calm in any situation, execute orders, and take care of many other people.

How to get invited for the interview?

If somebody says that you don’t deserve this job, don’t believe them. The GetCoverLetter is made for you to compose good cover letter for a police officer. You are the best candidate for this position in the law enforcement sphere!

Paul M. Police Officer 8379 Police Plaza 8273-125-594 / [email protected]

Audrey J. Recruiter “New York City Police Department”

Dear Audrey, I am excited to apply for the police officer position as I have put a lot of effort to master this profession. High moral values and my desire for justice are my inherent qualities. A responsible but interesting experience is what I really need; let me prove that I have all the appropriate features.

I have already got the experience of making different reports and professional documentation examples. However, performing area patrols, crime prevention, and giving help to those who really need it are the duties that I am ready for. I know how to give first aid, communicate with different people, and act in the case of an emergency. I know how important it is to maintain the required skill level and comply with statutory prohibitions and restrictions. Aside from that, I am absolutely respectful to all the people with whom I communicate.

Storing confidential information is also within my power. I know the features of arrest control techniques, criminal investigations, law enforcement driving, firearms handling, and police patrol procedures. You are welcome to contact me at any convenient time.

Best regards, Paul.

Put in some information about yourself.

Choose the design of your cover letter.

Print, email, or download your cover letter in PDF format.

Professional terminology. This is the first proof that you are not just applying for a job, but are really interested in this topic.

Possibility to edit. You can give useful details about military training, police academy studying, or any auxiliary information.

Concentration on your skills. While writing the entry level police officer cover letter, we are going to apply some additional knowledge.

Great future ahead!

Are you going to become a campus patrol officer? Are you familiar with criminal patrol officer duties? If yes, we are ready to help you compose the Cover Letter.

Template of a professional cover letter for a police officer

It’s time to choose the appropriate format for your document. Be sure that you really like the example, and the recruiter will also like it! Our experts made all these templates so you can be sure of their quality.

Get the desired role!

These are reviews of those who have already stepped on the path of justice protection. They had to face many difficulties, but not when it came to creating their cover letters. GetCoverLetter helped them do it. Not it’s your turn.

“Federal Police Department has always been a workplace of my dream. That is why I made every effort to get a safety police officer job. I am thankful for the possibility to examine the entry level police officer cover letter.”

“I needed to make a police officer cover letter with no experience. Fortunately, I found this resource. It allowed me an exceptional letter that showed my sincere wish to work as a detective police officer.”

"I know enough to drive a car under rather difficult conditions. Generally, I thought that I was a good specialist, but, anyway, I lacked something essential. Now I understand that the reason was self-doubt, and the letter I created using GCL helped me overcome it.”

Frequently Asked Questions

The more unique the knowledge you get, the more space for new questions. Do not be affraid to miss some aspects of creating your excellent cover letter. Here we took into account the most popular doubts to save your time and arm you with basic information.

• What should my a police officer cover letter contain? The main purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself, mention the job you’re applying for, show that your skills and experience match the needed skills and experience for the job.
• How to properly introduce yourself in a cover letter? Greet the correct person to which your cover is intended for. Introduce yourself with enthusiasm.
• How many pages should my cover letter be? Your cover letter should only be a half a page to one full page. Your cover letter should be divided into three or four short paragraphs.
• Don't focus on yourself too much
• Don't share all the details of every job you've had
• Don't write a novel

You’re ready for making professional CL

We have already shown excellent methods for making cover letters. They will be useful for candidates with any level of knowledge and training. Besides, we propose you a convenient generator.

Some other interesting ideas: cover letters from this industry

Your industry offers a variety of career opportunities, and your task is to choose the best one. Below, we have compiled effective cover letter samples for related positions. Feel free to check each of them and apply for different vacancies successfully.

• Security Officer

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5 Entry-Level Police Officer Resume Examples for 2024

• Entry-Level Police Officer (PO) Resume
• Entry-Level PO 2
• Entry-Level PO 3
• Entry-Level PO 4
• Entry-Level PO 5
• Entry-Level Police Officer Resume Writing 101

When someone is as dedicated to helping their community as you, becoming a police officer is a natural choice. It’s a challenging road, with responsibilities like crime scene investigation and enforcing local laws that lie ahead.

You’ve already undergone rigorous training and tested your endurance to score the job—you shouldn’t have to struggle with navigating a cover letter maker or preparing a resume .

You’ve committed to a career of service and protecting others, and we’re here to help with our expert tips and entry-level police officer resume templates.

Entry Level Police Officer Resume

or download as PDF

Entry Level Police Officer 2 Resume

Entry Level Police Officer 3 Resume

Entry Level Police Officer 4 Resume

Entry Level Police Officer 5 Resume

Related resume examples

• NYPD Police Officer
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What Matters Most: Your Skills & Experience

As an entry-level officer, you won’t have prior experience in the police force. Given the extensive training you’ve received, this won’t be a problem, but it also means that showcasing your career skills is more important than ever.

Every word counts, so use them wisely. This section is not the place to use generic terms like “hard worker,” even though you are. 

Instead, highlight the things that your employer can easily verify and will appreciate, such as having a driver’s license, physical stamina and agility, and certifications like POST or CPR.

Here are the key skills for an entry-level police officer:

9 most popular entry-level police officer skills

• Driver’s License
• Physical Fitness
• De-escalation
• Cultural Competency
• Foreign Languages
• Knowledge of Law
• Crisis Management

Sample entry-level police officer work experience bullet points

From writing crime scene reports to conducting patrols, you’ll face many challenges as an entry-level police officer. So, it’s crucial to focus on work experience that highlights your ability to adapt, act fast, and make difficult decisions on the fly.

Even an unrelated job can be relevant if you underscore the right tasks, such as leading a team, helping others, and responding to emergencies.

The best way to show hiring managers that you’re a valuable addition to the team is to focus on measurable impact. How did your work transform your previous workplace? Use numbers to make each bullet point count; don’t be afraid to get specific. 

Get inspired with these bullet points from our resume samples :

• Monitored 10 security cameras throughout 12-hour shifts, achieving 89% accuracy in spotting attempts at theft
• Designed and implemented a new patrol route around the premises that increased security, lowering vandalism by 28% over 3 months
• Responded to over 30 emergency calls, administering CPR and using de-escalation techniques to settle conflicts
• Developed a drug awareness program at a local community center, teaching more than 50 youths about the dangers of substance abuse

Top 5 Tips for Your Entry-Level Police Officer Resume

• Each police department looks for something different in a new entry-level police officer. If the role emphasizes patrolling and pursuing suspects, stress your physical ability to show you can keep up. If there’s a focus on investigation and reporting, mention Microsoft Office and your natural organization skills.
• As an entry-level police officer, you’ll do plenty of running and chasing. If you’ve completed a marathon or regularly play baseball, make it known in a hobbies and interests section .
• If this is your first job in the police force, you’ll start by learning the ropes at an academy—but it’s good to show your employer what you already can do. This includes certifications such as First Aid, defensive driving, CPR, POST, or CIT.
• Adaptability is key when you’re a police officer, and not every citizen in your community will speak English. If you can speak Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, or any other foreign language, find a resume template that lets you add this section.
• Portray previous experience as relevant to police work. Talk about roles in security, customer service, the military, or even volunteering to emphasize transferable skills.

You definitely should. Most entry-level police officer jobs require a high school diploma or GED, but some departments require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.

As this is an entry-level role, your lack of experience may not be a dealbreaker—especially if you spin things in your favor. Talk about school projects you led or sports teams you’re a part of to emphasize your leadership and ability to be a part of a group.

It’s okay to list some soft skills on your resume, but avoid being generic. Mention conflict resolution strategies, such as mediation and active listening, as well as community awareness and critical thinking.

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Cover Letter Example For a Police Officer Position (2024)

Do you need to write a cover letter for a police officer position? Check out my example for a police officer job application down below!

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Cover Letter Example

(For a police officer position )

[Brendon Williams] [Number Street Name] [City, ZIP Code] [Phone Number] [E-mail Address]

[Date, Year] (August 10, 2024)

[John Miller] [Hiring Manager] [Police Department X] [Number Street Name] [City, ZIP Code]

RE: Application Police Officer Position

Dear Mr. Miller,

I am writing to express my interest in the Police Officer position as advertised on [ website.com ] under section [ Careers at ]. As a former entry-level police officer, I am confident that my skills and experience aligns with the required qualifications listed in the job posting. In this cover letter, I will elaborate on my motivation to pursue my career in law enforcement at [ Police Department ] to serve and protect my hometown community.

To shortly introduce myself, my name is Brendon Williams and I have spoken in depth with officers John McKinnon and Ben Wittaker about the increasing crime rate in [ Area ]. I welcome the opportunity to provide the enforcement and security that our jurisdiction and community demands. I believe that my training and personal characteristics make me a  compelling candidate to handle physical rigors of police patrolling, while at the same time fostering positive relationships.

During my three years as an entry-level police officer at [ Police Department ] in [ Region ], I have been praised for my calm and authoritative demeanor during moments of tension and hostility (see references). The foundation of my performance is directly related to my extensive training at the Police Academy of [ State ]. As a result of this training, I master the fundamentals of policing such as: Arrest Control Techniques, Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Preservation, Emergency Response, Police Patrol Procedures, Weapons and Firearms Handling.

Attached is my resume for your review and consideration. I am interested to further discuss how my foundation in police fundamentals can translate to decrease the average crime rate in [ City ]. Please let me know if you need any additional information. You can reach me via [ Email address ] or [ Phone number ]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,

Brendon Williams

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Suffield Police Department

Entry level police officer.

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TOWN OF SUFFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENTIS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ENTRY LEVEL POLICE OFFICERS

JOB OVERVIEW

Department: Suffield Police Department

Type: Entry Level Police Officer

Salary: $69,014.40 to $90,688

Location: Suffield, CT

TOWN OF SUFFIELD

The Town of Suffield is located in the northern Connecticut River Valley, bordering Massachusetts, within 16 miles of Hartford and 8 miles of Springfield, Massachusetts. The Town has an approximate population of just under 16,000. The Suffield community is spread over 42.9 square miles and prides itself on its rich history of farming and agricultural work, as well as retail and commercial business. The Town of Suffield Police Department adheres strictly to its mission to safeguard life and property in partnership with the community, and doing so by maintaining honor and integrity, and conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards. We are a progressive police agency embracing modern police practices and a community policing philosophy to help improve of our level of service. We believe this to be accomplished by working with the community to prevent crime, solve problems, make arrests, and improve the quality of life in our community. Visit www.suffieldct.gov for more information.

SUFFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Suffield Police Department has 21 sworn members, with 16 serving in Patrol. In addition to our Patrol personnel, we have a School Resource Officer and Detective. We are a “grass roots” Police Department and are dedicated to developing our community relationships and addressing the needs of our residents.

• Administrative (Chief, Captain)
• Patrol (1 Lieutenant, 4 Sergeants, 12 Patrol Officers)
• 1 Detective
• 1 School Resource Officer
• Special Assignments:
• School Resource Officer
• Regional Tactical Team
• Regional Motor Vehicle Accident Reconstruction Team
• Regional Crisis Negotiation Team

GENERAL DUTIES

The Town of Suffield seeks qualified applicants for the position of Entry Level Police Officer. This is a full time (40 hour per week), hourly position in the Police Department. Some of the duties include but are not limited to: patrolling an assigned area on foot or in a motor vehicle to enforce laws and to prevent, detect and investigate complaints, motor vehicle violations and crimes. He or she makes arrests, interviews suspects and witnesses, takes written statements, prepares written reports, assists other town agencies, administers CPR and/or first aid, directs traffic, as well as testifies in court. Additional information about the Town of Suffield and the Suffield Police Department can be found at www.suffieldct.gov

SALARY/BENEFITS

• Starting Salary: $69,014.40 to $90,688

( Collective Bargaining Union Agreement is currently being negotiated )

• Twelve Paid Holidays Per Year • Paid Vacation Days • Health Insurance • 457 Retirement Plan • Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Life Insurance

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Age: Applicants must be twenty-one (21) years of age at the start of the assigned POSTC accredited academy.
• Education: Applicants must be a high school graduate or possess a GED.
• License: Applicants must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and reside within a twenty five (25) mile radius of the Police Department within one (1) year after completion of the department’s field training program.
• Physical Examination: Applicants must meet department physical fitness standards at the 40th percentile level certified through CHIP, Inc.
• MUST SUBMIT A VALID C.H.I.P CARD AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION
• Drug Testing: Applicants shall be required to submit to a drug test as part of the pre-employment medical examination.
• Character Requirements and other factors: Applicants must meet the highest legal and ethical standards. Honesty and integrity are paramount to the profession. Candidates will undergo a rigorous background investigation, including a polygraph, before any offer of employment. An applicant may be disqualified for poor employment history, recent use of illegal drugs, or previously undetected criminal activity.

HIRING PROCESS

The selection process will include, at a minimum, a detailed review of your application packet, and the successful completion of the department’s selection process which includes but may not be limited to the following:

• Written Examination (Passing 70%)
• Physical Agility Testing (C.H.I.P. at 40%, see certifyfit.com )
• Oral Examination (Passing 70%)
• Polygraph Examination
• Psychological Evaluation
• Detailed Background Investigation
• Medical Examination
• Chief’s Interview
• Police Commission Interview

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will only be accepted online at www.PoliceApp.com/SuffieldCT

All communications and notifications from Suffield Police Department will be done by email through PoliceApp.com. Please log in to your account on regular basis to read and confirm all emails. If you have any questions about the hiring process please contact Captain Palmer at (860) 668-3380 [email protected] or Lt. Ryan Burrell at (860) 668-3870 – [email protected]

The Town of Suffield is an equal opportunity employer m/f/d/v. The above posting is intended as a guide and is not a complete description of the position or process.

Please direct questions regarding this position to [email protected]

Jobs close at 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the deadline date specified, or when the position capacity has been met, or unless otherwise specified in the announcement. If the deadline date is not specified in the announcement, the agency has sole discretion on setting the deadline and jobs may close without notice. It is the applicant’s responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the deadline requirements and capacity limits as outlined by the agency.

Applicants are responsible for checking their email and logging into their PoliceApp, PublicSafetyApp, FireFighterApp or EmployementApp account to monitor for emails, scheduling and process updates.

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Becoming a Police Officer

Your step-by-step journey to becoming a Police Officer for the City of Columbus!

Milestone 1: Apply!

Who should apply.

To be a Police Officer in Columbus, you must first meet the following minimum qualifications:

1. Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalence (GED) 2. At least twenty (20) years of age when applying, and at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of being sworn in 3. Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license at time of appointment 4. A citizen of the United States of America

You must also be able to answer "no" to these two questions:

1.  After reaching 18 years of age, were you convicted of domestic violence?

2.  After reaching 18 years of age, were you convicted of a federal offense?

A thorough background check will be conducted in step 3. The complete background removal standards can be found here. (PDF, 197KB)

Learn more about being a Police Officer in the City.

When to apply

Applications for City of Columbus Police Officer are being accepted now! 

Where to apply

All applications are handled online. The City uses governmentjobs.com for its applicant services. Begin by creating or updating your  governmentjobs.com profile. This video guides you through setting up a profile.

Login to Governmentjobs.com

How to apply

Once your profile is created, you're ready to apply!

1. Click this  Apply to be a Police Officer Now!  button

2. Select the job title "Police Officer - EXAM"

3. Click the green "Apply" button in the upper right-hand corner of your screen (computer users) or the bottom of your screen (smart phone users)

4. Complete and submit your application

Note: If you are peace officer, or you have the Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training certification, select the job title of "Police Officer - Certified Lateral" instead.

What to expect

Once you've applied, your application will be reviewed to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications and pass the background questions. If everything checks out, you'll be invited to take the Police Officer Exam. Invitations are sent through email and/or text, so be sure to keep notifications turned on in your governmentjobs.com profile settings!

Additional Resources

• Tips for Filing Police Officer Applications (PDF) (PDF, 340KB)

Milestone 2: Police Officer Test

The Police Officer test consists of two phases.

Phase One: Multiple Choice

The multiple-choice exam consists of up to 100 test questions in four main sections.

1. Spelling:  The first type of question in this section asks you to identify the word that is spelled correctly . The second type asks you to identify the word that is spelled incorrectly.

  2. Vocabulary: The first type of question in this section asks you to identify the word that is most similar in meaning to a given word. The second type asks you to identify the word that is most opposite in meaning to a given word.

Every word tested in the Spelling and Vocabulary Sections is listed in the Police Officer Preparation Test Guide 😉!

3. Reading Comprehension:  This section has written passages followed by questions about each passage.

4. Map Reading:  This section has several maps followed by questions about each map.

Download the  Police Officer MC Prep Guide (PDF) (PDF, 772KB)  or have one mailed to you by emailing our offices at  [email protected] .

Phase Two: Situational Response Assessment

The Situational Response Assessment (SRA) is designed to assess your ability to handle situations that require interacting with other people such as citizens, supervisors, subordinates, co-workers, etc.

The SRA is a video-based exam consisting of six test scenarios. Each scenario features a situation commonly encountered by police officers.

Your video-recorded responses will be evaluated on your situational awareness, social intelligence and problem resolution skills demonstrated in your responses to each situation.

Download the  Police Officer SRA Prep Booklet (PDF) (PDF, 507KB) or have one mailed to you by emailing our offices at [email protected] .

Earned Preference Points

Secondary language fluency earned points.

Additional credit on the SRA may be available for proficiency in one or more pre-designated languages.   Learn More (PDF) (PDF, 205KB)  

Certified / Lateral Applicants

Submit your law enforcement certification that is equivalent to the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Certificate to bypass taking both phases of the Police Officer Exam.

Veterans' Preference

If you served in the United States Military and can provide acceptable documentation of your service, you may be eligible for the addition of extra points to your passing exam score.   Learn More (PDF) (PDF, 734KB)

Accommodations

To request a testing accommodation, please find the appropriate form in our  "Public Forms"  section. Accommodations are given on a case-by-case basis determined by staff's ability to accommodate while maintaining test integrity.

Accommodation requests should be completed immediately after you file your application or as soon as you know an accommodation is needed.

Examples of accommodations:

• English is a Second Language Accommodation:  English is not your first language and you need more time to review written test information expressed in English. Complete the non-ADA accommodation form. The result could be more allowable response time for exam sections that are not response-time sensitive.

Personal History Statement

After you pass the first phase of the exam, you will be contacted via email about completing a Personal History Statement (PHS). Instructions regarding the PHS will be provided with the email. 

The PHS is a vital piece of your background investigation. The PHS asks for your current and previous addresses and telephone numbers for you and your family members. The PHS asks for employment, military and any criminal history. Include complete names, addresses and dates. The completeness and accuracy of the information you provide will be verified by means of a polygraph examination. 

The documents listed below must be brought when you meet your investigator   

• driver's license, birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decrees or annulment decree, etc.
• high school diploma and transcript of grades, G.E.D. certificate and college diploma and transcripts, copies of state of Ohio certifications
• military documents, DD-214, discharge certificate, copies of awards, etc.
• proof of automobile insurance

Retest Policy

You can test up to two times in a calendar year.

Learn More (PDF) (PDF, 125KB)

Milestone 3: Eligible List

When you pass the Police Officer Test and submit your PHS, you will be placed on a list of eligible candidates for hire by the Division of Police. However, you need to pass the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) physical fitness test (PFT) and successfully pass the background investigation. 

To become a peace officer in the state of Ohio, you must satisfy OPOTC requirements. To enter a peace officer academy in Ohio, you must meet physical fitness benchmarks within 150 days before the academy start date. Fitness requirements are based on age and gender.

Learn More (PDF) (PDF, 1MB)  

Background Investigation

During the background investigation, you will meet your background investigator and participate in a polygraph exam.

Background Investigator

Polygraph Exam

You will be given a polygraph examination to verify the accuracy and completeness of all the information (e.g. PHS, References, and Employment) provided to your Background Investigator.

Background Removal Standards

The background removal standards are an objective list of disqualifying background characteristics for which police officer candidates will be removed from consideration. 

Learn More (PDF) (PDF, 197KB)

The CSC conducted a comprehensive review of the City’s background standards for police officers and gained community input to set these standards.

The background investigation is designed to identify candidates who meet a removal standard. When a candidate meets a removal standard, the background investigator formally requests the CSC remove the candidate from the eligible list.

Tattoo Policy

You are expected to meet the Division of Police's tattoo policy at the time of hire. Typically, the Division will not recommend an offer of employment unless you meet the following professional appearance directives.

Directive 11.01- Professional Appearance

• Shall have no visible tattoos on the head, neck, or hands.
• Shall have no tattoos (visible or not visible) that depict obscene or gang-related images or extremist or otherwise offensive images which may bring the Division into disrepute.
• No visible body modifications or gauges shall be permitted.
• No visible piercings with jewelry (other than the ears) shall be permitted.

Milestone 4: Referral List

After you pass the OPOTC PFT and the background investigation, then you may be considered for hire by the Public Safety Director (PSD). The CSC places you on a referral list and your background investigation packet is reviewed through the chain of command. The chain of command makes recommendations for hire to the Public Safety Director. The Public Safety Director sends selected candidates a conditional offer of employment.

Milestone 5: Conditional Offer

When you receive a conditional offer, you will be scheduled for a medical and psychological exam with the City’s medical providers.

Medical Exam

You must meet the medical standards. The City’s medical provider will assess your overall physical health. They will verify that you have the physical health to perform the requirements of the job.  

The "Learn More" button provides a list of common medical‐related issues that cause removal from consideration or require you to wait until the medical‐related issue is resolved.

Learn More (PDF) (PDF, 182KB)

The medical exam includes a treadmill stress test. Know what to expect during the stress test by watching this video.

Get tips on how to prepare for the stress test to improve your VO2.

Psychological Exam

The City’s licensed provider conducts the psychological exams. This psychological exam consists of three independent exams interpreted by licensed professionals. The exams are written or completed on a computer. Sometimes these written exams are administered in a group setting. Later, you will meet one-on-one with a licensed psychologist. The written exams and the one-on-one meeting can be conducted on the same day, but typically are handled in two sessions.

Milestone 6: Final Offer

Once you clear your medical exams, you will be given a final offer of employment with an academy start date. You will complete your new-hire paperwork. Before your first day, you and your family will have an opportunity to learn more about the training program, the training academy and the job.

Milestone 7: Training Academy

The City of Columbus hosts three entry-level police officer training academies each year. During this training, you will receive over 1,200 hours of training over 31-weeks.  You will learn patrol operations, law and legal procedures, applied behavioral science, criminal investigation, and more. Your training will include human relations, physical fitness, defensive tactics, driving maneuvers and firearms. The program equips you with the tools needed to become an exceptional law enforcement officer.

Milestone 8: Swear in!

After success in the Training Academy, you will be sworn in as a peace officer in the State of Ohio.

You will then participate in field training. During this time, you will be assigned to various Police Officers, known as Field Training Officers (FTOs). The FTOs will coach you through routine and non-routine encounters through the course of your shifts.

You will serve a one-year probationary period after graduation from the training academy.

Civil Service Commission

Police and Fire Testing Center

1111 East Broad Street Suite 201 Columbus, OH 43205

Police Candidates  (614) 645-0800 Fire Candidates  (614) 645-0879 Fax  (614) 645-0866

Email Parking Map:  Police and Fire Testing Center

77 North Front Street, 3rd Floor Columbus, OH 43215

Phone  (614) 645-8301 Fax  (614) 645-8379 Email Parking Map:  77 North Front Street

Sunday       Closed Monday       8:00 AM–5:00 PM Tuesday      8:00 AM–5:00 PM Wednesday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Thursday     8:00 AM–5:00 PM Friday          8:00 AM–5:00 PM Saturday      Closed

Additional testing hours vary by location and exam.

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