Lateral Police Officer

City of Grove City • Grove City, OH

14h • Onsite

About The Position

The Grove City Division of Police is seeking experienced, OPOTA-certified candidates to serve and protect residents, businesses, and visitors. The Police Officer is responsible for law enforcement, crime prevention, apprehending criminals, and protecting life and property. Duties include responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, conducting preliminary investigations of crimes and traffic crashes, patrolling assigned areas, enforcing laws, gathering and securing evidence, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and providing emergency services as needed. Officers prepare detailed reports and records, conduct criminal investigations, testify in court and before grand juries, and assist prosecutors with case preparation. They may serve as officer-in-charge or shift supervisor and help acclimate new patrol officers. Officers maintain required licensure and certification, meet safety requirements, attend regularly and predictably, and may perform secondary assignments such as SRT, bike patrol, and traffic crash investigation.

The Division is accredited by the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program and CALEA. Its mission is to serve and protect through professional law enforcement in partnership with the community, and its stated values are Integrity, Teamwork, Respect, Duty, and Excellence. The position involves exposure to hazardous materials and bloodborne pathogens, firearms and specialty munitions, crowds, potentially violent or distressed people, life-threatening situations, variable weather, and hazardous driving conditions. It occasionally requires lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing 50 pounds or less. The role is classified as medium work.

Candidates must be OPOTA-certified sworn peace officers and have at least two consecutive years of full-time law-enforcement experience with a single agency, without a break in service and excluding academy time. Applicants must be at least 21 at appointment, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and possess a valid Ohio driver's license. A college degree is preferred but not required. Out-of-state candidates who are not OPOTA-certified must have their training and experience evaluated for reciprocity and pass the statewide certification exam. The selection process includes PRADCO assessments, a physical fitness test, a personal history questionnaire and review, a background investigation, a police executive interview, truth verification, a certification list and Civil Service Commission approval, conditional offer, medical and psychological examinations, oath of office, and field training of up to 15 weeks. Applicants must meet the listed background standards and successfully complete required assessments and evaluations. Lateral transfers may qualify for an advanced step starting salary and vacation benefits commensurate with continuous service at their most recent law-enforcement agency.

Requirements

• OPOTA certification as a sworn peace officer; applicants must have been certified at least two years before the application date.
• Currently employed as a full-time law-enforcement officer and have at least two consecutive years of full-time law-enforcement experience with a single agency, without a break in service; academy time does not count.
• At least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Ohio driver's license and ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance policy.
• Successfully pass two PRADCO assessments, a physical fitness test meeting OPOTA graduation standards, a background investigation, truth verification test, drug test, and medical and psychological evaluations.
• Meet the Division's background removal standards and successfully complete the selection process.
• Establish residency within 60 miles of police headquarters within six months of employment.
• Maintain required licensure and certification and meet applicable job safety requirements.
• Ability to perform the essential physical duties, including physical endurance and agility, travel to and access work sites, and subdue or restrain suspects.
• Knowledge of criminal law and procedures, law enforcement methods, investigation and evidence handling, arrest procedures, traffic control, search and seizure, courtroom procedures, records management, and related public and community-service practices.
• Skills in computer and office-equipment operation, motor-vehicle operation, firearms and police-equipment use, and restraint-device use.
• Ability to exercise judgment, interpret and apply laws, conduct interviews, communicate effectively, prepare accurate reports, maintain records, respond to public inquiries, resolve complaints, work effectively in a team, and follow the leadership of appointed officers.
• Out-of-state candidates who are not already OPOTA-certified must obtain an evaluation of their academy training and experience for reciprocity and pass the statewide certification exam.

Nice To Haves

• College degree preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to protect residents and property, investigate suspicious activity, and respond to calls and complaints.
• Monitor traffic, enforce laws, issue citations, and make arrests.
• Investigate crimes and traffic crashes; gather, log, and secure evidence; and interview witnesses and suspects.
• Conduct business monitoring and Block Watch activities, provide security checks at public and private facilities, and provide emergency services such as first aid as necessary.
• Prepare detailed reports and maintain records in accordance with Department policy.
• Conduct continuing investigations of felony and misdemeanor cases.
• Appear in court and before grand juries to testify and assist prosecutors with case preparation or presentation.
• May serve as officer-in-charge or shift supervisor and assist new patrol officers with procedures, reports, and daily activities.
• Maintain required licensure and certification, meet job safety requirements, and demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
• Perform related duties and secondary assignments, including possible SRT, bike patrol, and traffic crash investigation assignments.

Benefits

• Lateral transfers may be eligible for an advanced-step starting salary.
• Vacation benefits may be commensurate with the applicant's continuous years of service with their most recent law-enforcement agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED