Police Officer - Certified Lateral

City of Columbus • Varies by position, OH

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, is responsible for serving and protecting the community by performing crime prevention, criminal investigations, and law enforcement activities; performs related duties as required. With a Police Officer certification, you may bypass the Police Officer Civil Service Exam. In accordance with Civil Service Rule VIII(A)(1) - An open eligible list shall be prepared for all other applicants who: 1. attained a final passing grade or, 2. in the case of the Police Officer classification, the applicant possesses Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training certification or comparable state peace officer certification; and in either case submit any required supplementary materials identified. The names of eligibles on the open eligible list shall be arranged in the order of test grades earned, except for certified peace officer applicants whose names will be placed in the highest band on the current Police Officer eligible list as a result of their certification.

Requirements

• Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalence (GED)
• 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
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license at time of hire (appointment)
• A citizen of the United States of America
• Possesses Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training certification or comparable state peace officer certification
• Current Ohio police officers with three or more years of continuous service in law enforcement other than the City of Columbus (may qualify for 5-week lateral academy)
• Current Ohio police officers who have previously attended and graduated from the Columbus Division of Police Training Academy and currently work in a law enforcement capacity with another Ohio agency (may qualify for 5-week lateral academy)
• Certified applicants with no police officer experience (will attend full 31-week academy)
• Certified police officers from jurisdictions outside of Ohio (will attend full 31-week academy)
• Police officers with fewer than three years of service as a police officer who did not previously graduate from the Columbus Division of Police Training Academy (will attend full 31-week academy)
• Knowledge of de-escalation and conflict resolution strategies and techniques
• Ability to act with integrity in words and actions
• Ability to show respect, empathy, and compassion
• Ability to communicate verbally and actively listen, including in high duress situations
• Ability to learn and understand policies, rules, instructions, laws, regulations, first aid, and police related literature
• Ability to take proper law enforcement actions
• Ability to write clear and accurate reports
• Ability to understand and follow oral directions
• Ability to explain and defend reasoning, conclusions, and actions
• Ability to operate and provide ordinary care of motor vehicles and firearms
• Ability to meet current standards established by OPOTC
• Ability to obtain and maintain LEADS access
• Ability to accept individuals of diverse cultures
• Ability to deal effectively and equitably with persons of a different race, cultural background, or gender without racist, sexist, homophobic, and xenophobic attitudes
• Ability to subdue person(s) resisting arrest
• Ability to pursue fleeing suspect(s)
• Ability to run while wearing a duty belt and bulletproof vest
• Ability to drag or pull person(s)
• Ability to climb up and over objects
• Ability to assess emergency needs
• Ability to diffuse situations
• Ability to recognize underlying problems
• Ability to recognize sounds and understand their significance
• Ability to visually recognize persons and their activities
• Ability to remain focused despite distractions
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in volatile, highly emotional, and high duress situations
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Those who MAY be selected to attend our inside Ohio lateral academy (5 weeks )
• After completion of five weeks of Certified Lateral Training, officers will complete a 12-week Field Training program on Patrol.
• Lateral Transfer Officers will return to the Academy for a week of transition from Field Training to Probation.
• Certified lateral hires completing the 31-week academy will complete a 15-week Field Training program on Patrol.

Responsibilities

• Prepares for duty by properly wearing a uniform, ensuring all worn equipment is operational (i.e., body-worn camera, firearm, etc.), and inspecting the vehicle and its equipment to ensure readiness for duty
• Interacts with members of the community to promote public safety and crime prevention; patrols an assigned area for the prevention of crimes; responds to questions, concerns, and complaints to resolve situations and to provide law enforcement services
• Responds to calls for police service by assessing the information attained through dispatch, training, and experience to determine the type of situation and response needed; drives at appropriate speeds to safely arrive on scene
• Appears at scenes of crimes, disputes, and vehicle accidents; visually and audibly evaluates victims, suspects, and scene layout to make an initial determination of safety and threat level; evaluates the needs of victims and bystanders
• Investigates reports of crimes and complaints by collecting accounts of the incident and physical evidence to ensure the integrity of and to corroborate statements; identifies, collects, and protects evidence used in the commission of crimes or traffic offenses
• Intervenes in disputes by actively listening to involved parties, maintaining visual contact with disputants, and asking relevant questions to determine the most appropriate strategy to protect the public and mediate disputes
• Conducts pat-down searches, vehicle searches, and premises searches following proper procedures to ensure officer safety, public safety, and collection of evidence
• Pursues suspects on foot or via bicycle, motorcycle, or motor vehicle to effect an arrest
• Apprehends and/or charges persons responsible for criminal or traffic violations; confirms and executes existing warrants through the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS)
• Determines appropriate violations of law by referring to the Ohio Revised Code or City Code to reflect accurate charges in citations, incident reports, accident reports, and arrest reports; issues initial court dates
• Appears in court as a testifying officer, serves subpoenas, and assists in the enforcement of court orders
• Facilitates medical or mental health treatment and social services for individuals and arranges the transportation of individuals to these facilities
• Explains policies, directives, the Ohio Revised Code, Columbus City Code, or court activities to individuals to foster understanding of what is under an officer’s jurisdiction
• Prepares official forms and reports and submits to superiors for appropriate actions
• Responds to disasters as a first responder; manages evacuations, controls traffic in disaster areas, and uses protective equipment where hazardous materials may be present
• Continuously learns, reviews, and stays up-to-date on current division policies, trainings, and procedures; maintains first aid, firearms, and other required certifications

Benefits

• Probationary Period: The probationary period shall conclude three hundred sixty-five (365) days after being sworn in unless the City further extends the probationary period beyond the 365 days per Civil Service Rule XI (C).

What This Job Offers

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