Police Officer - EXAM

City of Columbus•Varies by position, OH

1d•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. Please follow the link below for more information and materials including information session dates, study guides, sample video exams, and physical test video: Becoming a Police Officer Please follow the link below to connect with Police Officer Recruiting and sign up for Police Recruiting events to learn more about the selection steps and the job. Police Recruiting Unit

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
Must successfully pass the Division’s Basic Peace Officer Training Academy and Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) final exam
Must meet the Division's Tattoo policy at the time of hire
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 that 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
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

Nice To Haves

Second language proficiency (earned points may be added to the SRA)

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