Lateral Police Officer

CITY OF GROVE CITY; Grove City (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

CITY OF GROVE CITY is seeking experienced OPOTA certified Police Officers to join the Grove City Division of Police. The role involves responding to calls, conducting preliminary investigations, and enforcing laws to protect residents, businesses and visitors.

Qualified candidates must be OPOTA certified, have at least two consecutive years of full-time law enforcement experience with one agency, and hold a valid Ohio driver’s license. A strong commitment to community service is essential.

Qualifications

• OPOTA Certified: Yes.
• Two+ consecutive years of full-time law enforcement experience with a single agency.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.
• Must possess a valid Ohio driver’s license and be able to read/speak English.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls as a sworn officer.
• Investigate crimes and traffic crashes and provide public safety.
• Work as part of a team to enforce laws and protect residents and visitors.

Skills

OPOTA Certified

Two+ years experience

Currently employed as peace officer

Ohio driver license

Job description

Integrity • Teamwork • Respect • Duty • Excellence

The Grove City Division of Police is seeking experienced, OPOTA certified candidates for the role of Police Officer. Continue your law enforcement career by joining a dynamic team of professionals tasked with serving and protecting the residents, businesses, and visitors of our growing and diverse community.

Do you qualify?

• Were you certified by OPOTA as a sworn peace officer at least two years prior to the date of application?
• Are you currently employed as a full-time law enforcement officer?
• Do you have a minimum of two consecutive years of full-time law enforcement experience with a single agency?

Lateral transfers are eligible for an advanced step starting salary and vacation benefits commensurate with the applicant's continuous years of service with their most recent law enforcement agency.

Out of State candidates

who are not already OPOTA certified must contact the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission to have their academy training and experience evaluated for reciprocity and pass the statewide certification exam. https://www.postrequirements.com/ohio/#reciprocity

2026 GROVE CITY LATERAL POLICE OFFICER SELECTION PROCESS

1. Application with Grove City Division of Police
2. Completion of two PRADCO assessments- Law Enforcement and Emotional Intelligence
3. Physical Fitness Test - Must meet OPOTA graduation standard
4. Completion of Personal History Questionnaire
5. Personal History Questionnaire reviewed for automatic disqualifying responses
6. Background Investigation
7. Police Executive Interview
8. Truth Verification Test
9. Certification List established for approval by Civil Service Commission
10. Conditional Offer of Employment
11. Medical and Psychological exams
12. Oath of Office
13. Field Training (up to 15 weeks)

Department Overview

The Grove City Division of Police is accredited at the state level by the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (OCLEAP) and is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). As such, we are one of only 10% of the law enforcement agencies in the United States to earn this recognition.

Our Vision is to offer the highest quality of life achievable.

Our Mission is to serve and protect all by providing professional law enforcement services in partnership with the community.

Our Values are Integrity, Teamwork, Respect, Duty, and Excellence.

The City of Grove City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We manage by objectives rather than by crisis and work to develop high-quality service through innovative technology and training methods, specialized investigation, and, professional, unbiased enforcement. The men and women of the division are committed as a team to ensure the citizens and visitors to Grove City are in a safe, secure environment and to establish themselves as one of the finest agencies in Central Ohio.

Area Information: As a suburb of Ohio's capital city, Columbus, residents, and businesses enjoy an exceptional quality of life with the conveniences of metropolitan living and the comforts of a unique, small town. Our infrastructure is sound, our services unmatched.

We are pleased to bring exciting new business opportunities, recreational offerings, and a host of wonderful community events to Grove City each year. Grove City is the only city in the State of Ohio selected three times as the Best Hometown by Ohio Magazine. Grove City is proud of its rich history, and the bond residents share in the community. There is plenty to see, do and enjoy in Grove City.

Population: 44,000

Police Officer

The Police Officer is responsible for law enforcement and the implementation of crime prevention measures, the apprehension of criminals, and the protection of life and property. Duties include but are not limited to: responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service as a direct service provider of police and other emergency services to the public; responding, reporting, and conducting preliminary investigations of crimes and traffic crashes.

Job Requirements

OPOTA Certified: Yes

Prior Experience:Currently working as a sworn peace officer for at least two years without a break in service, not including time at police academy.

Age:Must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment

High School Grad/GED: Yes

Valid OHIO State Driver's License: Yes

Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes

Residency:60-mile radius of police headquarters (within six months of employment)

Necessary Certifications:Possess a high school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred but not required. The Candidate must successfully pass two PRADCO assessments, a physical fitness test, and be OPOTA certified. A thorough background investigation will be completed, including but not limited to a truth verification test, drug test, and psychological and medical evaluation.

Background Removal Standards Sworn Law Enforcement Officers

A. Honesty/Falsification

Applicants may be removed from the selection process for any of the following reasons:

1. At any stage of the selection process, the applicant purposely, knowingly, or negligently provides materially false, misleading, incomplete, incorrect or substantially inconsistent information.
2. At any stage of the selection process, the applicant fails to disclose or acknowledge any disqualifying behavior or activity on the part of the applicant, relative to, and governed by, any of the Background Removal Standards.
3. The applicant’s failure or refusal to answer or respond to oral and/or written questions during any phase of the selection process.
4. If applicable, any attempt by the applicant to distort the truth verification examination results.
5. The applicant’s use or attempted use of political influence to secure employment.

B. Personal History

Applicants are removed from the selection process for any of the following reasons:

1. A conviction of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence involving use of force or threatened use of a deadly weapon is a permanent disqualifier under Federal laws for police officer applicants.
2. Verified or admitted physical or emotional abuse of one’s spouse, ex-spouse, child, stepchild, parent or any other relative or person with whom one lives, has a relationship or has had a relationship.
3. Non-compliance with a court order or legal contract to provide child support, alimony or other financial responsibility as determined by the appropriate support enforcement bureau or a court of law within the preceding five (5) years.
4. Intentional violation of any protective or temporary restraining order as determined by a court of law within ten (10) years.
5. Verified or admitted sexual abuse of another.

C. Employment

Applicants may be removed from the selection process for any of the following reasons:

1. Two or more involuntary terminations and/or discharges from employment within the last five (5) years. This shall not include terminations resulting from a business ceasing operations or resulting from being laid off from a position of employment.
2. Discharge or resignation in lieu of discipline from any criminal justice related employment.

D. Military History

Except as provided below in Number 3 of this Section, applicants are removed from the selection process for any of the following reasons:

1. Dishonorable or Bad Conduct Discharge from the Military.
2. Conviction of any article of the Uniform Code of Military Justice that is equivalent to a felony or other listed disqualifying misdemeanor in this standard under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC).
3. An Other Than Honorable Discharge from the Military will be evaluated to determine whether the applicant should be removed from the selection process.

E. Traffic

Applicants are removed from the selection process for any of the following reasons:

1. Any conviction of vehicular homicide or related offense(s).
2. OVI:
   1. Conviction within the past three (3) years.
   2. More than one (1) OVI conviction as an adult.
   3. More than two (2) OVI convictions, if one of the convictions was as a juvenile.
3. Four (4) moving violations in the past three (3) years as an adult.
4. At the time of the application or anytime during the selection process, the applicant does not possess a valid driver’s license and auto insurance as required by the resident state if the applicant owns a motor vehicle.
5. One (1) or more revocation or suspension of a driver’s license as an adult, in effect during the past three (3) years (unless applicant can show that the suspension was the result of an error by the BMV, random selection, or administrative overlap).

F. Gambling

Applicants are removed from the selection process for any of the following reasons:

1. Conviction or admission of a gambling offense, within the last five (5) years.
2. Admission to gambling that has resulted in an unstable financial or credit history within the last seven (7) years.
3. Conviction of or admission to engaging in the promotion of illegal gambling activity wherein the applicant gains, or attempts to gain, a financial benefit.
4. Applicants may be removed from the selection process for any of the following reasons:
   1. Any admission or conviction of a misdemeanor criminal offense committed, as an adult, as defined by the Ohio Revised Code or similar federal, state, or local law of the jurisdiction where the offense occurred in the last five (5) years will be reviewed to determine whether the applicant may continue to the background investigation (unless otherwise addressed in these standards).
   2. Any admission or conviction of more than one (1) M-1 or M-2 misdemeanor offense, as a juvenile, as defined by the Ohio Revised Code or similar federal, state, or local law of the jurisdiction where the offense occurred in the last five (5) years will be reviewed to determine whether the applicant may continue to the background investigation (unless otherwise addressed in these standards) (does not include traffic or minor misdemeanors).
   3. Nothing in these standards permits an applicant to continue in the selection process when the applicant is prohibited by applicable law or Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission requirements from appointment, certification, or attendance at required peace officer training.

G. Criminal Activity

Applicants are removed from the selection process for any of the following reasons:

1. Any theft offense(s) as an adult, within the last five (5) years, which (a) singularly or cumulatively exceeds $1,000.00; or (b) establishes a pattern of theft offenses from an employer during the course of employment.
2. Any insurance claims or applications for welfare, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation or other public assistance benefit program determined to be fraudulent by the body overseeing the claim, compensation, or benefit program.
3. Any admission or conviction of an offense, as an adult, defined as a felony by the federal, state, or local law of the jurisdiction where the offense occurred. An admission of a felony offense would be disqualifying unless otherwise addressed in these standards.
4. Any admission or conviction of an offense, as a juvenile, of one (1) violent felony as defined by the federal, state or local law of the jurisdiction where the offense occurred.

Applicants may be removed from the selection process for any of the following reasons:

1. Any admission or conviction of a misdemeanor criminal offense committed, as an adult, as defined by the Ohio Revised Code or similar federal, state, or local law of the jurisdiction where the offense occurred in the last five (5) years will be reviewed to determine whether the applicant may continue to the background investigation (unless otherwise addressed in these standards).
2. Any admission or conviction of more than one (1) M-1 or M-2 misdemeanor offense, as a juvenile, as defined by the Ohio Revised Code or similar federal, state, or local law of the jurisdiction where the offense occurred in the last five (5) years will be reviewed to determine whether the applicant may continue to the background investigation (unless otherwise addressed in these standards) (does not include traffic or minor misdemeanors).
3. Nothing in these standards permits an applicant to continue in the selection process when the applicant is prohibited by applicable law or Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission requirements from appointment, certification, or attendance at required peace officer training.

H. Controlled Substances

Applicants may be removed from the selection process for any of the following reasons:

1. Any illegal or unlawful possession, use, or purchase of controlled substances within five (5) years before application or admitted use during any portion of the selection process, no including marijuana.
2. Any unlawful use, possession, or purchase of prescription medication, including the use of prescription medication without a valid prescription issued to the applicant, within one (1) year before application or during any portion of the selection process.
3. Any possession, use, or purchase of marijuana while employed as a sworn peace officer, except as expressly permitted pursuant to a medical recommendation under Ohio law or prescription as lawfully written by a medical professional pursuant to state law, will be reviewed in determining suitability for appointment.
4. Any possession, use, or purchase of marijuana during any portion of the selection process.
5. Any pattern of use of controlled substances, including marijuana, within the past seven (7) years.
6. Any pattern of illegal sale of controlled substances, including marijuana or prescriptive drugs.
7. Any pattern of abuse of alcohol, chemical agents/solvent-based substances, or prescriptive drugs within the past seven (7) years.

For the purpose of this standard the “use” of drugs includes, but not limited to, when an applicant smokes, puffs, ingests, tastes, injects, inhales, or otherwise tries, any illegal drug, including but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, anabolic steroids, or chemical inhalants.

I. Applicant Non-Responsiveness

Applicants may be removed from the selection process for any of the following reasons:

1. Failure to appear for pre-interview/interview.
2. Failure to appear for physical fitness testing.
3. Failure to appear for truth verification examination.
4. Failure to appear for medical/stress test.
5. Failure to appear for psychological exam.
6. Failure to respond to phone calls or correspondence from agency personnel.
7. Unable to locate at address/phone number on file.
8. Applicant is no longer interested in employment with the Grove City Division of Police.

J. Physical Standards

Applicants may not have tattoos or body art which are considered offensive, regardless of where they appear on the body. Examples of offensive tattoos or body art include, but are not limited to:

• Extremist tattoos that feature philosophies, groups, or activities that promote racial or gender intolerance; encourage discrimination based on numerous factors, including race, gender and religion; advocate violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the U.S. Constitution, and Federal or State law.
• Indecent tattoos that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, propriety or professionalism.
• Sexist tattoos that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender or demeans or degrades an entire gender.
• Racist tattoos that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, or national origin or degrades or demeans an entire race, ethnicity, or national origin.

Members hired after May 1, 2026 who have tattoos, body art, branding, or decorative markings that would be visible in a duty uniform, will have the existing tattoos, body art, brandings, or decorative markings reviewed during the new hire process by the Chief of Police. Those tattoos, body art, brandings, or decorative markings shall be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Body Art and Appearance Review Committee and the new hire will be advised if they are approved for display.

Members with tattoos, body art, brandings or other decorative markings visible on duty, may be required to cover them with an approved uniform (long sleeve shirt or pants), or wear a cover‑up sleeve. The Chief of Police, or designee, will inspect the covering for serviceability and may require the employee to replace it. Additionally, the Chief of Police may change the approved covering at any time. Regardless of the changes, the amount of changes, or the expense of the covering, the employee shall provide this covering solely at the members’ expense.

The decision to require covering will be made by the Body Art and Appearance Review Committee.

No tattoos are authorized or permitted which are visible on the head, neck, face, hands, within one (1) inch of the top of the wrist bone, or above the bottom of the collar bone, unless approved by the Body Art and Appearance Review Committee.

K. Definitions

1.For purposes of these standards, a “pattern” means repeated conduct or behavior that, based upon its frequency, duration, recency, or surrounding circumstances, reasonably demonstrates more than isolated or experimental conduct.

2. For purposes of these standards a “review” means a preliminary assessment of information disclosed by or otherwise available regarding an applicant to determine whether the applicant should continue to the background investigation. A review may include obtaining clarifying information from the applicant and reviewing readily available records or information. Consideration may be given to the nature and seriousness of the conduct, recency, frequency or pattern of behavior, surrounding circumstances, subsequent conduct, and the relationship of the conduct to the judgment, integrity, character, and responsibilities expected of a police officer.

Patrols assigned area in order to protect residents of the City and their property; investigates suspicious activity; responds to emergency calls and complaints; demonstrates initiative in monitoring traffic and enforcing laws; issues citations and makes arrests of criminals; investigates and gathers, logs, and secures evidence at crime scenes; interviews witnesses and suspects; conducts traffic accident investigations, performs Block Watch and monitoring of local businesses; provides security checks at public and private facilities; provides emergency services (e.g., first aid) as necessary.

Generates detailed reports documenting daily activities, stolen property, incidents, complaints, investigations, missing persons, accidents, crime scenes, etc., as required; maintains appropriately documented records in accordance with Department policy; conducts intensive and continuing criminal investigations of felonies and misdemeanors.

Appears in court and at the grand jury to provide testimony regarding incidents, investigations, and results of inquiries; assists the prosecutor in case preparation or presentation as needed.

May serve as officer-in-charge or shift-supervisor while on duty; assists with acclimation of new patrol officers in standard operating procedure and completion of all reports and daily activities (e.g., stolen property, incidents, complaints, investigations, missing persons, accidents, crime scenes, etc.); ensures complete understanding of duties as required.

Maintains required licensure and certification, if any.

Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.

Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

Performs other related duties as assigned, but not limited to, secondary assignments such as SRT, bike patrol, traffic crash investigation, etc.

The employee has exposure to chemical compounds found in crime labs; hazardous bloodborne pathogens; exposure to chemical compounds in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); specialty munitions (mace, OC); uses or works in proximity to the use of firearms; works in or around crowds; has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons or life‑threatening situations; has exposure to fire, hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions; exposure to hazardous driving conditions; occasionally lifts objects 50 lbs or less; occasionally carries objects 50 lbs or less; occasionally pushes objects 50 lbs or less; occasionally pulls objects 50 lbs or less.

Note: In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered medium work.

The following are examples only and are not intended to be all-inclusive: Motor vehicles, firearms, handcuffs and other restraint devices, speed measuring devices, fire extinguishers, breath testing devices, department vehicles, pepper spray, taser, personal protective equipment, computer crime scene equipment, police radio, data communication equipment, drug testing kits, office equipment, personal computer, phone, printer, copy machine, fax machine, and other standard business office equipment.

Knowledge of: interviewing; intake procedures; government structure and process; OPOTA certification/licensure requirements; government grant programs; criminal laws and/or regulations; *City goals and objectives; *City policies and procedures; *personnel rules; *workplace safety practices and procedures; traffic control; criminology; investigation techniques; arrest procedures; law enforcement procedures and methods; techniques of collection and preservation of evidence; federal, state, and local laws; law enforcement administration; surveillance techniques; search and seizure; security practices and procedures; uniform criminal recording codes; criminal justice; public relations; media relations; community resources and services; rules of evidence; courtroom procedures; criminal procedure; Ohio Revised Code criminal law; records management; local geographical area; OIBRS reporting requirements.

Skill in: computer operation; calculator operation; use of modern office equipment; motor vehicle operation; operation and care of firearms; use or operation of police equipment; use of restraint devices.

Ability to: interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, picture, or schedule form; deal with many variables and determine specific action; recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action; exercise independent judgment and discretion; understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, or regulations to specific situations; determine material and equipment needs; complete routine forms; prepare routine correspondence; prepare accurate documentation; compile and prepare reports; write instructions and specifications; use proper research methods to gather data; respond to routine inquiries from public and/or officials; conduct effective interviews; communicate effectively; instruct others; recognize safety warnings; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; maintain records according to established procedures; answer routine telephone inquiries; handle sensitive inquiries from and contacts with officials and general public; develop and maintain effective working relationships; resolve complaints; demonstrate physical endurance; demonstrate physical agility; travel to and gain access to work site; subdue and/or restrain suspects; maintain fitness standards. (*indicates developed after employment); work well in a team environment, and follow the leadership of the officers appointed above.

Ohio Peace Officer Certification; must possess a valid Ohio driver's license and maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance policy.

The City of Grove City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.