Police Officer 1

Ohio Department of Public Safety; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 51,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Multiple pay increases over the first

Free Parking!

Job summary

Ohio Department of Public Safety – Ohio State Highway Patrol in Columbus, OH is posting for a Police Officer 1. This pool posting supports future openings at multiple Columbus locations and includes required OPOTA training upon hire.

Applicants must complete 26 weeks of training at the Patrol Academy in Columbus if not OPOTA certified and may be assigned to the Pool of candidates for consideration.

Qualifications

• Formal education in arithmetic that includes fractions, decimals & percentages & in reading & writing English vocabulary; valid driver's license. Probationary period is one year.
• Or possession of certificate having successfully completed approved basic peace officer training program or completion of 20 yrs. active duty as peace officer per Section 109.78 (D) of Ohio revised code for developmental disabilities & mental health facility employees. Probationary period is one year. Note: Applicant must be able to successfully perform Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Fitness Testing Entry Standards for New Recruits.

Responsibilities

• Assists state highway patrol officers in patrolling grounds & buildings on foot & in car; checks identity & enforces laws.
• Monitors traffic conditions & parking facilities for efficient flow.
• Checks parking permits & issues traffic tickets as necessary.
• Assists other officers in apprehending, arresting & processing violators.
• Files affidavits; Serves warrants & subpoenas.

Skills

Law Enforcement

Responsiveness

Tools

Public Safety

Job description

Job Description

Police Officer 1 (260006W1)

Organization

Public Safety

Agency Contact Name and Information

Jennifer Pletcher, HCM Sr. Analyst - [e-mail]

Unposting Date

Oct 10, 2026, 3:59:00 AM

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

$24.56 per hour

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours

HOURS MAY VARY/ROTATING

Union

Unit 2

Primary Job Skill

Law Enforcement

Technical Skills

Public Safety

Professional Skills

Responsiveness

Agency Overview

Ohio State Highway Patrol

Is an internationally accredited agency whose mission is to protect life and property, promote traffic safety and provide professional public safety services with respect, compassion, and unbiased professionalism.

Job Description

Ohio Department of Public Safety – Ohio State Highway Patrol

Report in Location Could Be Any One of The Following:

• 1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223
• 1583 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, OH 43209
• 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
• 77 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
• 30 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
• 30 West Spring Street, Columbus, OH 43215

THIS POSTING IS FOR APPLICANTS TO APPLY TO BE PLACED IN A POOL OF CANDIDATES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR FUTURE POSSIBLE OPENINGS AT THE LOCATIONS NOTED ABOVE.

Individuals selected for hire and not OPOTA certified will be required to attend a 26 week training class located at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in Columbus.

Perks of Working for the Ohio Department of Public Safety

• Multiple pay increases over the first years of service!
• Free Parking!

What You'll Do as a Police Officer 1

• Assists state highway patrol officers in patrolling grounds & buildings on foot & in car (e.g., protects lives of consumers/client's visitors & employees; checks property for open doors, gates, windows, fires or other hazards; prevents crimes & enforces laws, rules & regulations; checks identity of persons on grounds & nature of business)
• Monitors traffic conditions & parking facilities to ensure efficient flow of traffic
• Checks parking permits & issues traffic tickets as necessary
• Assists other police officers in apprehending, arresting & processing criminal violators
• Files affidavits
• Serves warrants & subpoenas

Why Work for the State of Ohio

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website ! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) &Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

Option 1

Formal education in arithmetic that includes fractions, decimals & percentages & in reading & writing English vocabulary; valid driver's license. Probationary period is one year.

Option 2

Or possession of certificate having successfully completed approved basic peace officer training program or completion of 20 yrs. active duty as peace officer per Section 109.78 (D) of Ohio revised code for developmental disabilities & mental health facility employees. Probationary period is one year. Note: Applicant must be able to successfully perform Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Fitness Testing Entry Standards for New Recruits.

Job Skills: Law Enforcement

Helpful Tips for Applying

1. Be detailed when describing your current/previous work duties. The more the better!! Don't just write "see attached resume".
2. Tailor your application for each position you apply for. You should clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this job posting.
3. Respond to all questions asked. If you do not have the education/training/experience that is being asked, select either "No" or "N/A".

Supplemental Information

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT

Must successfully complete basic peace officer training & possesses a valid OPOTA Certification Training Certificate within one year from date of hire. Upon successful completion of basic peace officer training & one year of permanent service (i.e. completion of probationary period) shall be reassigned to Police Officer 2. Effective 1/1/89, all new hires must successfully complete basic peace officer training before carrying firearms or making arrests. Must maintain physical requirements as established by agency (e.g. periodic fitness tests or physicals).

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

May work weekends & nights; works outside exposed to inclement weather; subject to call in emergency situations; exposed to unpredictable client behavior.

This position is essential, meaning the duties this job performs are critical to the continued operations of the Ohio Department of Public Safety during a public safety emergency (OAC 123: 1-46-01 & DAS Directive HR-D-11). This position will be required to report for duty during any public safety emergency.

All applicants who meet the required minimum qualifications will be required to pass a physical fitness assessment.

All applicants must meet the required appearance standards for uniformed employees.

Background Check Information

• A BCI/FBI fingerprint check, and background check, including a polygraph examination, may be required on all selected applicants
• A comparative analysis and/or drug-test may be a requirement of the hiring process
• This position is subject to Federal Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) regulations that prohibit someone to carry, transport, or otherwise possess firearm(s) and/or ammunition from using or consuming marijuana in any form, including recreational marijuana, Ohio adult use cannabis, medical marijuana, or otherwise. As a result, the presence of marijuana in a drug test, even if used in accordance with Ohio Law, will be a positive drug test result which could result in denial of employment.

Position is identified as safety sensitive & is subject to random drug & alcohol testing in accordance with DPS 501.24.

To request a disability accommodation, please email [e-mail] as soon as possible, or at least 48 hours prior to the above referenced testing or interview date so any necessary arrangements may be made in a timely manner.

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strides to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug-Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.