Patrol Officer (Lateral Entry Only)

APPLICATION DEADLINE FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2026

Job Purpose and Responsibilities  

Under the immediate direction of a Patrol Sergeant or Patrol Corporal, the Patrol Officer is responsible for maintaining law and order, investigating crimes and non-criminal regulatory violations, protecting life and property, and protecting guarantees established by the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution of the State of Ohio, and the Charter of the City of Springdale. 

Police work has a responsibility unmatched in other professions that encompasses the possibility of life and death, the deprivation of freedom, and the disruption of lives. The authority and responsibility by law vested in law enforcement officers is tremendous. Patrol Officers are the primary service providers to the public. Patrol Officers should do their best for those who call, regardless of the service. Although a Patrol Officer’s duty is to the public, it should never be forgotten that the public comprises people. There is no greater duty than that of helping your fellow man. At all times, the Patrol Officer’s professional and personal conduct shall maintain the tenets of his\her oath of office. 

Typical Tasks (Illustrative Only)  

The duties listed below are intended to be illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related to, or a logical assignment to the position. 

1. Circulates throughout assigned patrol area to maintain law and order 
2. Responds promptly to reports of crimes and citizen complaints 
3. Interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects of crimes, accidents, and disturbances 
4. Apprehends persons violating the statutes of the State of Ohio and the ordinances of the City of Springdale 
5. Appears in both civil and criminal court as required 
6. Investigates suspicious persons and activity 
7. Questions individuals to determine facts and to draw reasonable and logical conclusions 
8. Enforces the traffic code and directs/controls traffic 
9. Controls crowds at public events, demonstrations, and gatherings 
10. Follows up and records data on all previously reported crimes and accidents 
11. Serves and follows up on all lawfully executed warrants and processes, including subpoenas 
12. Cares for the welfare of prisoners 
13. Searches individuals in custody 
14. Follows all Department directives, regulations, procedures, and administrative memoranda 
15. May use physical force, less than lethal force, or lethal force to protect oneself or others, to maintain order, or to make an arrest 
16. Maintains proficiency with assigned equipment, including firearms 
17. Maintains positive public relations, including but not limited to discussing appropriate topics of interest with civic groups, students, and others 
18. Attends required training 
19. Performs any other duties accurately, efficiently, timely, and completely, as assigned 

Main Eligibility Requirements for Lateral Entry

1. Open to OPOTA-certified candidates
2. Currently employed full-time officers with a minimum of one (1) year of experience
3. No physical fitness assessment required

Qualifications 

1. High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent 
2. Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age 
3. Must possess a valid driver’s license 
4. Must meet the training standards for certification as a police officer as required by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council 
5. Knowledge of police procedures and techniques and the rules and regulations of the Police Department 
6. Maintain the ability to use firearms and other police weapons to the Police Department’s standards 
7. Ability to periodically engage in strenuous physical activity to make an arrest or to defend oneself or others   
8. Knowledge of criminal law, criminal investigation, and crime prevention methods 
9. Knowledge of traffic law, traffic investigation, and traffic enforcement/regulation methods 10. Knowledge of rules of evidence and laws governing search and seizure 
10. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, City officials, and the general public 
11. Knowledge of constitutional and civil rights laws 
12. Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely 
13. Ability to read, hear, comprehend, and react to oral instructions 
14. Ability to drive an automobile and to maintain a valid driver’s license at all times 
15. Ability to operate effectively under pressure with little supervision 
16. Must be able and willing to work a flexible schedule, including overtime as needed 
17. Ability to swiftly and accurately deal with adverse situations in a legal and tactful manner 
18. Must be able to provide creditable testimony 

Working Conditions

Sworn personnel work schedules include nights, weekends, and holidays. They must be reliable and respond to emergencies when recalled. Sworn personnel often work in outdoor weather conditions and hazardous environments.