Patrol Officer - Entry Level Examination

Patrol Officer - Entry Level Examination

Salary

$66,466.75 - $92,212.18 Annually

Location

6001 - Public Safety Admin

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

CS2026-087

Department

6002 - Public Safety - Police

Division

600202 - District Operations

Opening Date

07/13/2026

Closing Date

10/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits

Description

Patrol Officer - Entry Level Examination

(OPEN) CS2026-087

Application Open Date:07/13/2026

Application Close Date:10/25/2026

SALARY: The starting 2026 salary while in the Police Training Academy is $26.52 per hour. Upon successful completion of the Academy, the annual salary range for Patrol Officer is $66,466.75 - $92,212.18

• Up to $5,000 sign on bonus ( $1,000 upon starting academy, $1,000 upon graduating academy, $3,000 upon completing field training)
• Increased salary upon graduation for veterans and college graduates with a bachelors degree and higher. Reimbursement for candidates that completed the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Academy.
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $6,000 a year
• Longevity up to $800.00 per year.
• Clothing and maintenance of $1,200.00 per year.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave and 20 hours of prenatal leave.

NOTE: YOU ARE NOT APPLYING FOR AN IMMEDIATE JOB OPENING. YOU ARE APPLYING TO TAKE AN EXAMINATION, WHICH WILL BE USED TO CREATE AN ELIGIBILTY LIST FOR THIS JOB CLASSIFICATION.

Next Police Hiring Event:

October 23, 24 & 25, 2026

LIFE OF THE ELIGIBILITY LIST

The life of the eligibility list from this examination will not exceed one year from the date the list is established. Candidates will remain eligible for no more than one year from the date they have been added to the eligibility list.

NOTE: Primary correspondence with applicants is made with applicants via email. Please check your email frequently for updates on the next CLEVELAND POLICE HIRING EVENT (October 23, 24 & 25, 2026)

At the time of their appointment to the Academy cadet candidates will be required to enter into a Training Cost Reimbursement Agreement with the City of Cleveland. That Agreement will obligate the cadet candidate to reimburse the City of Cleveland for training costs if they separate from the Division of Police within five (5) years, as described in and as provided in that Agreement. Additional information about this Agreement can be obtained from the Public Safety Recruitment team by calling (216) 623-5233.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

WRITTEN EXAMINATION: Applicants will take the LAW ENFORCEMENT exam administered electronically by the National Testing Network (NTN). To defray the cost of the exam, the Office of the Civil Service Commission will email you a practice test voucher and an actual test voucher. The testing instructions & vouchers will be sent via email after our examiners have approved your application.

Have you earned an NTN Law Enforcement exam passing score?

If you have not done so, please report your score to CLEVELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT at the NTN website. There will be a cost to provide your score to the City; please refer to https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/test-pricing.cfm for pricing.

Have you earned an NTN Law Enforcement exam failing score?

Per NTN policy, you must wait for a minimum of 90 days to retest from the date you last sat for the exam to; please refer to https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/faqs.cfm. You will need to re-submit your application if you wish to re-take the exam

Examples of Duties

Engage in an active public safety role by responding to emergencies of various degrees; protecting citizens and property; understanding and upholding the Constitution of the United States; understanding and enforcing all State of Ohio and City of Cleveland criminal and motor vehicle laws; and promoting positive and effective community policing and relations through empathy, service mindset, open-mindedness, willingness to problem solve, adaptability, and self-control.

Responds to emergency calls and or calls for service, surveillance work, criminal investigations. Including but not limited to: analyzing the elements of an incident to determine the correct application of laws as necessary; de-escalation of and resolution of physical and verbal conflicts; initiating the physical arrest of violators; administering emergency medical care such as first aid and CPR; and collecting and preserve evidence as required.

Community policing. Including but not limited to: Routinely and proactively engage and listen to the community through its citizens and business owners to learn community priorities, identify potential safety concerns and create effective partnerships to co-produce public safety.

Patrolling neighborhoods. Including but not limited to: vehicle traffic stops and the issuing of citations; directing and rerouting traffic around fires and or other physical disruptions; dispersing unruly crowds and being prepared for physical and/or violent confrontations; communicating with dispatch, colleagues and supervisors by radio and monitoring transmissions while actively patrolling.

Report preparation and adherence to the Cleveland Division of Police Orders and Rules and Regulations. Including but not limited to: Submitting incident and summary reports accurately and in a timely manner; adhering to all administrative orders; maintaining communication with supervisors and management as directed.

Consult with supervisors and prosecutors for the effective application of laws. Including but not limited to: Physical issuance of warrants in dangerous circumstances; testifying in court; and preparing probable cause affidavits upon request.

Must be willing and capable of carrying any Divisional issued weapon and wearing any Divisional issued equipment.

Testifies at administrative or judicial proceedings as required.

Assist other City of Cleveland Departments/Divisions as needed in emergency calls. Take assignments in special details.

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Possess and maintain an Ohio Drivers License free of suspensions at all times during employment. A valid Ohio Driver's License must be obtained PRIOR to appointment to the Cleveland Police Training Academy.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and no older than 54 years of age at the time of appointment to the Cleveland Police Training Academy.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Ohio Peace Officer and LEADS certifications at all times during employment.

NOTE: Minimum qualifications must be met as of the last day of the filing period unless otherwise stated.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to safely and properly handle firearms and secondary weapons, and use appropriate levels of force, all in accordance with applicable Division policies.
• Ability to quickly consider and anticipate the potential outcomes, relative costs and benefits of responsive actions before choosing to act.
• Ability to effectively communicate with others by active listening, taking and giving concise directions; recalling information; problem solving and analyzing circumstances.
• Ability to adapt to socially challenging circumstances by listening and demonstrating value for others; actively seek to understand and anticipate the needs and expectations of victims and community members.
• Able to ask questions to pinpoint key issues in complex situations; translate abstract information into concrete or visual form to understand/solve problems.
• Able to maintain open attitude towards members of a group with other cultural norms and values or different perspectives.
• Ability to perform rational and objective actions when faced with a stressful and emotional situation.
• Able to produce precise and accurate reports describing incidents and documenting matters as required under Rules and Regulations.
• Ability to safety operate a motor vehicle under high stress emergency situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to maintain physical endurance and agility required to perform all job functions at all times, including but not limited to the following:

• CONSTANTLY required: Sitting, Talking, Hearing, Repetitive Motions, and Eye/Hand Coordination, all while wearing uniform with duty belt and soft body armor vest weighing 25-35 pounds; operate a motor vehicle as required; Wear a seat belt.
• FREQUENTLY required: Light work: Standing, Sitting, Walking, Ingress/Egress from Patrol Car while wearing duty belt and vest; Stand for varying periods of time; Sit for varying periods of time; Assist with disturbances; Encounter extreme cold, extreme heat, temperature changes, wet, humid, vibration, and hazards.
• FREQUENTLY required: Medium work and Heavy work: Lifting, Carrying, Pushing, Pulling, Climbing, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, Crawling, Reaching, Handling, Grasping; Pursue fleeing suspects; subdue violators and suspects who resist arrest; Restrain, transport, and/or search suspects as necessary; Climb over obstacles and rough terrain; Reaching below the knee; Encounter exposure to hazards including chemical (e.g. opiates, flammable agents, caustic materials) and biological solutions (e.g. blood, other bodily fluids).
• RARELY required: Very heavy work: Have the strength needed for training exercises; Carry a downed officer or victim.

These physical requirements apply to and are expected of all Patrol Officers; however, depending upon their duty assignment they may not perform all the tasks listed with the frequency indicated.

CITIZENSHIP

Applicant must be a citizen of the United States PRIOR to appointment to the Cleveland Police Training Academy.

Supplemental Information

ADDITIONAL SELECTION PROCEDURES

Applicants who receive a passing grade on the written examination and rank high enough on the eligible list for Patrol Officer and receive Civil Service Certification will be subject to the following evaluation steps: All steps must be completed by the deadline dates that get provided at the time of the instructions given.

Physical Abilities Examination: October 23, 24 & 25, 2026

The test is designed to evaluate physical ability to perform the duties of a Patrol Officer. You will be scored on a pass/fail basis, based on the time, number of repetitions, etc. required for you to complete the test. As candidates are certified for consideration throughout the year, periodic Physical Abilities Testing (PAT) will be conducted. The standards for the components of the exam (which are based on age and gender).

AGILITY TESTING REQUIREMENTS

The Physical Agility Test is broken down into three events: One minute of pushups; One minute of sit ups; and a 1.5 mile run. Each event is further broken down into age groups (20 to 29 years of age or 30 to 39 years of age) as well as by gender (male and female).

On the following chart, the minimum number of repetitions for the pushups and the sit ups for each group is indicated. The maximum number of minutes and seconds allowed for the 1.5 mile run for each group is also noted.

Background Investigation:

Background investigation and evaluation may include interviews with present and previous employers. Neighbors and family may be contacted as part of the investigation. In addition, a check of Local and State Police and FBI records, both adult and juvenile, and Bureau of Motor Vehicle records will be made. The background test also includes review of sealed and expunged records. Unsatisfactory findings in one or more of these areas may be cause for removal from the Civil Service eligibility list. Conviction of a felony is absolute grounds for removal from the list. Any applicant convicted of a felony will be removed from the eligible list and will receive no further consideration. There are also misdemeanor convictions that would result in the removal of an applicant from the eligibility list.

Psychological Evaluation:

A psychological evaluation to determine the applicant's suitability to perform all aspects of the job will be conducted. Each applicant may be required to take several written examinations. These, along with the results of the background investigation, will be submitted to one or more psychologist(s)/psychiatrist(s) who will interview the candidates. All records of the psychological and background examinations will be made available to the Civil Service Commission. The Commission will review such records and make the final determination of each applicant's suitability for removal from the eligible list.

Medical Examination:

Any appointment to the position of Patrol Officer will be conditioned upon passing a pre-employment medical examination conducted in accordance with the provisions of Title I of the Federal American's with Disabilities Act (ADA). A copy of the ADA may be obtained online. The standards for the medical examination are available for review online through the City's website.

Drug Screening:

Each applicant shall undergo an examination for drug usage. This examination may be in the form of urinalysis. Any applicant whose results from the drug screening examination are determined to be positive shall be removed from the eligibility list unless such results can be satisfactorily related to the advice of a recognized medical practitioner. Drug screening may also be conducted after appointment to the academy.

RESIDENCY CREDIT

In accordance with the Ordinances of the City of Cleveland: A person who has had as his/her primary residence in the City of Cleveland for at least one year at the time of filing a Civil Service application, and desires to take an entry-level Civil Service examination, shall, if a passing grade on the written examination is attained, have ten (10) points added to his/her passing score.

To substantiate a claim for residency points, you must include with your application LEGIBLE COPIES of the following:

• A signed and notarized Residency Affidavit available on the City's website

AND

• A copy of your Driver's License, State ID or a Utility Bill showing your current address and dated within thirty (30) days of the date you submit your application.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Veterans preference will be awarded, when applicable, to eligible veterans in accordance with Civil Service Rules 4.40E, 4.40F and 4.40G. Proof of active service or a DD Form 214, must be presented to the Commission at the time of filing application for the that applicant shall receive an additional five (5) points added to their raw score on the examination; or ten (10) points are added to their raw score on the examination.

THE COMMISSION WILL NOT ENTERTAIN APPEALS FOR RESIDENCY CREDIT or VETERANS' PREFERENCE CREDIT AFTER THE APPLICANT HAS FILED HIS/HER APPLICATION. THE DECISION OF THE COMMISSION IS FINAL.

CLEVELAND MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (CMSD) PREFERENCE CREDIT

An applicant who is a graduate of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and is participating in an open competitive entrance-level examination, as determined by the Commission, shall receive an additional five (5) points upon achieving a passing score, as established in the examination announcement. Applicants must provide acceptable proof of graduation from a CMSD school at the time of application in order to qualify for this credit.

REQUESTING AN EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATION (AMERICAN'S WITH DISABILITIES ACT)

NTN: Any individual with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation in order to compete effectively on this examination should go to the following link: https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/faqs.cfm to read what NTN requires from the individual taking one of its tests who is requesting an accommodation.

WAIVER OF RULES

The Civil Service Commission hereby waives all applicable rules or portions of its rules which may or may not conflict with the Charter of the City of Cleveland and/or litigation involving this examination. In particular:

• Rule 4.30D (The waiver of this Rule shall mean that a medical examination will not be administered prior to the establishment of the eligible list.)
• Rule 6.80 (The waiver of this Rule shall mean that the probationary period for Patrol Officer shall be fixed at six months, upon completion of the Police Academy)
• Rule 4.50 (The waiver of this Rule shall mean that there will be no review periods for this examination.)
• Rule 6.30 (The waiver of this Rule shall mean that eligibles will not be given the choice to waive certification.)

The aforementioned Civil Service Rules are hereby waived either in their entirety or in part. The Commission retains the right to waive other Rule requirements as appropriate. Applicants having questions regarding these waivers should contact the Office of the Civil Service Commission at (216) 664-2467.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin/ancestry, military status, disability, age and religion.

The City of Cleveland makes available a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.

Employer City of Cleveland

Address 601 Lakeside Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio, 44114

Phone 216-664-2493