Responsibilities
This is general duty police work performing a wide variety of public and protective services to the general citizens of the City of Dayton.
An employee in this class is responsible for apprehending criminals, performing conflict resolution, public assistance, traffic regulations, crime prevention, public education and related public service and protection duties. Incumbent shall perform work duties characterized by an element of personal danger which at times will require the exercising of considerable independent judgment in meeting emergencies. General supervision is received from a superior officer and specific assignments are executed in accordance with established rules and procedures. Work is reviewed through reports, inspections and observation of results obtained.
- Assists persons and members of the community who require care or services such as: injured, missing, lost, and/or suffering from alcohol or drug addiction, mental illness, or emotional disturbances to find medical attention.
- Investigates persons and establishments suspected of being engaged in gambling, illegal sale of liquor and narcotics, prostitution and related vice activities. Investigates the operation of establishments for compliance with laws and ordinances.
- Answers calls for service involving disturbances, property crimes, traffic problems, alarm calls, or any other hazards involving public safety taking all necessary policy action.
- Patrols a designated area of the City on foot, motorcycle, bicycle, or cruiser car to prevent and discover the commission of crime and to enforce traffic and parking regulations; operates speed detection equipment; serves warrants.
- May act as driver in emergency cars and ambulances; administers first-aid.
- Interviews crime victims and witnesses; writes crime reports; appears in court to present evidence and testify against persons accused of crimes.
- Photographs and fingerprints prisoners; questions prisoners; visits crime scenes to take photographs, and search for fingerprints; makes criminal record checks.
- Upon assignment as traffic accident investigator, takes photographs and makes diagrams of accident scenes; gathers and preserves evidence; interviews witnesses and investigates hit and run cases.
Minimum Education
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Minimum Experience
Must have satisfactorily completed the required law enforcement training curriculum of the State of Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC).
At the time of appointment to Dayton Police Officer:
- No more than one year shall have passed since completing the OPOTC training
OR
- If previously serving as a sworn Ohio law enforcement officer, applicant must not have more than a one year break in service.
A copy of your OPOTC certificate OR the equivalent Letter of Completion from the Ohio Attorney General’s office must be presented no later than November 4, 2024.
Officers who are offered employment will be required to attend and successfully complete an abbreviated academy training program with the Dayton Police Department upon hire.
Age
Must meet all of the following age requirements:
- Must be 21 years old on or before the day of completion of the Dayton Police Academy.
- Applicants must not have reached their 69th birthday by date of appointment to Dayton Police Officer.
Certifications
Must have satisfactorily completed the required law enforcement training curriculum of a Peace Officer Basic Training Academy, as set forth by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC).
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain LEADS access.
License Requirements
Must have a valid driver's license at time of appointment and maintain as a condition of employment.
Background Investigation
Must be of good moral character and be able to pass an extensive background investigation including a polygraph test. Persons convicted of a felony are not eligible for positions in the sworn forces of the Police Department (even if such conviction has been sealed or expunged).
Must not have any misdemeanor convictions for Domestic Violence unless the conviction has been expunged or set aside, with the exception of those who have as a condition of pardon, expungement or restoration of civil rights, been expressly barred from possessing or receiving firearms.
Any Police Officer applicant who, 3 years or less prior to the first day of applications, has ever illegally possessed, knowingly used, sold, or distributed any “controlled substance” or abused, sold, or distributed a “dangerous drug” as defined by State of Ohio law may be disqualified.
Must be able to meet any and all Ohio Administrative Code or Ohio Revised Code provisions that govern the ability to attend Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy courses and the ability to possess or receive firearms.
Tattoos: Any visible tattoo that is deemed offensive, profane, or objectionable shall be covered while performing any police related duty or function. Neck or tattoos on the back of the head must not be visible from the front and must have the ability to be covered. All tattoos meeting the above criteria will be examined for approval on a case by case basis. Facial tattoos are prohibited on all sworn officers.
Body piercing: No body piercing can be worn where they will be visible to the public. No gauge earrings are permitted.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Incumbent is expected to stay abreast of current technological methods and have knowledge, skills & abilities including, but not limited to the following areas:
- Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses of action.
- Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions.
- Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Ability to develop skill in the use and care of firearms.
- Working knowledge of English and spelling.
- Ability to write legibly.
- Ability to cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect for the rights of citizens.
- Ability to interact with the public and to obtain and give necessary information.
- Good general intelligence and emotional stability.
- Ability to meet such specific physical, experience and other requirements as may be established by a competent authority.
- Must have the ability to test within the 50th percentile or better on the Cooper Fitness Standards (or other such prescribed fitness standards as determined necessary by the City Administration and the Civil Service Board) for the duration of employment and as a condition of employment.
Selection Plan
Applications must specifically address each of the minimum qualifications, directly showing how each is met.
The Police Officer screening and selection process will include a series of components that each candidate must successfully complete and/or pass in order to be considered for the position of Police Officer. The components will include:
1. Complete and submit the application for Police Officer
2. Oral Interview
3. Background investigation including polygraph test
The items listed below are due at the initial background interview.
· High School Transcripts/GED certificate
· College Transcripts
· Selective Service Registration Card (only required for males to age 26)*
· Military DD214 (if you served in the military)
· Proof of Auto Insurance
· Valid Driver’s License
· Obtain 3 Reference Letters (1 Personal, 2 Professional)
1. Candidate must know reference provider for more than two years.
2. Reference letter must contain the author’s name, address, and phone number, and within
the body of the letter, how long author of the letter has known the applicant.
4. Psychological Examination
Candidates will be subject to a standardized battery of psychological tests to determine their ability
to succeed in the training, as well as long-term retention and satisfactory performance in this position.
5. Medical Exam including Drug and Nicotine screen
Final appointment is contingent upon the applicant passing a job-related medical examination which includes cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness testing, and a drug screen. Vision without correction must be a minimum of 20/100 in EACH eye. Corrected vision must be a minimum of 20/40 or better, in EACH eye. Must not be colorblind. Candidates will be required to pass a nicotine screening. Newly hired employees must remain tobacco and nicotine free as a condition of continued employment.
The Tobacco and Nicotine Free Hiring Policy does not apply to current City employees.
Candidates will be required to successfully pass a job-related physical agility assessment while in the training academy.
Civil Service will contact you regarding the Academy start date. It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify the Civil Service Office of any change to your mailing address, phone number, or email address. Several weeks may pass between steps so please be patient. Wait for us to contact you.
The Department’s hiring need is dependent on a number of variables and may vary year to year. For more information about the department or the selection process contact the Recruitment Unit at (937) 333-1024 or the Civil Service Office at (937) 333-2300.