Police Officer (LATERAL ENTRY)

City of Springfield, OH
Springfield, Ohio 45502 United States  View Map
Posted: Jun 06, 2026
  • Full Time
  • Public Safety
  • Summary

    Salary: $68,146.00 - $85,327.00 Annually
    Location : 130 N. Fountain Ave, Springfield, OH
    Job Type: Police Lateral Entry Applicants
    Job Number: 2100101
    Department: Police
    Division: Police
    Opening Date: 10/02/2025

    Job Description
    Pay tops out at $85,327 on January 1, 2025.

    SELECTION PROCESS: The selection process initially requires completion of all application materials. During the recruiting periodstop candidates will be identified following a comprehensive review of all such materials submitted. If selected to participate in a recruitment cycle subsequent phases of the process will include a polygraph examination, background investigation, oral interview and written exam, psychological assessment and thorough medical examination.
    Examples of Duties

    • This position is responsible for the protection of life and property and the enforcement of laws.
    • Work involves a variety of duties in patrol, traffic, or crime investigation on an assigned shift (40 hours per week including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required).
    Qualifications
    LATERAL ENTRY PROCESS
    • You must be a current full-time Police Officer in Ohio with one year of service with your current employer to apply.
    • Must possess a certification of a peace officer from O.P.O.T.A.
    • Must hold a valid unrestricted Ohio Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
    • You must pass an extensive background check.
    • You will be required to take a polygraph test.
    • You must take a psychological test.
    • You will go through at least one oral interview, which will include a written exercise.
    • You must pass a medical exam, which will ensure that you are capable to perform the minimum essential duties of the position:
      • 20/20 vision (corrected).
      • Height/Weight must be proportionate.
        • There are minimum body fat requirements.
    • Hearing must be normal.
    • Successful completion of a cardiac stress test and drug screen.
    • Must reside within a specific radius of 130 N. Fountain Ave., within 6 months of appointment to position.

    If you are hired under the lateral entry process, you will be required to complete the following:

    You will enter the Division's 8-week In-house training program. This in-house training includes, among other things, Division Rules, Regulations, Policies and Procedures; map reading and navigation skills; report writing and computer training; community-police relations studies; physical fitness and defensive tactics training; and firearms and other weapons training

    Lateral entry wages are determined by the Human Resources department based on experience and years of service.

    Sick leave transfers are accepted if the conditions of transfer are met.

    If you have specific questions about lateral entry or to determine if you qualify for this process, please contact Human Resources at 937-324-7318 or via email
    The City of Springfield is committed to a diverse workforce as it enriches and strengthens how we advance our mission. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applications from all individuals, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, disability, and all the other characteristics that make us unique. Our goal is to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to work.
    HEALTH BENEFITS
    Employees pay 15% of the monthly medical insurance premium through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, which includes prescription coverage. Single and family coverage is available. The City health care plan is a high deductible healthcare plan. You will become eligible for medical insurance on the first of the month following your start date, or on your start date if you start on the first of the month.

    HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
    Each year the City deposits 75% of your health insurance deductible amount into an HSA account in your name if you participate in the annual wellness screening. If you choose not to participate in the wellness screening, the City will deposit 50%.

    DENTAL
    The City pays half of the full premium up to a maximum of $30 per month for dental.

    LIFE INSURANCE
    The City pays 100% of the premium for term life insurance to all active permanent, full-time employees. Employees receive $25,000 of coverage; supervisors receive $35,000.

    RETIREMENT PENSION
    The City contributes 19.5% monthly toward Police retirement benefits offered through the Ohio Police and Fire Pension System (OPF). The employee's share is 12.25% of their gross salary.

    RETIREMENT SAVINGS
    You have the option to enroll in a voluntary retirement savings plan, such as a 457(b) deferred compensation plan or Roth IRA.

    VACATION
    New full-time employees accumulate 80 hours upon completion of one year of service. Following years of service will accrue on a tiered scale, topping out at 208 hours per year.

    SICK LEAVE
    All employees accrue sick leave at the rate of 0.0575 hours per hour, or approximately 15 days per year.

    PERSONAL LEAVE
    Employees receive two personal days, or 16 hours, per year.

    HOLIDAYS
    The City allots 96.00 holiday hours per year.

    FITNESS CENTER
    You have 24/7 access to a fitness center located in City Hall. The center includes a variety of commercial equipment including cardio and resistance machines and free weights.

    EXPERIENCE PAY
    Experience Pay will start after 5 years of service, which grants additional compensation to employees who have completed five or more years of total service with the City.

    TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
    All permanent full-time employees are eligible to participate in the City's Tuition Reimbursement plan, provided they have at least one year of continuous service with the City and it is subject to policy terms and conditions.

    UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
    The City will furnish the first complete uniform and necessary equipment to new police officers at no cost to the officer ninety (90) days after date of hire. After one year of continuous service the City will provide uniform allowance in the amount of $60 per pay period.
  • Job Description

    Salary: $68,146.00 - $85,327.00 Annually
    Location : 130 N. Fountain Ave, Springfield, OH
    Job Type: Police Lateral Entry Applicants
    Job Number: 2100101
    Department: Police
    Division: Police
    Opening Date: 10/02/2025

    Job Description
    Pay tops out at $85,327 on January 1, 2025.

    SELECTION PROCESS: The selection process initially requires completion of all application materials. During the recruiting periodstop candidates will be identified following a comprehensive review of all such materials submitted. If selected to participate in a recruitment cycle subsequent phases of the process will include a polygraph examination, background investigation, oral interview and written exam, psychological assessment and thorough medical examination.
    Examples of Duties

    • This position is responsible for the protection of life and property and the enforcement of laws.
    • Work involves a variety of duties in patrol, traffic, or crime investigation on an assigned shift (40 hours per week including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required).
    Qualifications
    LATERAL ENTRY PROCESS
    • You must be a current full-time Police Officer in Ohio with one year of service with your current employer to apply.
    • Must possess a certification of a peace officer from O.P.O.T.A.
    • Must hold a valid unrestricted Ohio Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
    • You must pass an extensive background check.
    • You will be required to take a polygraph test.
    • You must take a psychological test.
    • You will go through at least one oral interview, which will include a written exercise.
    • You must pass a medical exam, which will ensure that you are capable to perform the minimum essential duties of the position:
      • 20/20 vision (corrected).
      • Height/Weight must be proportionate.
        • There are minimum body fat requirements.
    • Hearing must be normal.
    • Successful completion of a cardiac stress test and drug screen.
    • Must reside within a specific radius of 130 N. Fountain Ave., within 6 months of appointment to position.

    If you are hired under the lateral entry process, you will be required to complete the following:

    You will enter the Division's 8-week In-house training program. This in-house training includes, among other things, Division Rules, Regulations, Policies and Procedures; map reading and navigation skills; report writing and computer training; community-police relations studies; physical fitness and defensive tactics training; and firearms and other weapons training

    Lateral entry wages are determined by the Human Resources department based on experience and years of service.

    Sick leave transfers are accepted if the conditions of transfer are met.

    If you have specific questions about lateral entry or to determine if you qualify for this process, please contact Human Resources at 937-324-7318 or via email
    The City of Springfield is committed to a diverse workforce as it enriches and strengthens how we advance our mission. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applications from all individuals, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, disability, and all the other characteristics that make us unique. Our goal is to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to work.
    HEALTH BENEFITS
    Employees pay 15% of the monthly medical insurance premium through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, which includes prescription coverage. Single and family coverage is available. The City health care plan is a high deductible healthcare plan. You will become eligible for medical insurance on the first of the month following your start date, or on your start date if you start on the first of the month.

    HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
    Each year the City deposits 75% of your health insurance deductible amount into an HSA account in your name if you participate in the annual wellness screening. If you choose not to participate in the wellness screening, the City will deposit 50%.

    DENTAL
    The City pays half of the full premium up to a maximum of $30 per month for dental.

    LIFE INSURANCE
    The City pays 100% of the premium for term life insurance to all active permanent, full-time employees. Employees receive $25,000 of coverage; supervisors receive $35,000.

    RETIREMENT PENSION
    The City contributes 19.5% monthly toward Police retirement benefits offered through the Ohio Police and Fire Pension System (OPF). The employee's share is 12.25% of their gross salary.

    RETIREMENT SAVINGS
    You have the option to enroll in a voluntary retirement savings plan, such as a 457(b) deferred compensation plan or Roth IRA.

    VACATION
    New full-time employees accumulate 80 hours upon completion of one year of service. Following years of service will accrue on a tiered scale, topping out at 208 hours per year.

    SICK LEAVE
    All employees accrue sick leave at the rate of 0.0575 hours per hour, or approximately 15 days per year.

    PERSONAL LEAVE
    Employees receive two personal days, or 16 hours, per year.

    HOLIDAYS
    The City allots 96.00 holiday hours per year.

    FITNESS CENTER
    You have 24/7 access to a fitness center located in City Hall. The center includes a variety of commercial equipment including cardio and resistance machines and free weights.

    EXPERIENCE PAY
    Experience Pay will start after 5 years of service, which grants additional compensation to employees who have completed five or more years of total service with the City.

    TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
    All permanent full-time employees are eligible to participate in the City's Tuition Reimbursement plan, provided they have at least one year of continuous service with the City and it is subject to policy terms and conditions.

    UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
    The City will furnish the first complete uniform and necessary equipment to new police officers at no cost to the officer ninety (90) days after date of hire. After one year of continuous service the City will provide uniform allowance in the amount of $60 per pay period.
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

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