Police Division Recruitment

The Springfield Police Division accepts new recruits in two ways: Lateral Entry and Civil Service Entry. If you hold a current Ohio Peace Officer Training Certificate and are currently employed by an approved law enforcement agency, you may qualify for the lateral entry process. If you do not have a current Ohio Peace Officers Training Certificate and are not currently employed by an approved law enforcement agency, you must go through a civil service exam.

Quick Information

If you have questions about lateral entry and to determine if you qualify for this process, please contact Natalie Payton at 937-324-7318 or via email at npayton@springfieldohio.gov.

To be placed on a notification list for the next application period, click here, or email your contact information to sleinasars@springfieldohio.gov.

Requirements

Applicants must possess the ability to work with a substantial element of personal risk and exercise sound independent judgment; the ability to use interpersonal skills to manage conflicts; the ability to be trained to use firearms and other weapons; the ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully with respect to the rights of others; the ability to write complete and accurate reports; and the ability to withstand accident and violent situations while maintaining stability of performance.

  • Must be 20 years of age at the time application is filed
  • Must be 21 years old on or before the day of completion of police academy training, or at time of appointment if the applicant is already a certified Ohio peace officer
  • High School Graduate or equivalent.
  • Eyesight: 20/20 corrected.
  • Weight in proportion to height.
  • Must possess the physical ability to perform consistently and promptly to all duties of the position.

Special Requirements

  • Must hold a valid, unrestricted Ohio Driver’s license
  • Must complete Ohio Peace Officer Training (17 weeks)
  • Must become licensed by the Department of Health to administer blood alcohol tests
  • Must maintain other certifications as required

Lateral Entry Process

  • You must be a current Full-time Police Officer with an Ohio Police Department with one year of full-time service to apply
  • You must complete a lateral entry application
  • You must pass an extensive background check
  • You will be required to take a polygraph test
  • You will go through at least one oral interview, which will include a written exercise
  • You must pass a medical exam, which will insure at least the following minimum requirements:
    • 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