Police Officer

Job Description

Job Description

*IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should complete the application process by 11/23/26. Applications received by this date will be given priority for interview consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until a sufficient candidate pool has been established.

Please read and review our standards for employment prior to completing application, linked here: -us/join-wpd-employment

Tentative Hiring Timeline

November 23-25, 2026: Applications reviewed for interview consideration

November 30- December 3rd: Candidates chosen to move forward will be contacted and provided with information on the fitness assessment and to get scheduled for their oral board interview. 

December 7-17th, 2026: Oral board interviews conducted

December 18th, 2026: Selected candidates will be sent the Personal History Questionnaire to begin the background process. 

December 19, 2026: Physical Fitness Assessment (view standards here: (/& t=637842316306439835)

*An additional date may be provided for extenuating circumstances of being unable to make this date*

January-February, 2026: Selected candidates moved to CVSA and background process

February-March 2026: Pre-employment testing and conditional offers of employment

March-April 2026: Anticipated start date for new officers

Why Westerville Division of Police?

At WPD, we live by our core values: Integrity, Commitment, Accountability, Respect, and Empathy. These principles guide us as we strive for excellence in all we do.

Community Support: You will be joining a department deeply respected and backed by a community that ensures we have the tools and resources necessary for success. Our residents stand firmly behind the WPD, actively providing the essential resources our officers need to excel. 

Opportunities for Growth: Join a team of officers and professional staff committed to excellence and dedicated to your professional and personal development. Opportunities include promotions, a variety of specialized and ancillary assignments, a robust training budget, and tuition reimbursement.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Work in a 65,000 sq. ft. headquarters featuring a 10-lane firearms range, use-of-force simulator, and a fully equipped fitness center to support training and wellness.

DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Largest suburban agency in the Columbus Metro area: 80 sworn officers, 115 total employees

• Diverse population: Serving 40,000 residents, a daytime population of 90,000, and a business community representing over 300,000 people within a 15-minute radius

• Vibrant community culture: Home to the Westerville Uptown District, rich with historic charm, and community events

LATERAL ENTRY POLICE OFFICERS

If you’re already certified with OPOTA, we offer expedited steps to join our team:

• No Testing Required: NTN testing is waived for certified candidates, allowing qualified applicants to proceed straight to oral board interviews. 

• Competitive Pay: Starting pay commensurate with experience. Earn up to $122,940 for qualified candidates. 

• Experience-Based Benefits: Vacation accrual rate and sick leave balance transfer available based on your total years of service.

• Simplified Testing: Take a physical agility test (obstacle course) instead of the OPOTA fitness exam.

NON-SWORN CANDIDATES

For candidates not already OPOTA (Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy)-certified:

• NTN Test: Take and pass the standard test and public safety assessment through NTN.

• Competitive Pay: Earn more than $119,000 after three years of service.

• Excellent Benefits: Enjoy paid holidays, personal days, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, comp time, longevity pay, strong healthcare benefits and educational assistance.

• WPD Academy: If hired, you will attend Westerville PD’s basic training academy at no cost to you and earn a salary of more than $75,000. You will receive exceptional training from the area’s best law enforcement instructors. 

Visit our webpage to learn even more about the Westerville Division of Police! 

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