Police Officer

Employment Opportunity

The City of Hilliard is currently accepting applications from July 7th through September 4th, 2026. Candidates must apply to this open position and take the NTN exam and Public Safety Self-Assessment by September 4th, 2026. The NTN exam can be scheduled by visiting

Candidates who are OPOTA-certified and currently working with an agency as an officer would be considered a Lateral. Lateral candidates would not need to complete the NTN exam but would need to apply for the open position by September 4th, 2026, to be considered. Applications and test scores will be reviewed as they are submitted. If candidates move forward in our process, they will be invited to complete the Physical Fitness Test.

HIRING PROCESS: July 7th - September 4th, 2026: Candidates complete NTN Test and PSSA and submit online applications on the City's website. Applications and test scores will be reviewed as they are submitted. Physical Fitness Testing Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) is sent to candidates to complete Oral Board Interviews Background Process To learn more about the department and hiring process, please visit: JOINHPD Military Credit: If you have served or are serving in the United States military service and wish to receive credit, you must provide a copy of your discharge form (DD214) or a copy of your current military id online with the application. The deadline to submit the DD214 is September 4th, 2026.

Position Description

Under the direct supervision of a Sergeant or Senior Officer in Charge, a Police Officer patrols a designated area ensuring compliance with all applicable State laws and City ordinances; answers calls when a crime is suspected or an emergency exists; takes such action as necessary to prevent crime and/or to apprehend a criminal; maintains safety; assists citizens in a wide range of emergency and non-emergency situations; and performs other related duties, tasks, and assignments as required and directed by an Agency Supervisor or the Chief of Police. The Hilliard Division of Police subscribes to the "Community-Oriented Policing" philosophy and therefore, the primary emphasis of the position involves community service. Officers are required to take a problem-solving approach to the situations they encounter on a day-to-day basis and to interact with the residents on a regular basis within the City of Hilliard to address relevant concerns facing the community.

Essential Functions of Work

Drives a police vehicle during all hours of a day; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice. Enforce DUI and traffic laws. Makes arrests, detains and/or controls persons, sometimes requiring the use of physical force. Transports prisoners and committed mental patients. Investigates accidents, determining conditions, causes and other pertinent facts regarding accident. Conducts investigations of crimes, preserves crime scene, gathers and preserves evidence. Reports unsafe conditions, such as obstructions in streets. Answers inquiries; assists stranded motorists. Checks doors and windows of homes and businesses for security. Secures and executes warrants. Presents testimony in court. Loads, unloads, aims and fires handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms under conditions of stress and at levels of proficiency prescribed by State standards. Assists and provides aid to injured persons; notifies families of injury and death. Looks for and investigates conditions and situations which may indicate a crime is about to be, or has been committed. Maintains records and prepares reports of incidents and activities. Gathers information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informers. Where juveniles are involved; interviews parents, appears in court, and works with school authorities. Directs and regulates traffic. Attends neighborhood meetings to address and evaluate the concerns of citizens. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

High School Diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent certificate, and a combination of education, training, and experience that would allow the incumbent to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Thorough knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local laws related to law enforcement. Thorough knowledge of law enforcement methods, principles, practices, and procedures. Extensive knowledge of safety practices and procedures. General knowledge of municipal government structure and process. Skills in unarmed self defense. Knowledge of the geography and streets within the Hilliard metro-area. Good interpersonal and human relations skills. Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to understand and carry out detailed oral and written instructions. Ability to exercise sound reasoning and good judgment. Ability to recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action. Ability to interpret and apply principles, concepts, methods, laws, ordinances, and techniques to field conditions. Ability to recognize, analyze, and define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and initiate appropriate corrective actions. Ability to organize and prioritize daily tasks and activities. Ability to use proper research and investigative methods, techniques, and practices in gathering data. Ability to calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages. Ability to gather, collate, and classify information and data regarding people, places, events, and activities. Ability to prepare clear, concise, complete, and accurate reports, and complete and maintain accurate records. Ability to use desk & laptop computers to enter data and produce typewritten reports. Ability to copy records precisely without error and to maintain accurate records. Ability to work alone on most tasks. Ability to cooperate with co-workers on group efforts. Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with the public. Ability to handle routine and sensitive inquiries from, and contact with, the public. Ability to maintain confidentiality in the handling of sensitive events and issues. Ability to communicate with the public, peers, superiors, and other City officials and employees in an effective, tactful, and courteous manner. Ability to resolve complaints from angry citizens in an effective, tactful, and courteous manner. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors and peers. ( May be developed or acquired after appointment.)

Supplemental Information

Successful completion of a state-certified Peace Officer basic training program. (Not required prior to appointment; however, if a new Officer, at time of appointment, has not completed such a training program, they must enter such a program immediately upon appointment.) Ability to acquire and maintain certification (pursuant to state standards) for the operation of on-duty and off-duty firearms (i.e. shotgun, AR-15, 9mm handgun). Attained the age of 21 years on or before the date of the written examination. Has not obtained the age of 45 years prior to application or appointment. Possession of a valid Ohio Driver's License at the time of appointment. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen Background must be free of prior felony convictions. Successful completion of all phases of the Selection Process prior to appointment. (Process includes application phase, written examination, physical fitness evaluation, structured panel interview(s), record check, background investigation, polygraph examination, final interview(s), psychological evaluation medical examination, and drug screen.) Regular and punctual attendance is regarded as an essential requirement of this classification. Compliance with training directives established by supervisory/training personnel. Adherence to all applicable Federal and State safety laws, rules, and regulations and City safety policies/procedures.

Benefits

Employees are eligible to enroll in health insurance, vision, and dental benefits. The City pays 100% of the premium on a $100,000 life insurance policy for employees. The City contributes 19.5% monthly toward retirement benefits offered through the Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund. Employees accrue two weeks of vacation in their first year of employment. They are eligible to use their vacation leave after earning 80 hours of leave. The City recognizes prior Ohio public service to establish vacation accruals. Completed Years of service 1 Year - 3.1 hours per pay period (80 hours per year) 5 Years- 4.6 hours per pay period (120 hours per year) 10 Years- 6.2 hours per pay period (160 hours per year) 15 Years- 7.7 hours per pay period (200 hours per year) 20 Years- 9.2 hours per pay period (240 hours per year) New Employees receive one personal day for every three months employed. These days are to be used within the calendar year. There are 10 holidays recognized by the City. Additional compensation is paid to officers working on legal holidays. Employees accrue 4.6 hours of sick leave per pay period. Employees are eligible to enroll in the employee Well membership program. This program allows employees to receive an individual Well membership if they meet the program's quarterly goal.