Patrol Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Patrol Officer - City of Athens, Ohio

The City of Athens is accepting applications for Patrol Officer to establish an eligibility list. Patrol Officers preserve, protect, and enhance the quality of life of the people of Athens through a broad range of professional police services in a community partnership. This is a full-time, bargaining unit position in the classified service of the City and is non-exempt under the provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position has a starting hourly rate of $30.57 per hour for applicants with no full-time law enforcement experience and starting range of $30.57 to $38.86 per hour for applicants with previous qualifying full-time experience. 

Employees enjoy a generous benefits package such as:

• Comprehensive low cost, low-deductible health care insurance plan - rated as one of the most affordable in the State
• Life Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Public employee pension match of 14%
• Paid holidays
• Sick leave
• Vacation time
• Wellness program
• A fitness center membership
• 12-hour shifts that includes every other weekend off
  
• Paid parental leave
• Workout on Duty Program

Please review all of the information below thoroughly: 

How to Apply:

Submit your intent to apply by clicking the "Apply Now" button and completing the online questionnaire. Within 24 hours of submitting your intent to apply, you will be emailed a PDF version of the detailed application packet. Hard copies of the detailed application packets can also be picked up at the following locations, Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm:

• The Mayor's Office, City Building, 8 E. Washington St., Athens, OH 45701
• Athens Police Department, 11 N. College St., Athens, OH 45701

If you cannot pick up the application packet during these hours, please call the Athens Police Department at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com to schedule a time to pick up the packet.

Civil Service Exam:

A Civil Service Exam will be administered on Friday, September 18th, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens Ohio. As long as your application packet is submitted by 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 17th, 2026, you will be eligible to sit for the exam. Applicants must show a valid, government issued Picture ID for entry to the test. Applicants must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on the exam. To be eligible for military credit, a copy of the DD-214 showing honorable discharge must be submitted with the application packet. The physical agility test is scheduled following the written exam on Friday, September 18th, 2026 at 12:00 PM. The physical agility test location is the Athens Community Center at 701 E. State St., Athens, OH 45701. Applicants are exempt from the physical agility exam if they are OPOTA certified.   

Application Deadline:

Application materials must be received in the Mayor's Office by Thursday, September 17th, 2026 at 4 p.m. An application can be mailed if needed, but must be postmarked before Wednesday, September 16th, 2026. The City reserves the right to recruit additional applicants if an insufficient number are received. The City of Athens encourages applications from women, veterans, and minorities.

The City of Athens, OH is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

*** Please note exam information: No further notice will be given for the Civil Service Exam. Report for the written exam by 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18th, 2026. The exam will be held at the Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens Ohio. The Physical Agilities Test will follow the written exam and begin at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18th, 2026. The Physical Agilities Test will also be held at the Athens Community Center. Please put the date and times for the written exam and physical agilities testing on your calendar. 

Essential Functions:

• Responds to calls for service.
• Patrols assigned areas in cruiser or other means.
• Investigates complaints and vehicle accidents.
• Interviews witnesses and suspects.
• Issues citations and/or arrests violators of the law.
• Prepares and/or serves civil processes.
• Secures and protects prisoners.
• Participates in crime prevention programs.
• Prepares written reports on complaints, investigations, and accidents.
• Serves as a crime prevention officer, if assigned.
• Performs duties of communications officer when necessary.
• Testifies in court when required.
• Serves as a field-training officer, if assigned.
• Serves as an officer in charge in the absence of the lieutenant, if assigned.
• Maintains all equipment assigned for use.
• Participates in community policing by conducting meetings, attending community meeting or events, working with citizens within a defined geographical area.
• Assumes responsibilities in specialized areas or on specialized teams as deemed appropriate by management.
• Assumes other responsibilities and performs other related duties as needed.

Position Qualifications:

• A felony conviction is prohibited.
• Must be a resident of Ohio at time of appointment.
• Must maintain a valid State of Ohio driver’s license. An excellent driving record is mandatory.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and under the age of 41, at the time of appointment to be eligible for employment, as stipulated by the Ohio Revised Code and Athens City Ordinance.
• It is desirable but not required that applicants have an Ohio Peace Officer Training Certificate, however the City of Athens will pay wages and tuition to successful applicants to obtain certification.
• It is desirable but not required that applicants possess a degree from an accredited college or university in police science, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, public administration or business administration.

Position Specifications:

• Must be able to meet the attendance requirements for the position.
• Must have and maintain a driving record that is acceptable to the City of Athens.
• Must obtain and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR.

• Must successfully complete the Field Training Program for Patrol Officer prior to the end of probation.

• Must successfully complete training for communications officer duties prior to the end of probation.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of the Ohio Revised Code, City ordinances, and the geography of the City of Athens.

The City may consider other equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

This position is identified as being occupationally-at-risk for blood borne pathogens.  Safety precautions and procedures will be followed in the exercise of duties.

The City of Athens, OH is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

A comprehensive background check is required prior to position offer.