This posting is for applicants who are currently OPOTC certified by the State of Ohio. If you are not OPOTC certified but are interested in being considered for our Star Training Academy, be sure to apply for our Akron Police Academy Cadet position here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/akron.
If you are OPOTC certified, you may qualify for higher starting pay and additional vacation or paid leave. See the table below for some of the great incentives the City of Akron has to offer. You may also be eligible to purchase up to an additional 60 hours of leave time. 
This is general duty public protection, law enforcement, and criminal investigation work in support of the Police Division’s mission and values.

An employee in this class is responsible for the preservation of public peace, prevention of crime, detection and arrest of violators, protection of life and property, the enforcement of all criminal laws of the State of Ohio, and enforcement of ordinances of the City of Akron.

Works under the general supervision of a superior officer and in accordance with rules, regulations, established procedures and standards, and rigid training; however, conditions of emergency, public danger, personal danger, civil disorder, and sensitive public opinion require instant decisions, tact, courtesy, and mature judgment. Employee is held responsible for conduct on and off duty.

Patrols assigned district/sector to detect and prevent crimes and identify suspicious conduct. Detects criminal activities, investigates, and determines need for arrest and further questioning. Engages in regular citizen contact. Listens to citizen complaints and answers citizen inquiries during course of shift. Responds to calls for service/assistance. Maintains confidentiality of law enforcement topics and other department matters. Operates a motor vehicle safely using lights and sirens in accordance with departmental policies and the law. Determines if elements of a crime have been met. Establishes control of the scene. Requests additional assistance/back-up, as needed. Protects the safety of self, citizens, and other personnel. Interviews victim(s), witness(es), and suspect(s). Uses discretion in determining whether to arrest or issue summons. Maintains traffic control and conducts related investigative activities. Checks registration and license number. Provides emergency assistance. Enforces traffic laws. Completes forms, reports, and related paperwork including narratives documenting complex events. Performs arrest and detention procedures. Obtains information on suspect (e.g., warrant, physical description) and conducts thorough search of individual to find weapons or contraband. Uses reasonable force. Collects and prepares evidence for court cases and testifies in court. Reviews reports and other documentation of the case to provide testimony in court. Attends roll call and prepares for duty. Listens to description of major incidents, department announcements, citizen requests for patrol and stolen auto reports. Participates in community engagement activities. Inspects equipment for proper functioning. Reports for duty wearing proper equipment and dressed appropriately. Reads bulletins to identify events in sector (e.g., warrants, special activities, etc.). Converses with other personnel to exchange information on crimes. Performs administrative duties utilizing computers and other standard office equipment. Submits completed reports to supervisor in a timely manner. Uses MDB/dispatcher to obtain information. Uses and maintains firearms and weapons properly and in accordance with departmental standards. Attends in-service training. May perform duties associated with specialized units. Performs related work as required. Graduation from an accredited high school or GED. Candidates must be within the age range 21 years through 45 years at the time of application. Possession of a valid OPOTC certification approved by the State of Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. Possession of a valid Ohio driver's license. Candidates must have the ability to safely perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates must meet established physical standards under Ohio Law and maintain departmental physical standards.
 
Knowledge of de-escalation and conflict resolution strategies and techniques. Ability to act with integrity in words and actions. Ability to interact with people of various backgrounds, cultures, and abilities and to show respect, empathy, and compassion. Ability to read and learn new skills and information such as laws, department policies, rules, and procedures. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to satisfactorily complete the prescribed course of police training. Ability to exercise good judgment using common sense and analytic ability. Ability to understand other people and own impact on interactions. Ability to be clear and understandable through both oral and written communication. Ability to document information accurately and clearly. Ability to develop rapport, reduce conflict, and show concern for the rights of others. Ability to be composed and rational in stressful situations. Ability to minimize safety hazards to self and others.Ability to handle emergency response, including pursuit on foot, use of restraint techniques, firearms use, and victim rescue. Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and legally. Ability to perform high quality work, meeting standards and expectations regardless of circumstances. Ability to access information, complete work, and submit work effectively using computerized systems and standard office equipment. Ability to effectively respond to changing demands and environments.

Skill in active listening and communicating both verbally and in writing. Skill in basic math. Skill in the use of weapons. Cannot be prohibited by law from acquiring, having, carrying, or using firearms.
 
The selection process will consist of a panel interview and an extensive background investigation including a polygraph and other components. Candidates will be ranked in a standard manner based on the panel interview.
Applicants may be disqualified or may be terminated after appointment for providing false or incomplete information during any phase of the selection process. Final appointment is contingent upon the candidate passing a medical examination and psychological evaluation after receiving a conditional offer of employment.

Candidates who pass the panel interview may be eligible for bonus points.  However, bonus points cannot exceed a total of 20 points added to the candidate's passing interview score. All bonus points awarded will be verified. To be considered for bonus points, all required documents MUST be submitted with your application. If documents are not received timely, no bonus points will be awarded. 

• RESIDENCY: Candidates who have been resident citizens within the corporate limits of the City of Akron for at least one year immediately prior to the panel interview and who continue to reside within the corporate limits of the City of Akron throughout the remainder of the selection process will have 15 points added to their passing interview score. To be considered for residency credit, you must list on your application all addresses where you have resided in the previous 13 months including the dates you resided at each address. If the City is unable to determine your residency, no credit will be awarded.  
• VETERANS: Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, honorably discharged from active duty who want a bonus of 5 points added to their passing interview score, must submit proof of honorable discharge and dates served in the form of a DD-214 with application. 
•  EDUCATION: Candidates who have successfully completed accredited college course work may be awarded education credit not to exceed 10 points added to their passing interview score. Candidates must submit proof of college course work in the form of degrees or copies of official college transcripts with their completed applications. 

DRIVER’S LICENSE: An applicant having a valid driver's license from another state will be accepted conditionally provided that, if selected, an Ohio Driver's License must be obtained prior to appointment. Candidates having six or more points on their driving record at the time of appointment will be disqualified from further consideration.
Candidates must meet all minimum qualifications and requirements listed in this announcement and must pass all components of the selection process to be considered for full-time appointments as probationary Police officers. This position is subject to random drug testing.NOTE: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING YOUR APPLICATION STATUS THROUGHOUT THE STEPS IN THE SELECTION PROCESS BY VIEWING YOUR GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM ACCOUNT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE UNABLE TO CHECK YOUR STATUS ON LINE, YOU MAY CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT 330-375-2720.
Email correspondence generated from our system will be sent from info@governmentjobs.com. To ensure you receive important communication from our office, be sure to make this address a safe sender.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Akron is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the City realize its full potential. The City benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together. In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, religion, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, membership in a collective bargaining unit, status with regard to public assistance, or political affiliation. The City adheres to these policies in both our hiring and employment practices.
Applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications for the position with or without an accommodation. If you are a qualified applicant with a disability, please notify the Department of Human Resources at least one week prior to testing if requesting a reasonable accommodation for the testing process.