Entry-Level Patrol Officer Examination « The City of Lakewood, Ohio -
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Entry-Level Patrol Officer Examination


Entry-Level Patrol Officer Examination

Lakewood Police Department 

Lakewood is a vibrant community of 50,942 residents along the Lake Erie shore.  5 miles to downtown Cleveland, and with a lively restaurant and entertainment scene, the city is filled with homes and award winning parks.  An ideal location in Northeast Ohio!

99 full time police officers plus 5 part-time officers and civilian staff

Starting base salary in 2024 of $67,653.32.  Top patrol officer salary is $83,376.00 for those having completed 4 years, which increases to $85,877.28 in 2025.

Officers receive an annual clothing allowance of $2,000 plus an annual firearms proficiency bonus of $2,400.  Quarterly and annual attendance bonuses are also awarded to those eligible.

Officers have 100 hours of paid vacation after the first year, and 144 hours of “holiday time” that can be taken as paid time off or paid.  LPD works permanent (non-rotating) 12 hour shifts, with 3 day weekends off every other week.  Other benefits include health care, dental plan, life insurance options, all at competitive rates, as well as college tuition reimbursement.

Newly hired officers in need of police academy training and OPOTC certification will complete the academy at Lakewood’s expense while receiving full salary and benefits.

Full police academy tuition reimbursement is available for applicants who have graduated from an academy up to 12 months before hire.

Specialized assignments are available as soon as 18 months after hire, including:

  • Patrol Investigator
  • SWAT Officer
  • Hostage Negotiator
  • K-9 Officer
  • Motorcycle Officer
  • Field Training Officer
  • Bomb Technician
  • Plain Clothes Detective
  • Narcotics Detective
  • DARE/School Resource Officer
  • Neighborhood/Community Police Officer

ENTRY LEVEL PATROL OFFICER EXAM
CITY OF LAKEWOOD

The Lakewood Civil Service Commission is conducting an examination for Entry-Level Patrol Officer through the National Testing Network. Go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, click on Law Enforcement > Ohio > City of Lakewood.

What to expect at the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website:

  • Completion of the application process.
  • Review all information related to the City of Lakewood police officer position, including minimum requirements, salary and benefits.
  • Detailed information about the testing process for the entry level test.
  • Opportunity to take online practice tests.
  • Schedule your own convenient test time. Tests are offered multiple times a week, including Saturdays at a testing site convenient for you. NTN now offers virtual testing. If you would like to test virtually, you will need to check that option when scheduling your exam.
  • Take high quality job simulation tests in a standardized, fair testing environment.

Applicants are required to complete the exam, personal history questionnaire (PHQ) and work attitudes questionnaire (WAQ), as well as upload copies of their high school diploma or GED, valid driver’s license, and any documentation needed for military, college, employment, or residency credits. Deadline to complete the examination and submit required documents is January 11, 2024.

Upon completion of the entry level exam the candidate scores are automatically forwarded to the City of Lakewood Civil Service Commission. Candidates who attain a minimum passing score of 70% or more on the entry level exam and have uploaded required documentation will be placed on the eligible list.  The City of Lakewood will contact candidates on the list and will invite them to continue to participate in other stages of the department selection process.

National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry level testing in a standardized, professional environment. National Testing Network does not replace the City of Lakewood’s Civil Service Commission’s responsibility and decision making in the testing process.  For further information about the examination process, please contact the City of Lakewood Civil Service Commission at (216) 529-6040 or civilservice@lakewoodoh.net.

Additionally, the City of Lakewood is accepting applications for Lateral Entry Patrol Officer.  Applicants must have been employed as a police officer in the State of Ohio AND have been previously hired as part of a competitive civil service examination.  Lateral applicants only should go to  https://www.lakewoodoh.gov/human-resources/ for more information on lateral entry and to apply directly for this position.

Salary: $67,653.32 current starting annual base salary in 2024 plus benefits.

The City of Lakewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.