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Police Officer - Lateral Hire Job in Mount Vernon, Ohio US

Police Officer - Lateral Hire

City of Mount Vernon - Mount Vernon, OH

Posted: 10/24/2025 - Expires: 11/14/2025

Job ID: 292796004

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Job Description

Are you an experienced Police Officer ready to take the next step in your career? The City of Mount Vernon
Police Department is seeking dedicated professionals to join our team through our lateral transfer program.
This is your opportunity to bring your experience and skills to a progressive, community-focused
department that values integrity, service, and professional growth.

Why Join Us?
  • Join a Committed Team: Work alongside highly trained and motivated officers dedicated to protecting and serving our
    community.
  • Advance Your Career: Take advantage of leadership development and ongoing training opportunities.
  • Make an Impact: Be part of a department where your service directly enhances the safety, trust, and well-being of our community – creating pride and fulfillment in your work.
Who We’re Looking For:
  • We’re seeking an experienced Police Officer who is ready to make an immediate impact. The qualified candidates will have:
  • A current Ohio Peace Officer Training Association (OPOTA) certificate.
  • Prior law enforcement experience of no less than two (2) years of full-time (i.e. working not less than thirty-five hours per
    week) or no less than five (5) years of part-time (i.e. working not less than an average of sixty hours per month in paid status)
    or the equivalent combination as determined by the Human Resources Director.
  • Successfully pass a background investigation that includes but is not limited to:
    • Pre-employment physical (in accordance with OP&F)
    • Psychological Evaluation
    • Polygraph/CVSA
    • Drug Screen
    • Successfully pass or complete any other criteria established by the Human Resources Director (in consultation with
      the Chief of Police)
  • A laterally hired officer shall be required to provide written documentation of prior services as a law enforcement/certified peace officer from any and all employers.
What We Offer:
  • Attractive Compensation: Please refer to Article 33, Section 33.1 of the current FOP Union contract by visiting www.serb.ohio.gov.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy an extensive benefits package featuring health coverage, retirement plan options, and
    additional rewards for earning advanced certifications.
  • Balanced Work-Life: Take advantage of a 36/48 rotation schedule that not only supports your career but also provides generous time off, allowing you to recharge, pursue personal interests, and enjoy a strong work-life balance.
How to Apply:
Please submit your application packet, including your cover letter, resume, and official Civil Service application, using one of the following methods:
  1. Email: Send to HR@mtvernonoh.gov
  2. In Person: Deliver to the Office of Human Resources, City Hall, 40 Public Square, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.
  3. Mail: City of Mount Vernon, Attn: Human Resources, 40 Public Square, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.
Lateral hire applications are available at https://www.mtvernonoh.gov/161/Human-Resources, If you are unable to download the application, please contact the Director of Human Resources at HR@mtvernonoh.gov

JOB DESCRIPTION

Objectives:
Maintains law and order, investigates crimes, and protects life and property in the City of Mount Vernon. May be assigned to a detective position to perform investigative functions.

Minimum Qualifications, Education, and Experience Requirements: Graduation from high school with a high school diploma, or GED; Must possess, or obtain, certification as a peace officer in the state of Ohio (OPOTA); Must be a citizen of the United States or have legally declared intention of becoming a citizen; Minimum 21 years of age; Must pass pre-employment physical examination to include drug screen by licensed physician approved by the Civil Service Commission and a background investigation; Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License. Additional Desirable Training and Qualifications - Possession of an Associate Degree in criminal justice, police administration, law enforcement, political science, psychology, public administration, business administration, or a related field; Maximum 34 years of age preferred.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Operates a police vehicle within the City limits to maintain law and order. Responds to requests for assistance from residents. Apprehends law violators. Interviews witnesses to crimes, accidents and disturbances. Transports suspects and witnesses to Police Headquarters for booking and interrogation. Appears in court as the arresting officer. Investigates complaints and concerns by businesses, private citizens, schools, hospitals, and others. Questions persons acting in a suspicious manner. Directs traffic. Controls crowds at parades and other public events. Records all pertinent data at the scene of a vehicular accident. Delivers subpoenas. Transports prisoners as directed. Receives and dispatches radio messages. Reports damage or abandoned vehicles, dangerous holes in streets, broken water mains, and obstructions in thoroughfares. Notifies Headquarters that a clean-up crew is needed to remove damaged vehicles, broken glass, spilled oil or gasoline at the scene of accidents. Attends periodic training classes to learn of new or revised regulations and policies. Notifies superior of the need for vehicle maintenance. Exercises authority consistent with the obligations imposed by their oath of office and be accountable to their superior officers, promptly obeying legitimate orders. Coordinates their efforts with those of other members of the Division so that their teamwork ensures continuity of purpose and maximum achievement of police objectives. Keeps the Department informed of current contact information. Responds punctually to all assignments. Familiarizes themselves with administrative policy and executes the service program within their area of responsibility, providing for prevention and suppression of crime, protection of life and property, apprehension and prosecution of offenders, preservation of the peace, and enforcement of regulatory measures. Assists in the execution of the Division’s program for improving efficiency and cooperation in areas for common responsibility and the proper and economical use of Division’s property and equipment. Maintains their arms and equipment in a functional, presentable condition, promptly correcting and reporting defects to their supervisor. Exerts every effort to satisfy the needs of citizens requesting service, assistance, or information, and courteously explains any instance where jurisdiction does not lie with the policy agency, suggesting procedures to be followed. Secures, receipts and ensures proper transport of all evidence and property coming into their custody, maintaining accountability. Remains alert to the development of conditions tending to cause crime, takes preventive action, and informs their supervisors. Informs the public of conditions which they can correct to prevent crimes. Conducts a thorough investigation of all offenses within their area of assignment and scope of activity. Collects evidence and records data which will aid in identification, apprehension, and prosecution of offenders and the recovery of property. Notes conditions which adversely affect the appearance, safety, and health of the community, enforcing applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations and/or making referrals to agencies having primary responsibility. Stays familiarized with their area of assignment and conducts a diligent patrol, accentuating prevention rather than arrests, by giving particular attention to locations most susceptible to the occurrence of crime.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Performs other related non-essential functions as required and assigned by the chain of command.


I. JOB REQUIREMENTS
Equipment: Ability to operate and maintain proficiency in using a variety of law enforcement equipment including firearms, handcuffs, batons, chemical agents, vehicles, computerized and electronic equipment, emergency communications equipment, specialized tools, electronic devices, mechanical equipment, computers and related software, and other equipment necessary to perform emergency and first responder duties.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):
Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
  • Knowledge of police patrol methods, practices, procedures, and techniques with an emphasis on problem solving abilities within the contemporary community policing philosophy.
  • Knowledge of and compliance with safe work practices and OSHA regulations in the performance of job duties and responsibilities in order to work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
Skilled In:
  • Skilled in the use of specialized law enforcement equipment, tools, electronics, and devices including operating a computer and associated programs, and performing basic photography as a part of evidence collection.
  • Skilled in driving in emergency situations.
  • Skilled in verbal and written communication.
  • Skilled in unarmed self-defense techniques.
Ability to:
  • Ability to understand and carry out instructions and orders as directed by a superior, devoting the maximum possible time to the performance of basic duties, using sound judgment and tactics.
  • Ability to develop and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, City Officials, other agencies, and the general public.
  • Ability to effectively maintain records and prepare reports, and to communicate to their superior and to coworkers all information they may obtain which is pertinent to the achievement of objectives.
  • Ability to conduct themselves in accordance with high ethical standards, both on and off duty.
  • Ability to meet age and any requirements established by the Civil Service Commission at the time of examination.
II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK: Work is completed in a dynamic environment with multiple interruptions. The variety of emergency and non-emergency situations encountered and the need to quickly determine appropriate actions and procedures for a wide variety of situations contributes to the difficulty of the work.

III. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:Employees in this classification do not have any supervisory responsibilities unless the Shift Lieutenant or Sergeant is not on duty at which time the Senior Officer assumes supervisory duties.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS: Contact is with coworkers, superiors, other city employees, employees from public and private sector organizations, other emergency service personnel and first responders, victims of incidents and crimes and their families, and the general public. The purpose of contacts is typically to maintain law and order, investigate and exchange information, resolve problems, and provide protection and services.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Physical Requirements: The physical requirements of the position are identified as work demanding strenuous exertion at times, which may require the ability to lift and carry light, heavy, and very heavy objects or persons, frequently lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Work requires sufficient strength and agility to react quickly and effectively in emergency situations, and to physically restrain combative persons.
Physical Activity: The physical activity of the position requires frequent talking, hearing, sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, climbing stairs, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching with hands and arms in front of body and overhead, using hands and fingers to operate police vehicles, equipment, firearms, radios, and computers which require the appropriate motor skills.
Visual Activity: The position requires corrected vision must be 20/20 with both eyes (binocular) to adequately grip, control, and aim a firearm, and in the performance of the other essential functions and duties required of a Police Officer.
Job Location: The minimum work conditions for the position indicate that the individual is frequently exposed to adverse environmental conditions and must be able to work outside for periods of time during inclement weather for the duration of the assigned shift. Work is frequently performed in a patrol vehicle, indoors, and outdoors at various locations throughout the City. Work requires endurance of periods of exposure to inclement weather and/or oppressive temperatures during times of emergency or crisis. Work occasionally exposes employee to dangerous, hazardous, and potentially life-threatening situations. Work tasks may require exposure to strong odors, fumes, toxic/poisonous agents, smoke, dust, pollen, extreme cold, extreme hot, wetness, humidity, animal/wildlife, disease, blood, bodily fluids, pathogenic substances, explosives, violence, bright/dim light, noise, vibrations, machinery, or traffic hazards.

Contact Information

Email:
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Job Summary

Employment Type:
Full Time Employee
Job type:
Regular Employment
Skill Based Partner:
No
Education Level:
Attained other post-secondary degree or certification
Work Days:
Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Job Reference Code
N/A
Salary
N/A
Licenses / Certifications:
N/A
Display Recommended WorkKeys®Recommended WorkKeys®:
N/A