Becoming An Officer

Columbus Division of Police Recruitment 1120 Morse Rd.  
Columbus, OH 43229
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(614) 645-4642

Police Applicant Study Sessions - Register Here

Free Columbus Police Recruiting Job Seminar - Hiring & Selection Process
- Civil Service Exam
- Background Steps
- Academy Expectations
- Firearms Instruction
- Pay & Benefits
- Learn More

Minimum Qualifications

Please note the standards below...

  1. Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.

  2. Must be at least 20 years old to apply.

  3. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

  4. Must be a U.S. citizen (permanent residency is not accepted).
Automatic Disqualifiers

  1. Tried or purchased marijuana in the past 12 months.

  2. Tried or purchased any other illegal drug(s) in the last 3 years (EXCEPT Marijuana).

  3. Been convicted while operating a motor vehicle (OVI, DUI, or OMVI) while under the influence of alcohol or drugs within the last five (5) years.

  4. As an adult 18 or older:

    • Been convicted of a felony offense(s) (Does not apply to misdemeanors (M1 - M4)).

    • Verified, admitted or convicted of domestic violence within the last ten (10) years.

    • Intentional violation of any protection order or temporary restraining order within seven (7) years.

    • Non-compliance with court ordered child support, alimony or other financial responsibility within the preceding five (5) years.

    • Received four (4) or more moving violations in the past three (3) years (Excluding parking tickets or seat belt violations).

      Note: For a complete list of disqualifiers please read the entire Background Removal Standards for Police Officers and Police Communication Technicians provided by The City of Columbus Civil Service Commission.
  5. Sworn personnel shall have no visible piercing (other than ears) or tattoos on head, neck or hands.  For a complete list of City Professional Appearance rules, click here.