the city of kent, ohio
Police Department
Kent Police Department is currently accepting applications for Lateral Police Officer.
Entry Level Police Officer
What is entry-level? Anyone who has never worked for a police department. It’s OK! Kent PD does hire entry-level applicants with no experience and without certifications, but that civil service testing process typically only occurs once a year for a few weeks. We will reach back out to you as soon as that application process opens, and we encourage you to follow Kent Police on social media where we announce all of our job openings.
Citizenship: Must be a United States Citizen.
Age: Must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
Driver's License: Must possess a valid Ohio driver’s license.
Firearm Eligibility: Must be legally qualified to own and carry a firearm or sidearm.
Criminal History:
Must not have been convicted of lesser misdemeanors involving assault, attempted assault, stalking, menacing, or other offenses that involve physical force or threats against family members or other protected persons.
Must not have been convicted of any felony offense of violence.
Must have no undetected criminal activity that would result in criminal liability.
Physical Examination: Must have passed a physical examination conducted by a licensed physician within 120 days prior to appointment. This examination must certify that:
The applicant meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of a police officer.
The applicant meets the medical qualifications established by the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund.
Lateral Police Officer
What is a lateral officer? Someone who is already certified as a police officer and is working or has recently worked as an officer at another agency. How does the lateral process work? Contact Lt. Mike Lewis at michael.lewis@kentohio.gov. You will be asked to submit the application, resume and cover letter. The process will continue from there. The application window for laterals is always open.
Experience: An applicant must have prior sworn experience as a law enforcement officer in the State of Ohio and be currently certified by the Ohio Peace OfficerTraining Commission as a peace officer.
Citizenship: Must be a United States Citizen.
Age: Must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
Driver's License: Must possess a valid Ohio driver’s license.
Firearm Eligibility: Must be legally qualified to own and carry a firearm or sidearm.
Criminal History:
Must not have been convicted of lesser misdemeanors involving assault, attempted assault, stalking, menacing, or other offenses that involve physical force or threats against family members or other protected persons.
Must not have been convicted of any felony offense of violence.
Must have no undetected criminal activity that would result in criminal liability.
Physical Examination: Must have passed a physical examination conducted by a licensed physician within 120 days prior to appointment. This examination must certify that:
The applicant meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of a police officer.
The applicant meets the medical qualifications established by the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund.
Why Work for the City of Kent, Ohio
Coverage options for employees and their families.
Up to 4% per year based on performance.
Participation in the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund (OP&F) for retirement security.
Generous annual leave, sick time, and holiday hours.
Access to in-service and external training opportunities to enhance professional growth.
KPD provides the firearm, taser, and bullet proof vest. Employees also receive an initial $1,700 uniform allowance when hired, then $1,250 per year after that.
Employer contributions to a deferred compensation plan.