Description
Westerville Division of Police
IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should complete the application process by 11/21/25. Applications received by this date will be given priority for interview consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until a sufficient candidate pool has been established.
Please read and review our standards for employment prior to completing application, linked here: https://police.westerville.org/about-us/join-wpd-employment
Tentative Hiring Timeline
November 24, 2025: Applications reviewed for interview consideration
December 8-19, 2025: Oral board interviews conducted
January-February, 2026: Selected candidates moved to CVSA and background process
February-March 2026: Pre-employment testing and conditional offers of employment
March-April 2026: Anticipated start date for new officers
Why Westerville Division of Police?
At WPD, we live by our core values: Integrity, Commitment, Accountability, Respect, and Empathy. These principles guide us as we strive for excellence in all we do.
Community Support: Our residents respect and overwhelmingly support WPD, providing all the resources needed to succeed.
Opportunities for Growth: Join a team of officers and professional staff committed to excellence and dedicated to your professional and personal development. Opportunities include promotions, a variety of specialized and ancillary assignments, a robust training budget, and tuition reimbursement.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Work in a 65,000 sq. ft. headquarters featuring a 10-lane firearms range, use-of-force simulator, and a fully equipped fitness center to support training and wellness.
DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS:
Largest suburban agency in the Columbus Metro area: 80 sworn officers, 115 total employees
Diverse population: Serving 40,000 residents, a daytime population of 90,000, and a business community representing over 300,000 people within a 15-minute radius
Vibrant community culture: Home to the Westerville Uptown District, rich with historic charm, and community events
LATERAL ENTRY POLICE OFFICERS
If you’re already certified with OPOTA, we offer expedited steps to join our team:
No Testing Required: NTN testing is waived for certified candidates, allowing qualified applicants to proceed straight to oral board interviews.
Competitive Pay: Starting pay commensurate with experience. Earn up to $118,783.48 annually with a qualifying number of years of full-time law enforcement experience, rising to $122,000 by 2027 for qualified candidates.
Experience-Based Benefits: Vacation accrual rate and sick leave balance transfer available based on your total years of service.
Simplified Testing: Take a physical agility test (obstacle course) instead of the OPOTA fitness exam.
NON-SWORN CANDIDATES
For candidates not already OPOTA (Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy)-certified:
NTN Test: Take and pass the standard test and public safety assessment through NTN.
Competitive Pay: Earn more than $119,000 after three years of service.
Excellent Benefits: Enjoy paid holidays, personal days, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, comp time, longevity pay, strong healthcare benefits and educational assistance.
WPD Academy: If hired, you will attend Westerville PD’s basic training academy at no cost to you and earning a salary of more than $75,000. You will receive exceptional training from the area’s best law enforcement instructors.
Visit our webpage to learn even more about the Westerville Division of Police!
https://police.westerville.org/home-police
SUPERVISION
Work is performed within the guidelines of Division general orders and all applicable laws. Work is reviewed by supervisors daily through reports and performance evaluations.
NATURE OF WORK
Under the direction of a sergeant, police officers have the responsibility to enforce all local, state, and federal laws within the City of Westerville while also performing other duties as assigned.
Requirements
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK
(May not include all duties performed.)
Ability to operate Division vehicles and equipment.
Patrols the community on foot, or in police cars, protecting persons and property.
Enforces all state laws and city ordinances.
Investigates complaints; interviews suspects and witnesses.
Responds to emergency calls for assistance.
Performs criminal and vehicle crash investigations.
Performs traffic enforcement duties.
Performs routine security inspections
Conducts searches and seizures.
Completes detailed written reports.
Makes arrests when necessary.
Uses firearms as necessary.
Maintains all equipment necessary for the daily performance of job duties.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK
Must have completed Assessment and PHQ through National Testing Network (NTN) if not currently OPOTA-certified.
Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
Both eyes must be correctable to 20/20 vision and have no color blindness or deficiency.
Must possess a valid State of Ohio Motor Vehicle Operator's License free from excessive violations.
Effective oral and written communication skills in the English language.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
Ability to communicate and manage the public under a variety of circumstances.
Ability to work a varied schedule on a variety of shifts.
