Akron Police Academy Cadet

About the Department

Apply Now!  If hired, you could be eligible for a $2,000 sign on bonus.  

This posting is for candidates who are not certified as Peace Officers in the State of Ohio but are interested in becoming an Akron Police Officer.  Eligible candidates who are given a conditional offer of employment may have the opportunity to attend the City of Akron's STAR Training Academy.  After graduation from the academy, you will be transferred to a Police Officer position earning $34.60/hr.  If you are already OPOTC certified, you should apply for our OPOTC Certified Police Officer & Lateral posting.

Click here to view the APD Removal Standards:  Akron Police Removal Standards

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

FITNESS TEST:  Candidates MUST pass the OPOTC fitness test administered by the City of Akron.  Qualified applicants will be notified of the dates and times for the fitness tests. Qualified applicants who pass the fitness test will receive a test voucher from the Department of Human Resources to take the National Testing Network (NTN) written test.

NTN WRITTEN EXAMINATION:  Applicants who pass the fitness test must take the Law Enforcement exam administered by the National Testing Network (NTN). Qualified applicants will be emailed the registration link and a test voucher from the City of Akron's Department of Human Resources to take the NTN test.  Only one voucher will be provided to each qualified applicant.  Candidates must meet the requirements for passing as established by the City of Akron.  THE EXAMINATION PERIOD WILL END JULY 13, 2026. NTN TESTING MUST BE COMPLETED BY THIS DATE.    

If you have taken the NTN test within the past 12 months and pass our fitness test, you can have your score reported to the City of Akron.  You will be charged a transfer fee by the NTN to have your score transferred to the City of Akron.  

Candidates who take the NTN test without a City of Akron issued voucher and those who have their NTN scores transferred will NOT be reimbursed by the City of Akron.

An employee in this class is preparing for a law enforcement career and will be assigned to an Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) for successful completion of the required training academy curriculum.
 
Works under the direct supervision of the Commander of the Police Training Academy or their designee.

Position Duties

Attends a state certified Peace Officer Training Academy.  Learns the requirements for becoming a Police Officer as established by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and the City of Akron.  Reviews and learns City policies, procedures, and related laws.   Studies difficult and technical materials related to law enforcement.  Learns to take and write reports.  Receives instruction in basic, advanced, and technical subjects for the Ohio law enforcement community.  Trains in a variety of areas including, but not limited to; de-escalation techniques, physical fitness, firearms, driving, subject control, patrol aspects, arrest, and detention procedures, building searches, stops and approaches, and first aid.    Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited high school or GED.   Candidates must be within the age range 20.5 years through 45 years by June 1, 2026.  Possession of a valid Ohio driver's license.  Candidates must meet established physical standards under Ohio Law and maintain departmental physical standards.  Candidates must become certified Ohio Peace Officers and will be automatically transferred to a Police Officer position effective the first day as a sworn officer.  Cannot be prohibited by law from acquiring, having, carrying, or using firearms.  
 
Knowledge of the principles and processes for providing excellent customer service.  Knowledge of English usage, including spelling, punctuation, and grammar.    
 
Ability to read, understand, and learn information such as laws, department policies, rules, and procedures.  Ability to use personal computers and related software.   Ability to prepare reports and accurately document information.  Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.  Ability to satisfactorily complete the prescribed course of police training including OPOTC certification.  Ability to achieve benchmark standards of the academy as required including, but not limited to; firearms, driving, physical fitness, and subject control.   Ability to perform the essential functions of a Police Officer.  Ability to exercise good judgment using common sense and analytic ability.  Ability to remain alert and perceive details and changes in surroundings.  Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and with individuals in the community.  Ability to function as a member of a team. Ability to understand other people and own impact on interactions.  Ability to develop rapport, reduce conflict, and show concern for the rights of others.  Ability to be composed and rational in stressful situations.  Ability to learn to handle emergency response, including pursuit on foot, use of restraint techniques, firearms use, and victim rescue.   Ability to effectively respond to changing demands and environments.  Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and legally.  List of essential job functions available upon request.

Other Qualifications

This is a classified position.

The selection process will consist of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) physical fitness test, the NTN written examination, and an extensive background investigation including a polygraph and other components.  

Applicants may be disqualified or may be terminated after appointment for providing false or incomplete information during any phase of the selection process.  Final appointment is contingent upon the candidate passing a comprehensive medical examination and psychological evaluation after receiving a conditional offer of employment.

Candidates who pass the written examination may be eligible for bonus points.   However, bonus points cannot exceed a total of 20 points added to the candidate's passing written examination grade.  All bonus points awarded will be verified.  To be considered for bonus points, all required documents MUST be submitted with your application.  If documents are not received timely, no bonus points will be awarded. 

• RESIDENCY:  Candidates who have been resident citizens within the corporate limits of the City of Akron for at least one year immediately prior to the examination and who continue to reside within the corporate limits of the City of Akron throughout the remainder of the selection process will have 15 points added to their passing written exam grade.  To be considered for residency credit, you must list on your application all addresses where you have resided in the previous 13 months including the dates you resided at each address.  If the City is unable to determine your residency, no credit will be awarded.  
• VETERANS:  Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, honorably discharged from active duty who want a bonus of 5 points added to their passing written exam grade, must submit proof of honorable discharge and dates served in the form of a DD-214 with application. 
•  EDUCATION:   Candidates who have successfully completed accredited college course work may be awarded education credit not to exceed 10 points added to their passing written exam grade.  Candidates must submit proof of college course work in the form of degrees or copies of official college transcripts with their completed application. 

DRIVER’S LICENSE:  An applicant having a valid driver's license from another state will be accepted conditionally provided that, if selected, an Ohio Driver's License must be obtained prior to appointment.  Candidates having six or more points on their driving record at the time of appointment will be disqualified from further consideration.  

Candidates must meet all minimum qualifications and requirements listed in this announcement and must pass all components of the selection process to be considered for full-time appointments as probationary Police Cadets. This position is subject to random drug testing.

NOTE:  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING YOUR APPLICATION STATUS THROUGHOUT THE STEPS IN THE SELECTION PROCESS BY VIEWING YOUR GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM ACCOUNT.  IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE UNABLE TO CHECK YOUR STATUS ON LINE, YOU MAY CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT 330-375-2720.  

Email correspondence generated from our system will be sent from info@governmentjobs.com.  To ensure you receive important communication from our office, be sure to make this address a safe sender.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Akron is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the City realize its full potential. The City benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together. In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, religion, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, membership in a collective bargaining unit, status with regard to public assistance, or political affiliation. The City adheres to these policies in both our hiring and employment practices. 

Applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications for the position with or without an accommodation.  If you are a qualified applicant with a disability, please notify the Department of Human Resources at least one week prior to testing if requesting a reasonable accommodation for the testing process.

The City of Akron is committed to protecting the safety, health and well-being of all employees in our workplace and providing the community with the highest quality municipal services possible.  Alcohol, marijuana, and drug abuse in the workplace pose a significant threat to these goals.  In furtherance of its goal to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace, the City conducts pre-employment drug screening for illegal drugs, marijuana, and the illegal, unauthorized use, or intentional misuse of prescription drugs.  Any candidate who tests positive for marijuana or the illegal use of drugs will not be hired.

Municipal government agency focusing on public safety and law enforcement training.