Lateral Officer Academy

Join the Cincinnati Police Department through an expedited 12-week academy!

Requirements:

Must possess a current Ohio Police Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) police officer certification.
- Out-of-State police officers, click HERE for information on how to obtain your OPOTC license through OPOTA.
Must be employed full-time as a peace officer (minimum 32 hours/weekly with ONE agency).
Must have a minimum of two years experience as a peace officer.
Must be employed by a law enforcement agency that has jurisdictional authority to make felony and misdemeanor arrests, as well as patrol city, county, and state roadways.
The following employment agencies do not meet the requirements listed above:
- Health Care Facility
- Mental Hospital Care Facility
- Park Police and/or Ranger Agency
- Correctional Facility
If selected for a conditional offer, the applicant must reside in Hamilton (OH), Butler (OH), Warren (OH), Clermont (OH), Boone (KY), Campbell (KY), Kenton (KY), Franklin (IN), or Dearborn (IN) County Resident by date of appointment to the Police Academy and remain a resident for the length of employment.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Why Transfer to Cincinnati?

Upon graduation, starting pay equal to prior experience (top-level pay at five years’ experience is $94,936/year).
Able to take promotional exams after three years of service to Cincinnati, and the opportunity to apply for specialized assignments such as investigator after the one-year probationary period.
Expedited 12-week academy to bring officers up to date on city and state laws, as well as department tactics/regulations.
Serve urban and suburban sections of the city’s vast landscape that feature unique law enforcement opportunities and interactions with the diverse population.

Hiring Process:

STEP 1

Complete an Application.

We will begin accepting applications in June of 2025 (exact opening date TBD).

STEP 2

Complete a Personal History Statement.

The candidate will have two weeks to complete this online statement. The PHS will include employment history, references, and personal background information.

STEP 3

Take the Physical Ability Test.

1-minute push-ups, 1-minute sit-ups, and a 300m run.

STEP 4

Background Investigation and Polygraph

A background investigator will verify information submitted in the candidate’s submitted PHS, and a polygraph will be administered to verify the truthfulness of the candidate.

STEP 5

Oral Interview

In-person interviews will be conducted by a panel of representatives from the Cincinnati Police Department.

STEP 6

Conditional Job Offer.

At the discretion of the Chief of Police, eligible candidates will be granted a conditional offer of employment.

STEP 7

Complete a Medical and Psychological Evaluation.

After receiving a conditional offer, candidates will be given a medical and psychological evaluation. These evaluations will ensure that the candidate has no physical or mental conditions that would restrict their ability to safely perform the functions required for the Cincinnati Police Department.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I’m a police officer from out-of-state. Can I apply?

Yes! However, you must first take part in OPOTA’s reciprocity program that can be found HERE. Prior to applying, you must have completed this process and possess your OPOTC license. You can expect the process to take 2-3 months, so start now. For more information, please contact OPOTA at 800-346-7682

I’ve already been through a police academy. Why do I need to go through a 12-week course with Cincinnati?

Cincinnati Police Officers are expected to enforce the Cincinnati Municipal Code (CMC) in addition to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). Additionally, every department has its own set of rules and regulations, as well as tactics for the situations officers encounter throughout the course of their work. This 12-week academy is designed to prepare lateral officers for success within the Cincinnati Police Department by bringing them up to speed on these topics.

When will the lateral academy begin?

An exact starting date is TBD, but it is anticipated to be in mid-to-late November of 2025. This information will be finalized once a date for applications in June is determined.

Will I be paid as a new officer at Cincinnati, or will I get paid based on my years of experience?

You will be paid at your years of experience and will coincide with the chart below:

Years Of Experience	Salary
Police Officer Year Two	$83,296.84
Police Officer Year Three	$86,239.99
Police Officer Year Four	$89,190.84
Police Officer Year Five	$94,936.42