Columbus Police accepting applications for officer position

The Columbus Police Department is now accepting applications for the position of police officer. Officials say that applicants must be at least 21 years of age and less than 36 years of age when hired. Prospective applicants must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent and complete all aspects of the hiring process and training program. College graduates, military veterans, and persons with law enforcement experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications can be downloaded online at columbus.in.gov/police/info-documents/sworn-officer-application-2/ or picked up inside the Personnel Office in Columbus City Hall. Applications will also be available in the Columbus Human Rights Office.

A department press release says the 2019 salary range for a Patrol Officer is $51,428- $62,128. Officers are assigned a “take home” patrol car with usage in Bartholomew and adjoining counties and work 8.5 hour shifts with two weekends off per month. Officers also receive vacation time and paid holidays, shift differential pay (5% for 2nd shift and 10% for 3rd shift), college credit allowance up to $2,850.00, military incentive pay up to $1424.00, clothing allowance of $900 per year, specialty unit pay up to $3000.00 per year. PERF retirement is available after 20 years of service.

Applications will be accepted until February 17, 2019. The first step of the testing process, a written test, will be offered on Saturday, March 2, 2019.