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LAKEWOOD DIVISION OF POLICE 12650 DETROIT AVENUE LAKEWOOD, OHIO 44107 2165296040 http://www.lakewoodoh.gov
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Bookmark: http://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/fullJobDetails.cfm?agencyjobid=1128&jobid=1&agentid=714
Updated: March 04, 2026
Job Classification: Full-Time Police Officer
The City of Lakewood is currently establishing an eligibility list for full-time Police Officers. Qualified candidates earning a minimum score of 70% on the online written exam and meeting the minimum requirements for the position will be placed on the eligible list and notified of their placement.
The City of Lakewood hires police officers through the Civil Service Commission. The commission requires that all eligibility list hires go through a competitive testing process before being placed on a certified eligibility list. Applicants need only to complete the online examination to apply, no separate application through the City of Lakewood is required. All applicants are required to complete the exam, personal history questionnaire, and public safety self-assessment. A copy of a valid driver’s license, high school diploma or GED, and any documentation for additional credit must be uploaded at the time of application. Deadline to apply and complete the online examination through the National Testing Network and to upload documentation for extra credit is 4pm on March 3, 2026.
Candidates who previously completed a police entry exam on or after October 1, 2025 on the National Testing Network may use that score for possible placement on Lakewood’s eligibility list. Should a candidate choose to do this, they must contact Lakewood’s Civil Service Secretary directly prior to March 3, 2026 to arrange to have this score used, and they still must upload other required documents if they have not already done so.
To remain on the eligibility list and be considered for an appointment, candidates must have a valid Tri-C certificate of Physical Agility uploaded to their profile on the National Testing Network website no later than May 1, 2026. For agility testing information, please visit the Tri-C Police Academy website at:
https://www.tri-c.edu/workforce/public-safety/law-enforcement/law-enforcement-advanced-training/physical-agility-police-officer-testing.html
Candidate Contact: James Motylewski
Civil Service Secretary
James.Motylewski@lakewoodoh.gov
216 529-6040
Salary Information: 2026 Starting salary is $80,409.13 including bonuses, plus benefits.
Benefit Information: The City of Lakewood offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, prescription, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending account. Other benefits include paid vacation and personal days, sick leave, paid holidays, paid parental leave, longevity pay, and tuition reimbursement.
Department Overview: The City of Lakewood Division of Police is comprised of 99 full time sworn officers, including the chief, three captains, four lieutenants and 10 sergeants. The remaining 81 officers serve as detectives, investigators, and patrol officers. There are a number of specialty assignments, including:
Patrol Investigator
Technology Investigator
Drone Operator
SWAT Officer
Hostage Negotiator
K-9 Officer
Field Training Officer
Bomb Technician
Plain Clothes Detective
Narcotics Detective
DARE/School Resource Officer
Neighborhood/Community Police Officer
Area Information: The City of Lakewood is a diverse community located approximately 5 miles west of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Covering a 5.6 square mile area and boasting an estimated population of 50,942,[1] Lakewood is the most densely populated community in the Greater Cleveland area.
Job Requirements (eligibility list candidates)
Age : Must be 21 years of age at the time of hire.
US Citizen : Must be a US Citizen or have legally declared intent of becoming a US Citizen.
High School Grad/GED : Must be a High School graduate or show proof of GED equivalent.
Valid OHIO State Driver's License : Must have a valid State of Ohio Driver’s License with a good driving record (six or more violation points may be cause for disqualification) or the ability to obtain an Ohio Driver’s License by start of employment.
[1] 2021 United States Census
Ability to Read/Speak English : Yes
College : A college degree is not required. However, additional credit is given with proof of a bachelor’s degree (5% of your grade) OR an associate degree (2% of your grade).
Academy Certification : OPOTC certification is not required. Successfully hired candidates that are not OPOTC certified will be sent to a Police Academy for training while earning first year’s salary. Full police academy tuition reimbursement is available for applicants who have graduated from an academy up to 12 months before hire.
Hiring Process : To be eligible for appointment, an applicant must meet all qualifications and have successfully completed required testing (written, physical agility, polygraph, and background investigation).
Following an offer of employment, applicants will be required to successfully complete comprehensive psychological and medical examinations, including a drug screen.
Additional Credits : The City offers additional credit for active service in the United States Military with an Honorable Discharge or General Discharge under Honorable Conditions. A maximum of five points will be granted for past military service; a copy of Form DD214 is required to receive the credit. With proof of residency, six credit points will be awarded to candidates residing in the City of Lakewood for a minimum of 12 months preceding the exam. If you are a Lakewood resident and qualify for this credit, please print and complete the Resident Credit Form and submit it to the Lakewood Civil Service Commission by March 3, 2026. Additionally, you will receive a one-point employment credit if you are a full-time employee of the City of Lakewood, a part time patrol officer with the Lakewood Division of Police, a member of the Lakewood Auxiliary Police, or any combination thereof for the 12 months preceding the exam.
Applicants must pass the written exam with a combined minimum score of 70% to have any additional credit applied to their score.
Disqualifiers : Past criminal acts or traffic convictions may result in disqualification from the eligible list.
Penalty for False Statement : The statements provided by a candidate in applications, addendums, resumes, interviews, or other submissions shall contain no falsifications, omissions, or concealments of material facts. Should investigation disclose willful misstatements, falsifications, or concealments with respect to statements made during the application process, the Commission may choose, at its discretion, to do the following:
· Disqualify the applicant from the examination.
· Remove the applicant’s name from the eligible list if the candidate has already taken the exam.
· Dismiss an employee if the individual has already been hired.
Any person intentionally proffering false statements on an application or otherwise during the hiring process may be prohibited from applying for employment with the City of Lakewood.The City of Lakewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer and follows all federal guidelines regarding fair and impartial hiring practices. We welcome the opportunity to recruit and select a diverse workforce.
