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DEFIANCE CITY OF 631 PERRY STREET DEFIANCE, OHIO 43512 http://www.cityofdefiance.com
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Updated: August 17, 2026
Job Classification: Entry Level Police Officer/Lateral Transfer
Testing is currently open for City of Defiance Entry Level and Lateral Transfer Police Officers.
Candidates applying as an Entry Level Police Officer must complete a Personal History Questionnaire (which will serve as your application), pass the FrontLine National Testing and Public Safety Self Assessment (PSSA) through National Testing Network prior to the deadline of TBA. Those candidates with a passing score will be required to complete a local agility test to be held in Defiance, Ohio on TBA.
Candidates applying as a Lateral Transfer Police Officer will need to complete an application available by email and an oral interview (date is TBD). Please email choman@cityofdefiance.gov for further application instructions. Visit https://cityofdefiance.gov/200/Civil-Service-Commission for details about the Requirements for Lateral Transfers. The deadline to complete all paperwork to apply as a Lateral Transfer Police Officer is TBA.
Candidates may receive Veterans Preference Credit. This additional credit will only be added to a passing score. Any candidate completing OPOTA training in the past year may submit their certificate to serve as a substitution for completing local agility testing. After completing the testing process, candidates who meet all requirements will be presented to the City of Defiance Civil Service Commission who will certify a list of those eligible for hire. The ranking will be based on the testing scores and would include any additional Veterans Preference Credit for those eligible. Candidates on the list will receive a letter with their ranking.
Salary Information: As of January 1, 2026, starting pay is $51,926.16 per year for Academy Pay and then $57,695.66 for years 0-2. Lateral transfer wages are determined by approved cumulative peace officer’s service years at the level of Patrolman/Police Officer. Years of service from pervious employment does not transfer for purposes of seniority ranking.
Benefits Information:
Department Overview: The Police Department is comprised of 30 full-time uniformed officers including a Police Chief, Assistant Police Chief, three Lieutenants and four Sergeants. Under general guidance of the shift Sergeant/Lieutenant, officers perform general police duties, investigations and other miscellaneous duties. Officers enforce laws and ordinances, respond to citizen calls for service and assist the public in any way within their power. This is a department where you can make a difference in the community you protect and serve each day. The department prides itself in working closely with the community by keeping communication open. You can join a small department where you can be a part of a case from start to finish.
City Information: The City of Defiance is located in the northwest corner of Ohio--55 miles southwest of Toledo, Ohio and 45 miles east of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The City of Defiance has an estimated population of 17,000 and serves as the county seat for Defiance County. Defiance is a chartered city with a strong mayor/strong council government.
Hiring Process: Candidates who attain a passing score of 60% on the reading, writing and video portions of the Law Enforcement-Frontline National test and a 45% on the Public Safety Self Assessment will be asked to complete the physical agility test which will be held at Defiance High School, Fred J. Brown Football Stadium, 1755 Palmer Drive, Defiance, Ohio. Any candidate completing OPOTA training in the past year may submit their certificate to the city to serve as a substitution for completion of local agility testing. All other candidates will be required to attend agility testing in Defiance, Ohio. To successfully complete this physical agility test, the candidate must meet the minimum standard for each numbered event. If he or she fails an event, the candidate is automatically disqualified. The physical agility test is pass/fail only.
The candidate, after signing the proper release, shall complete the following portion of the agility testing:
1. The candidate will complete running 2400 meters (approximately 1.5 miles) within a time determined by age and gender based on the Ohio Police Officer Basic Training Program Physical Fitness Pre-entrance Assessment Requirements.
2. The candidate will complete a number of sit-ups within one minute determined by age and gender based on the Ohio Police Officer Basic Training Program Physical Fitness Pre-entrance Assessment Requirements .
3. The candidate will complete a number of push-ups within one minute determined by age and gender based on the Ohio Police Officer Basic Training Program Physical Fitness Pre-entrance Assessment Requirements.
The City of Defiance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Age:Between the ages of 21 and 40 by time of appointment for entry level candidatesCitizenship Required:YesHigh School Grad / GED:Yes, by the time the certification list is set.Driver's License:YesAbility to Read/Speak English:YesVision:Case by case based on standard.Academy Certification:Not required but preferred before hire. Peace Officer training must be successfully completed within a reasonable amount of time after being hired.Specific Disqualifiers/Behaviors:Felony, Criminal Activity Disqualifiers: Any felony arrest where the person is convicted - does not apply to misdemeanor. Driving Disqualifiers: Valid Ohio Drivers License must be held with no driving restrictions. Drug Use Disqualifiers: Case by case based on situation..
