The City of Lorain is looking for applicants interested in the challenge of a Police career. The Lorain Police Department is rich in tradition and has a history of providing quality law enforcement service to the community. Our personnel have shown they are committed to make Lorain a safe city for our residents and visitors. This commitment is demonstrated by their dedication, hard work, and proactive policing philosophy, which they use on a daily basis. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Lorain Police Department, please review the following :

• Must be a United States citizen
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Must be at least 21 years of age and not yet 35 years of age
• Must possess an unrestricted Ohio driver's license (except for corrective lenses).
• Must agree to abide by the City of Lorain's Civil Service rules, Aministrative Directives, and the Lorain Police Department Operations Manual (which includes rules, regulations, policies, and procedures)
• Upon receiving a passing score, your name will be placed on a list of eligibles. Veteran’s credit of 20% (required by state law), will be granted to those individuals who show certified proof of Honorable Discharge pursuant to state law and the Local Rules of the Lorain Civil Service Commission prior to establishment of the Police Officer eligibility list.

Additional Lorain Police Department Requirements

• Must have no felony convictions
• Must not be on probation for any crime at the time of the application
• Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation relating, including but not limited to driving records, criminal records, alcohol and drug use, and financial responsibility records, polygraph, psychological exam, and physical exam.
• Must not make any false statement concerning a "material fact" in the application process. A "material fact" is any fact concerning the applicant, which, if brought to the attention of the Police Department, would result in the applicant's rejection from the selection process. Grounds for rejection include falsification of the application by omission or deception in the areas of:
  • Employment information
  • Criminal activity (misdemeanor and/or felony)
  • Theft from employer(s)
  • Illegal drug usage
  • Driving history
  • Military history
• Undesirable conduct in the area of integrity, discipline, commitment, or reliability may cause an applicant to be disqualified.
• Must have a stable employment record. Instability may include the inability to maintain steady employment as well as gross abuse of standards, incompetency, or aberrant behavior during a single employment.
• Must not have a credit history which could result in criminal prosecution (i.e. failure to pay child support) or conduct which appears intended to defraud or harm just creditors

Veteran’s Preference:
In order to receive veterans preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 to your application and check the appropriate box on the application form.

Applicants are required to complete and pass each of the following to be placed on an eligibility list:

• Written Examination - The written portion of the exam is designed to test the candidate’s ability in the following areas: Ability to learn and apply police information, ability to remember details, verbal ability, ability to accurately complete forms, interpret maps and accident diagrams, ability to use judgment and logic. A study guide designed to be used immediately prior to the exam will be used. You must pass the written exam with at least 70% in order to take the agility exam.
• Agility Examination - The agility portion of the exam is designed to test the endurance and agility necessary to perform the duties of a Lorain Police Officer. The examination is pass/fail. You must pass the agility exam for your name to be placed on the eligibility list.
• Extensive Background Investigation - The background investigation includes, but is not limited to, previous employment, traffic and criminal checks, education, financial responsibility, and character references as previously outlined.
• Polygraph - A polygraph test is administrated to the candidate.
• Psychological Examination - The psychological examination includes an oral interview and completion of the MMPI and CPI tests which are interpreted by a licensed practitioner trained to evaluate results of both tests. Additional testing may be required.
• Extensive Physical Examination - Physical examinations include a complete medical examination and evaluation.
• Drug Screening - Complete blood testing is performed to check for any illegal substance.

The Lorain Police Department will provide approximately 700 hours of instruction in a Basic Police Academy . During this training, recruits receive a salary. Successful completion of the basic academy is mandatory for continued employment. Training includes showing a proficiency (through written examinations and/or demonstration) in the areas of Ohio criminal laws, First Aid/CPR, Firearms, Emergency Driving, human relations, communications, etc.

Following the Basic Academy, specialized local training is conducted by the Lorain Police Department. Upon completion of both training phases, recruits are sworn in and begin a 16 week Field Officer Training Program where they receive on-the-job training from an experienced patrol officer.

Longevity Pay

Employees begin accruing longevity pay credits upon completion of 36 months of continuous service with the City. Longevity is paid on a bi-weekly basis.

Higher Position Pay

Employees authorized to perform the duties of a position classification one level above their own position classification are paid an additional 14% if the duties are performed.

Afternoon & Night Shift Pay Differential

Officers who work Afternoon Shift are entitled to 35 cents an hour shift differential pay, and officers who work the Night Shift are entitled to 40 cents an hour.

The benefits that await those who become Lorain Police Officers are:

• Vacation: 2 weeks annual leave with full pay after one year. 3 weeks after 7 years, 4 weeks after 14 years, 5 weeks after 24 years. (Leave may be modified based on prior service with a government agency.)

• Sick Leave: 112 hours sick leave earned per year, unlimited accumulation. Upon separation from service, an employee with 25 years of service shall be paid 100% of a maximum of 960 hours of accrued sick leave at the employees base rate of pay.

• Holidays: Each officer is entitled to 112 hours of holiday time per year.

• Injured on Duty Pay

• Retirement Program: The Program is administered by the Police and Fireman’s Disability and Pension Board of Ohio. Police officers are excluded from the Social Security System.

• Paid employment health plan

• Life Insurance of $25,000

• Uniform Allowance: $ 620.00 per year paid annually for uniforms and $ 150.00 annually for maintenance of uniforms

• Longevity Pay: After 3 years of service, an officer receives $ 659.71 in longevity pay. Longevity pay is increased every year after that based on the number of years of service.

• Tuition Reimbursement Program: 100% of approved course work

• College Incentive Program: $ 1080 annually for an Associates Degree and $1440 annually for a Bachelor’s Degree

• Bereavement Pay

• Physical Fitness Incentive Program

• Military Buyback Program

• Military Reserve and National Guard paid leave benefits, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code and Collective Bargaining Agreement

• Time and a half pay, or compensatory time received for Overtime worked.

The City of Lorain provides all duty-required:

• Uniforms
• Leather Goods
• Footwear
• Coats
• Hats
• Weapons

Officers receive the above as initial issue. Thereafter, officers are provided with a yearly clothing allowance and it becomes their responsibility, excluding weapons and vehicles.

Officers become eligible for promotion through time in service/grade, and written examinations.