Description

The Columbus Police Department is currently accepting applications for police officers until March 18, 2026. Applicant testing will be held March 28th. 
2026 Salary: $74,984 – $95,979

Lateral Pay Available: Up to 8 years of prior full-time experience honored for pay & PTO

Pay Incentives & Allowances

• Specialty pay up to $3,000/year (payable after probationary year)
• Clothing allowance: $900/year
• College incentive pay: up to $2,850/year
• Military service incentive pay: up to $1,424/year
• Shift differential: 2nd shift receives 5%, 3rd shift receives 10%

Paid Time Off & Shifts

• Up to five (5) weeks of vacation time, and paid floating holidays
• 8.5-hour patrol shifts with every other weekend off
• Take-home vehicle use in Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, and Shelby counties

Health &Wellness

• City health plan members (employees and dependents) have access to medical care with no co-pay through Employer Health Partners at Nexus Park
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness program and health programs (Officers are permitted one hour to work out/exercise during shift)
• On-site police workout/fitness room

Retirement & Other Info

• 20-year retirement eligibility – 52% of First-Class Patrolman salary (maximum of 76% at 32 years of service)
• City covers 50% of employee’s pension contribution, in addition to employer costs
• Officers may have beards and visible tattoos (excluding face, neck and hands)

Learn more at: https://www.columbus.in.gov/police/careers/ 

Requirements

• Must be a United States Citizen
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must have a valid Driver’s License
• Must be at least 21 years old and not older than 39 years old when sworn-in
• Must not have a conviction in the past five years that has not been expunged for:
  • Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs
  • Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or with a blood alcohol content of .08 of higher
  • Domestic battery
• Must not have a felony conviction that has not been expunged
• Must successfully complete all phases of the hiring process