FAQs

Do I have to be a police academy graduate to become a Police Recruit?
- No. the Dayton Police Department runs its own state certification Academy. Recruits who successfully complete the OPOTC certification requirements are promoted to full-time Dayton Police Officers upon graduating from the academy.

Do I have to live at the Academy?
- No. Recruits train at the academy during the day and return to their own homes each evening.

Will I have to pay to attend Dayton’s Academy?
- No. Dayton PD pays its Police Recruits as full-time employees, including benefits while they attend the Dayton Police Academy.

back to top

I have a relative with a criminal background, will that affect my chances of getting on the department?
- Probably not, but each case is decided based on the evidence
obtained during the background investigation. If you have
concerns, bring the issue to the attention of your background
investigator.

I have some “issues” in my background. Can I still become a Dayton Police Officer?
- That depends.  Most issues are handled on a case-by-case basis.  Some are cause for immediate disqualification.  If you have a question about a specific issue, speak to your background investigator about it. For a list of disqualifiers, click here.

What does the background investigation cover?
- Previous employment, military service record, criminal record,
driving record, credit history, high school & college transcripts,
drug use, alcohol use, truthfulness, and character. Plus anything
else that would be relevant.

back to top

I don’t really want to be a police officer. Can I start out as a detective, or CSI?
- No. All detectives and CSIs on the Dayton Police Department
started out as police officers. The reason for this is that street
patrol duties give officers the unique experience and perspective needed to become a good investigator. Police Officer is the entry level position for all sworn positions on the Dayton Police Department.

Does the Dayton Police Department require a college degree?
- No. The only requirement is a high school diploma or GED. However,
Officers who have degrees receive a yearly pay bonus.

Will I have to buy a lot of equipment?
- No. The Dayton Police Department provides all weapons and most gear, including a ballistic vest and helmet. We also provide the first
sets of summer and winter uniforms and outerwear.

back to top

Are there any age restrictions?
- Must be at least 20 years of age at time application is filed. Must be at least 21 years of age, and must not have reached one's 35th birthday at time of appointment to the position of Dayton Police Officer.

Can I choose my shift/assignment?
- New officers are assigned where manpower is needed, so you
probably won’t get to choose your assignment or shift at the
beginning of your career, but that will change as you gain seniority.

What is the salary and benefits?
- Click here for the salary and benefits page.

Am I requird to reside in the City of Dayton in order to apply or work for the City of Dayton?
- No. The municipal residency requirement was abolished in 2009, meaning all full-time city employees, including Police Officers, may reside in the location of their choice. However, it is a good idea to locate within a reasonable distance from the city's center in order to facilitate quick response during emergencies and eliminate lengthy drive times to and from court appearances.

Why is minor misdemeanor drug possession conviction a disqualifying event?
- Recent State of Ohio case law declares a person to be disabled for purposes of carrying a weapon if they have been convicted of certain drug crimes, including minor misdemeanor drug possession. If you believe you may be affected by this law, contact the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy for further information.

Is there a physical fitness assessment?
- On the first day of the academy the State of Ohio requires that all new recruits take a physical fitness assessment consisting of a timed run, sit-ups and push-ups. Recruits must pass this assessment at the 15th percentile of the Cooper Fitness Standards in order to continue their employment as Police Recruits. To graduate from the academy, the state requires recruits to pass the same physical fitness assessment at the 50th percentile of the Cooper Fitness Standards.