Hiring Process

Hiring Process Contact

Alan Hayes
(Deputy Chief)
812-376-2619
email


 
City Personnel Office

Office
812-376-2570

FAX
812-376-2579

Address
123 Washington St.
Columbus,IN 47203

Personnel Website


 

Requirements for Employment

The following are the requirements to become a police officer with the Columbus Police Department:

  • Must be a United States Citizen;
  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent;
  • Must have a valid Indiana Driver's License;
  • Must successfully complete all phases of the hiring process to be considered for employment.

To download an application, click here.

Hiring Process

The Columbus Police Department (CPD) is continually seeking qualified applicants for the position of police officer. CPD offers a challenging and rewarding career and opportunities to serve the community in a variety of ways. The Department has a tradition of strict hiring standards, extensive training, state of the art equipment and technology, and professionalism. CPD is highly regarded in the law enforcement community and one of the most sought after departments for those seeking a career in policing.

Our hiring process is a competitive process and is generally conducted once per year. Applicants compete against each other in terms of qualifications and performance in the various phases of the hiring process. While not required, a college education, law enforcement experience, and/or military service will improve an applicant's standing. Those applicants who pass all phases of the hiring process are placed on an eligibility list for future openings. CPD's hiring process and benefit package are described below.

The hiring process includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Written aptitude test;
  • Physical agility testing; (click here for a detailed description - we require successful completion of ILEAs EXIT Standards, NOT the entry standards)
  • Interview with line personnel;
  • Executive board interview;
  • Background examination

After an offer of employment is extended, the following will be completed:

  • Truth verification interview;
  • Psychological evaluation;
  • Successful completion of: probationary year, including Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, and Field Training Program.
2008 Salary
Probationary Officer's Salary $39,482.82
Patrol Officer's Salary $41,571.92
 
Benefits
  • Take Home Vehicles*
  • Overtime Compensation Benefits
  • Life insurance / Health Insurance Plan
  • Military Incentive Pay* (minimum $178.00 and maximum $1,424.00)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Shift differential wage incentive (2nd shift receives 5%, 3rd shift receives 10%)
  • Wellness Program and Health Programs
  • Vacation Time and Paid Holidays
  • College Credit Allowance* (minimum $250.00 and maximum $2,850.00
  • Public Employee Retirement Fund (city pays 50% of employee's share in addition to city's cost)
  • Longevity paid in two year increments up to maximum per year of $5,050.00
  • Clothing Allowance is $900.00

*Payable after probationary year

New officers rotate for one year before becoming eligible to bid on shift assignments.

Applications are being accepted at the City of Columbus Personnel Office.

 


Local Websites
Meth Watch | BC D.A.R.E. | Dispatch Center | Columbus Area Alerts | Local Ordinances

Missing Persons
Missing - Exploited Children | Doe Network
Nations Missing Children Organization

Homeland Security
Terrorist Threat Level | U.S. Dept of Homeland Security | Ready AmericaIndiana Alert Network

Other Links
Sex Offender Registry | Indiana Criminal Code Barth. Co. Sheriff's Dept. | ISP| ATF | FBI | DEA

The information on this website is monitored for dated material. If for some reason you stumble upon material that is expired or reflects an event that occurred in the past, please contact the webmaster of the Columbus Police Department. Please contact CPD whenever relying on dated material to ensure it's accurancy.