POLICE OFFICER, FT in Vandalia, Ohio at City of Vandalia

The Police Officer is responsible for preserving the peace, the protection of life and property, law enforcement, implementation of crime prevention measures, and the apprehension of criminals; provides emergency medical care; serves as criminal investigator.

Click here to review our recruitment brochure.

A challenging and rewarding career awaits you as a Police Officer with the Vandalia, Ohio Division of Police. A detailed job description is included in this material. We are a nationally-accredited agency that emphasizes community policing and exceptional service. We serve a progressive community situated in the northeastern portion of Montgomery County, adjacent to Interstates 70 and 75 and Dayton International Airport. Our community has a diverse commercial and industrial base with a population of approximately 15,000.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

45% 1. Patrols assigned area in police cruiser or on foot to serve citizens and enforce governing laws and City ordinances; responds to citizen complaints; interviews witnesses to crimes, accidents, and disturbances; arrests persons in violation of laws and ordinances; checks doors and windows and examines premises of unoccupied buildings or residences to detect suspicious conditions; acts as peace officer in fights and domestic disturbances; conducts crime investigations; secures crime scene, takes photographs, and lifts fingerprints.

30% 2. Directs traffic flow and enforces traffic and parking laws; issues traffic violation tickets; conducts preliminary investigations; prepares detailed diagrams of crime and traffic accident scenes; obtains and separates witnesses; takes initial statements; lays groundwork for follow-up investigation work; prepares suspect composites; collects and preserves evidence; conducts follow-up investigation of reported crimes, investigates juvenile matters, and recommends disposition.

10% 3. Generates detailed reports documenting daily activities, stolen property, incidents, complaints, investigations, missing persons, accidents, crime scenes, etc., as required in a timely manner; maintains appropriately documented records in accordance with department policy.

10% 4. Maintains order in crowds; attends public gatherings (e.g., funerals, parades, etc.); provides security escorts and traffic control; attends fires or accidents in assigned area as directed; responds to emergency situations; transports prisoners; appears in court and at the grand jury to provide testimony regarding incidents, investigations, and results of inquiries.

5. Attends meetings and serves on committees, as directed; attends training and seminars, as directed.

6. Maintains required licensure or certification, if any.

7. Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.

8. Demonstrates regular, predictable, punctual attendance.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

5% 1. Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Benefits Include:

• Group Health Care to include Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Coverage
• Group Life Insurance
• Workers' Compensation Protection and Occupational Injury Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Recreation Benefits
• Ohio Police & Fire Pension

Vandalia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and ADA Compliant. Women and Minorities are Encouraged to Apply

• Be at least 21 years old at time of appointment and have a valid Driver's License.
• Must be a United States Citizen.

  
  

  They must also:
  

• Possess or earn, before appointment, certification as an Ohio Peace Officer.
• Possess or earn, upon or after appointment, certification as an Ohio Emergency Medical Responder.
• Obtain satisfactory scores on all phases of the qualification process.
• Successfully pass other screening tests as required prior to appointment, including an extensive background check, physical/drug test, psychological and truth verification tests and credit check.

The following qualifications are desirable: Applicants with one or more of them will receive preference:

• Current Ohio Police Officer Certification (You must submit certification or evidence of academy completion)
• An Associate's Degree or greater or 60 semester hours' or 90 quarter hours' credit from an accredited university or college.
• Full-time service with a police agency.

Potential Candidates Should Note:

• Vandalia Division of Police upholds grooming standards in accordance with City of Vandalia Personnel Rules.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employee works in the vicinity of floor or wall openings, elevated platforms, and/or runways; ascends and/or descends ladders, stairs, or scaffolds; works in a confined space; works in an area in which the means of egress is or can be obstructed; works on and around powered platforms and/or vehicle mounted platforms (e.g., manlifts, firetrucks); is exposed to environmental conditions which may result in injury from fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and/or poorly ventilated work areas; is exposed to possible injury from extremely noisy conditions above 85db; uses or works in the proximity of the use of firearms; is exposed to possible injury from hazardous gases, chemicals, flammables, or air contaminants; is exposed to possible injury due to unclean or unsanitary conditions; is exposed to possible injury as a result of electrical shock; is exposed to possible injury as a result of falling from high places; is exposed to possible injury from explosions; has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); works in or around crowds; has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons or vicious animals or life threatening situations; has exposure to fire, hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions; has exposure to hazardous driving conditions; may be required to work second or third shifts and/or rotating shift; is periodically exposed to blood and other bodily fluids; this is considered heavy work and the employee must demonstrate the ability to perform the physical demands required of the position in accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor's physical demands strength ratings.

In cases of emergency, unpredictable situations, and/or department needs, may be required to lift, push, pull, and/or carry objects heavier than D.O.L. strength ratings recommend.

Please submit an application, a resume, cover letter, and scanned certifications or evidence of academy completion if applicable. The starting pay rate for this position is $75,855.52 and includes a robust benefits package.

Disqualification from this process does not preclude a candidate's future reapplication for other vacancies.

Click here to review our recruitment brochure.

A challenging and rewarding career awaits you as a Police Officer with the Vandalia, Ohio Division of Police. We are a nationally-accredited agency that emphasizes community policing and exceptional service. We serve a progressive community situated in the northeastern portion of Montgomery County, adjacent to Interstates 70 and 75 and Dayton International Airport. Our community has a diverse commercial and industrial base with a population of approximately 15,000.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The base Vandalia Police Officer starting salary is $75,855.52 (with no qualifying experience). For lateral candidates, the starting salary will be based on previous law enforcement experience. Police Officers receive shift differential pay, paid vacation days and holiday pay.

Additional Benefits Include:

• Group Health Care to include Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Coverage
• Group Life Insurance
• Workers' Compensation Protection and Occupational Injury Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Recreation Benefits
• Ohio Police & Fire Pension

ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS

• Complete Vandalia's Online Employment Application, available on the city website at www.vandaliaohio.org.
• Submit a resume, cover letter explaining your interest in joining our agency, and proof of any relevant certifications.
• Application materials must be submitted ONLINE, no later than June 12th, 2026 at 11:59pm

TESTING PROCEDURES AND QUALIFICATION PROCESS

The process for establishing a provisional eligibility register and appointing Police Officers has seven successive steps:

Phase 1. Timely Submission of Application, Resume, Cover Letter, and any certifications.

Phase 2. A Truth Verification Examination

The truth verification results will not be the single determinant of employment status. This examination is an investigative aid, which will be used together with other information to support decisions relevant to employment status.

The following is a list of areas from which truth verification questions will be drawn:

• Personal Identity
• Record of Arrest
• Commission of Crimes
• Alcohol and Drug Usage
• Employment History
• Financial History
• Incidents Involving Weapons
• Responses Given in the City's Employment Application
• Responses Given in the Applicant Personal History Questionnaire

Phase 3. First Oral Interview

Candidates who pass the Truth Verification exam will be invited to the first of two interviews. This review board will include two Police Division employees, a Police Lieutenant, and a Vandalia Citizen.

Phase 4. Second Oral Interview

During each interview, candidates will be asked a uniform set of questions to measure specific attributes. All answers will be uniformly rated and recorded on a standardized form by each member of the interview board. Final candidate standings will be determined by the scores of the Second Oral Interview.

THE FOLLOWING PHASES ARE PASS/FAIL

Phase 5. A Thorough Background Investigation and psych exam

The background investigation will include:

A. Verification of qualifying credentials

B. A review of the candidate's criminal record, if any

C. A review of the candidate's financial history

D. An interview with at least three personal references

E. Verification of previous education and employment

Phase 6. A Medical Evaluation (drug screen/OP &F Physical)

A medical examination will be conducted to identify problems that might inhibit work performance, shorten a career or contribute to work-related disabilities. A drug screen will be included in this examination.

Failure to complete the application form accurately, along with resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications will constitute grounds for rejection. The failure to truthfully disclose all material and relevant information shall also constitute grounds for rejection or, if discovered subsequent to appointment, dismissal.

Vandalia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and ADA Compliant. Women and Minorities are Encouraged to Apply