About Columbus Division of Police

Nicknamed “The Discovery City”, Columbus is the capital of the state of Ohio. According to the 2018 U.S. Census, Columbus had a population of 892,533, making it the most populous city in Ohio and the 14th most populous city in the United States. The city was officially founded in 1816. Columbus is also known for having one of the most diverse economies in the world.

Founded in 1816, the Columbus Division of Police (CPD) is the largest Law Enforcement Agency in the state of Ohio and the official Police Department of the city of Columbus. The CPD employs 2,264 well-trained and equipped personnel, of which 1,848 are full-time sworn officers and 416 are civilian employees. The Division has jurisdiction over 223 square miles, including 20 precincts. Each of these 20 precincts has a substation where violations of the State or Federal laws can be reported, and calls for services can be requested. The Department is divided into 6 subdivisions with the end of fulfilling different functions: Administrative, Investigative, Support Services, Patrol South, Patrol North, and Homeland Security. A Deputy Chief oversees the functioning of each division. These 6 Deputy Chiefs are in turn accountable to the Chief of Police. The CPD has many specialized units that perform specific functions like The Helicopter Unit that carries out aerial patrolling, The Mounted Unit that patrols on horseback, a Marine Park Unit and a specially trained SWAT Unit. With a total of 31 motorcycles, 460 marked patrolling cars, 410 unmarked patrolling cars, 5 helicopters, 5 boats, 154 bicycles, 10 horses for the Mounted unit and 10 K-9 Police dogs, the CPD efficiently strives to keep Columbus a safe and crime-free city.

Application forms for recruitment into the CPD can be found online. On submitting the filled application form, candidates have to take four tests, categorized as Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, and Phase IV Tests. Phase I includes a language, reading comprehension and Basic Map Reading Test. Phase II checks oral comprehension, grammar and writing skills. Phase III assesses the candidate’s interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills through a video-based test. Phase IV involves a Physical Fitness Test.  Filing of applications are scheduled by the City of Columbus Civil Service Commission as and when the necessity for new staff arises.