City of Canton
Salary & Benefits
NEW STARTING SALARY! $58,965+ Contractual Benefits
Salary Range: $58,965-$78,851
*Lateral Transfer pay determined by years of service
Employment with the City of Canton comes with an array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, paid vacations, paid holidays, a retirement plan, sick time, and personal holidays.
Applicants must apply at governmentjobs.com/careers/cantonohio. Applicants MUST submit all required documents with their application including:
Valid driver’s license
High School Diploma or GED equivalent
College degree or transcripts if applicable (may submit in lieu of high school diploma or GED)
DD-214 if applicable
Active Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Certification if applicable
To be eligible for the position under this examination, all applicants must be U.S. citizens or possess a valid permanent resident card. This is an open examination.
For application assistance, please visit https://cantonohio.gov/714/Application-Instructions
General Statement of Duties A Patrol Officer shall be responsible through intermediate supervision to the Commanding Officer of the Patrol Shift for efficient operation of their assignment in conformance with established procedures and policies. The Patrol Officer shall exercise authority with the obligations imposed upon them by oath of office and be accountable to their superior officers, promptly obeying legitimate orders.
Distinguishing Features of Class The Patrol Officer shall be available for duty at all times and respond punctually to all assignments. The individual shall familiarize themselves with administrative policy and by study and research become familiar with advance techniques and ideas designed to improve police performance.
Examples of Work The Police Officer’s area(s) of responsibility shall provide for the prevention and suppression of crime, and the protection of life and property. Apprehension and prosecution of offenders, preservation of regulatory measures, and preservation of peace. The individual shall maintain arms and equipment in a functional, presentable condition and shall conduct himself/herself in accordance with high ethical standards, both on and off duty.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of departmental operational policies and procedures. Satisfactory working relationships with superiors. Assist in the implementation of all departmental programs. He/She shall coordinate all efforts with those of other members of the department so that their teamwork may ensure continuity of purpose and maximum achievement of Police objectives.
Acceptable Experience and Training Completion of a standard high school course resulting in the awarding of a high school diploma or equivalent. A combination of experience or training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of a Police Officer.
Department Information The City of Canton Police Department (CPD) is seeking individuals who wish to make a positive impact within the community they serve. CPD desires officers who will be community-oriented and encourages all to apply, with an increased emphasis on women and other minorities. The City of Canton Police Department strives to staff our Forces with Officers that mirror the community for which we serve. The Canton Police Department has approximately 160 Officers and 30 non-sworn personnel who are active in many facets of policing and are progressive in seeking the latest in technology and training to complete our mission of serving the Hall of Fame City. Opportunities for movement include Patrol Operations, Detective Bureau, K-9 operations, Community Involvement Unit, SWAT, Coordinated Response Unit, Crime Scene Investigations, Real-Time Crime Analyst, Training Bureau, Federal Task Forces, and Metro-Narcotics operations. Click here to access the Collective Bargaining Agreements.
Job Requirements
Age Limit: 21 to 39, no officers shall be appointed after their 40th birthday. There are no exceptions.
Citizenship Required: You must be a United States citizen or possess a valid permanent resident card.
High School Graduate/GED: Must have a high school diploma or possess a G.E.D.
Valid Driver's License: You must possess a valid driver’s license issued by your state of residence.
Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes.
Vision: Must be able to distinguish primary colors.
College: Not required but a bonus will be added to your entrance exam for Associate or Bachelor’s degrees.
Academy Certification: Preferred but not required. Must be able to obtain the required Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Basic Police Training certification after hire.
Felony Conviction: An applicant who has been convicted of a felony is ineligible for this position.
Testing Process The testing process will consist of a written examination and physical fitness test, both administered by the Civil Service Commission. The passing score on the written exam is 70%. The written examination will count as 100% of your total grade and will cover the following subjects: math, reading comprehension, grammar, logical thinking, map reading, spatial reasoning, attention to detail, police knowledge, matching skills, and Microsoft Suite. The physical fitness test is pass/fail. Applicants must pass both components. An applicant’s overall passing score plus bonus credits shall be the basis for the ranking of candidates on an eligibility list. Bonus credits shall be added only if the candidate passes both test components.
The exam will be offered to qualified candidates on March 12th or 13th, 2026.
Exam Exceptions
Those who provide proof of an active OPOTA certification are exempt from the physical fitness test.
Those who completed and passed the written exam between March 12th, 2025 and March 12th, 2026 may utilize their previous score. In order to be exempt from the written exam, you must notify the Civil Service Department of your intention to use a previous score.
Repeating an Exam Per OAC Rule 123: 1-9-01, an applicant who has competed in a civil service examination cannot repeat that examination or take an examination for the same classification within FOUR MONTHS from the date of original examination, unless an alternative form of examination is given, or unless other standards are specified in the examination announcement.
Disclaimer All applicants should receive an email from noreply@governmentjobs.com confirming that their application was received. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact Civil Service at jobs@cantonohio.gov to confirm that your application went through. Once Civil Service processes applications, you will be emailed again within 5 business days. Should you not receive an email, please call our office at 330-489-3360.
Bonus Credit Information Testing Bonuses for Police Officers (40% maximum credit allowable):
Active OPOTA certification: 20% bonus
Military Service: 15-20% bonus
Bachelor's degree: 10% bonus
Associates degree in law enforcement or criminal justice: 5% bonus
To receive bonus credit for any of the above, documentation must be submitted when applicant applies. An applicant must pass both test components in order to receive any bonus credit.
Military Service As provided in ORC 124.23C, any person who has completed service in the uniformed services, who have been honorably discharged from the uniformed services or transferred to the reserve with evidence of satisfactory service, and who is an Ohio resident and any member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio National Guard, who has completed more than 180 days of active duty service pursuant to an executive order of the President of the United States or an act of Congress of the United States may file with the director a certificate of service or honorable discharge (DD-214 – Long version), and upon this filing, the person shall receive an additional credit of twenty percent (20%) of the person’s total grade given in the examination in which the person receives a passing grade.
A member in good standing of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio National Guard, who successfully completes the member’s initial entry-level training shall receive a credit of fifteen percent (15%) of the person’s total grade given in the examination in which the person receives a passing grade.
Medical & Psychological Evaluation Requirement Applicants are hereby advised that the position of employment being examined for is subject to a physical evaluation, drug test, and psychological evaluation. Accordingly, eligibility for hire is not considered final until all evaluations have been successfully completed with passing results.
Background Investigation Be advised that candidates will be subjected to a confidential background investigation, including, but not limited to, a criminal record check and a driving record check. Accordingly, eligibility for hire is not considered final until the background investigation has been successfully completed with passing results.
ADA Compliance Reasonable accommodation in accordance with ADA Compliance will be made available upon request to those qualified applicants in need of it, in order to achieve the essential job functions as described above.
Equal Employment Opportunity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for appointment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, age, type of disability, or any other non-merit factor.
BY ORDER OF CANTON CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Rachel A. Forchione, Director
Anna M. Moeglin, Assistant Director
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Salary Range: $58,965-$78,851
*Lateral Transfer pay determined by years of service
Employment with the City of Canton comes with an array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, paid vacations, paid holidays, a retirement plan, sick time, and personal holidays.
Applicants must apply at governmentjobs.com/careers/cantonohio. Applicants MUST submit all required documents with their application including:
Valid driver’s license
High School Diploma or GED equivalent
College degree or transcripts if applicable (may submit in lieu of high school diploma or GED)
DD-214 if applicable
Active Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Certification if applicable
To be eligible for the position under this examination, all applicants must be U.S. citizens or possess a valid permanent resident card. This is an open examination.
For application assistance, please visit https://cantonohio.gov/714/Application-Instructions
General Statement of Duties A Patrol Officer shall be responsible through intermediate supervision to the Commanding Officer of the Patrol Shift for efficient operation of their assignment in conformance with established procedures and policies. The Patrol Officer shall exercise authority with the obligations imposed upon them by oath of office and be accountable to their superior officers, promptly obeying legitimate orders.
Distinguishing Features of Class The Patrol Officer shall be available for duty at all times and respond punctually to all assignments. The individual shall familiarize themselves with administrative policy and by study and research become familiar with advance techniques and ideas designed to improve police performance.
Examples of Work The Police Officer’s area(s) of responsibility shall provide for the prevention and suppression of crime, and the protection of life and property. Apprehension and prosecution of offenders, preservation of regulatory measures, and preservation of peace. The individual shall maintain arms and equipment in a functional, presentable condition and shall conduct himself/herself in accordance with high ethical standards, both on and off duty.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of departmental operational policies and procedures. Satisfactory working relationships with superiors. Assist in the implementation of all departmental programs. He/She shall coordinate all efforts with those of other members of the department so that their teamwork may ensure continuity of purpose and maximum achievement of Police objectives.
Acceptable Experience and Training Completion of a standard high school course resulting in the awarding of a high school diploma or equivalent. A combination of experience or training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of a Police Officer.
Department Information The City of Canton Police Department (CPD) is seeking individuals who wish to make a positive impact within the community they serve. CPD desires officers who will be community-oriented and encourages all to apply, with an increased emphasis on women and other minorities. The City of Canton Police Department strives to staff our Forces with Officers that mirror the community for which we serve. The Canton Police Department has approximately 160 Officers and 30 non-sworn personnel who are active in many facets of policing and are progressive in seeking the latest in technology and training to complete our mission of serving the Hall of Fame City. Opportunities for movement include Patrol Operations, Detective Bureau, K-9 operations, Community Involvement Unit, SWAT, Coordinated Response Unit, Crime Scene Investigations, Real-Time Crime Analyst, Training Bureau, Federal Task Forces, and Metro-Narcotics operations. Click here to access the Collective Bargaining Agreements.
Job Requirements
Age Limit: 21 to 39, no officers shall be appointed after their 40th birthday. There are no exceptions.
Citizenship Required: You must be a United States citizen or possess a valid permanent resident card.
High School Graduate/GED: Must have a high school diploma or possess a G.E.D.
Valid Driver's License: You must possess a valid driver’s license issued by your state of residence.
Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes.
Vision: Must be able to distinguish primary colors.
College: Not required but a bonus will be added to your entrance exam for Associate or Bachelor’s degrees.
Academy Certification: Preferred but not required. Must be able to obtain the required Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Basic Police Training certification after hire.
Felony Conviction: An applicant who has been convicted of a felony is ineligible for this position.
Testing Process The testing process will consist of a written examination and physical fitness test, both administered by the Civil Service Commission. The passing score on the written exam is 70%. The written examination will count as 100% of your total grade and will cover the following subjects: math, reading comprehension, grammar, logical thinking, map reading, spatial reasoning, attention to detail, police knowledge, matching skills, and Microsoft Suite. The physical fitness test is pass/fail. Applicants must pass both components. An applicant’s overall passing score plus bonus credits shall be the basis for the ranking of candidates on an eligibility list. Bonus credits shall be added only if the candidate passes both test components.
The exam will be offered to qualified candidates on March 12th or 13th, 2026.
Exam Exceptions
Those who provide proof of an active OPOTA certification are exempt from the physical fitness test.
Those who completed and passed the written exam between March 12th, 2025 and March 12th, 2026 may utilize their previous score. In order to be exempt from the written exam, you must notify the Civil Service Department of your intention to use a previous score.
Repeating an Exam Per OAC Rule 123: 1-9-01, an applicant who has competed in a civil service examination cannot repeat that examination or take an examination for the same classification within FOUR MONTHS from the date of original examination, unless an alternative form of examination is given, or unless other standards are specified in the examination announcement.
Disclaimer All applicants should receive an email from noreply@governmentjobs.com confirming that their application was received. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact Civil Service at jobs@cantonohio.gov to confirm that your application went through. Once Civil Service processes applications, you will be emailed again within 5 business days. Should you not receive an email, please call our office at 330-489-3360.
Bonus Credit Information Testing Bonuses for Police Officers (40% maximum credit allowable):
Active OPOTA certification: 20% bonus
Military Service: 15-20% bonus
Bachelor's degree: 10% bonus
Associates degree in law enforcement or criminal justice: 5% bonus
To receive bonus credit for any of the above, documentation must be submitted when applicant applies. An applicant must pass both test components in order to receive any bonus credit.
Military Service As provided in ORC 124.23C, any person who has completed service in the uniformed services, who have been honorably discharged from the uniformed services or transferred to the reserve with evidence of satisfactory service, and who is an Ohio resident and any member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio National Guard, who has completed more than 180 days of active duty service pursuant to an executive order of the President of the United States or an act of Congress of the United States may file with the director a certificate of service or honorable discharge (DD-214 – Long version), and upon this filing, the person shall receive an additional credit of twenty percent (20%) of the person’s total grade given in the examination in which the person receives a passing grade.
A member in good standing of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio National Guard, who successfully completes the member’s initial entry-level training shall receive a credit of fifteen percent (15%) of the person’s total grade given in the examination in which the person receives a passing grade.
Medical & Psychological Evaluation Requirement Applicants are hereby advised that the position of employment being examined for is subject to a physical evaluation, drug test, and psychological evaluation. Accordingly, eligibility for hire is not considered final until all evaluations have been successfully completed with passing results.
Background Investigation Be advised that candidates will be subjected to a confidential background investigation, including, but not limited to, a criminal record check and a driving record check. Accordingly, eligibility for hire is not considered final until the background investigation has been successfully completed with passing results.
ADA Compliance Reasonable accommodation in accordance with ADA Compliance will be made available upon request to those qualified applicants in need of it, in order to achieve the essential job functions as described above.
Equal Employment Opportunity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for appointment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation, age, type of disability, or any other non-merit factor.
BY ORDER OF CANTON CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Rachel A. Forchione, Director
Anna M. Moeglin, Assistant Director
#J-18808-Ljbffr