The Columbus Police Department is now accepting applications for prospective police officers. Department spokesman Matt Harris says that applicants must be at least 21 years of age and less than 36 years of age when hired. Prospective applicants must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent and complete all aspects of the hiring process and training program. Harris says that college graduates and military veterans are encouraged to apply.

Officials say the starting salary for a Patrol Officer is $48,458. Benefits include: assigned “take home” patrol car, 8.5 hour shift with two weekends off per month, vacation time and paid holidays, shift differential pay, college credit allowance, military incentive pay, longevity pay, clothing allowance and specialty unit pay. PERF retirement is available after 20 years of service.

Additional details can be found online at columbus.in.gov/police/about/careers/. Applications will be accepted until October 31st. The first step of the testing process, a written test, will be offered on Saturday, November 11th.

Harris says that applications can be downloaded online or picked up in the Personnel Office and the Columbus Human Rights Office inside of Columbus City Hall.