Lorain Police patrol vehicle positioned on an airport runway

Start Your Career with the Lorain Police Department

The Lorain Police Department offers multiple pathways for individuals committed to service, professionalism, and public safety.

Hiring occurs periodically based on operational needs and budget authorization. Individuals interested in future opportunities are encouraged to submit a Recruitment Interest Form.

Choose Your Path →

Group of Police Academy Graduates

Ages 21 or Older...

Apply for Police Officer (Patrol)

Qualified candidates who meet Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission standards may apply for sworn Patrol Officer positions during active hiring cycles.

Officers begin in Patrol and may pursue advancement into:

  • Patrol Impact Team (PIT)
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Narcotics & Special Investigations
  • Traffic Division
  • SWAT
  • K-9
  • Marine Patrol
  • Crisis Negotiations
  • School Resource Officer
  • Community Out-Reach Team
  • Drone Operations
Class of Graduated Police Auxiliary for 2025

Under 21?

Start in the Police Auxiliary Program

Individuals who are not yet 21 years old may begin their service through the Police Auxiliary Program.

Auxiliary members:

  • Assist with community events
  • Support traffic control operations
  • Gain exposure to department operations
  • Receive training and experience

Upon reaching 21 and meeting eligibility requirements, Auxiliary members may pursue Patrol Officer positions.

This pathway allows motivated individuals to begin building experience early.

Dispatcher sitting in communications room.

Dispatch Careers

Dispatchers serve as the critical link between the public and responding officers.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Receiving emergency and non-emergency calls
  • Prioritizing and dispatching calls for service
  • Managing radio communications
  • Accurately documenting call information

Dispatch professionals must demonstrate strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.

Hiring occurs based on staffing needs.

Interested individuals should complete the form below and contact Rose White at Rosemary_White@cityoflorain.org

Dispatcher Application

  1. Police Dispatcher Application
Officer beside a member of the community

College Internship Program

The Lorain Police Department offers internship opportunities for students pursuing criminal justice or related academic programs.

Internships may fulfill academic police-hour requirements and provide exposure to:

  • Patrol operations (observational, when authorized)
  • Administrative and records functions
  • Community engagement initiatives

Availability varies by semester and departmental capacity.

Compensation & Benefits 

(Patrol Officer)

  • Starting hourly rate of $35.76 after one year
  • Ohio Police & Fire Pension participation
  • Take-home patrol vehicle program
  • 12.5-hour shifts
  • Paid training and equipment
  • Incentive pay for higher education
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • On-site gym and additional benefits

Compensation and assignments vary based on position, certification, and departmental needs.

Minimum Qualifications (Patrol Officer)

Applicants must:

  • Be OPOTC certified or enrolled in a police academy
  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Possess a valid Ohio driver’s license
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent

All candidates must complete required background, medical, and psychological evaluations.

Interested in a Future Opportunity?

The Lorain Police Department hires in structured cycles based on staffing and operational needs.

Whether you are ready to pursue Patrol, interested in starting in Auxiliary, exploring Dispatch, or seeking an internship, we encourage you to submit a Recruitment Interest Form.

Recruitment Contact

Recruitment Office

Phone: (440) 204-2185

Email: LPDCommunityOutreach@cityoflorain.org

Address: Lorain Police Department 100 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052