The Columbus Police Department is accepting applications for the position of police officer. Lt. Matt Harris, department spokesman, says that applicants must be at least 21-years-old and less than 36-years-old 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. College graduates and military veterans are encouraged to apply.

Harris says the 2018 starting salary for a Patrol Officer is $49,428. Benefits include an 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.

Applications will be accepted until April 6th. The first step of the testing process, a written test, will be offered on Saturday, April 21st.

Applications can be downloaded online at www.columbus.in.gov/police/info-documents/sworn-officer-application-2/ or picked up in the Personnel Office inside Columbus City Hall. Applications will also be available in the Columbus Human Rights Office.