SIDNEY — The search is on to hire several new police officers to join the Sidney Police Department.
“The Sidney Police Department has recently opened up our hiring process for a law enforcement position,” said Chief Will Balling. “We need to recruit people who can be the potential leaders in this critical field moving forward. We are looking for individuals who have our core values of professionalism, courage, compassion and integrity.”
Balling noted that 2020 was a difficult year for law enforcement due to COVID-19 and calls for police reform, but emphasized it is still a “very honorable profession that has the ability to help so many people every day.”
“The department is authorized to have 38 sworn officers, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are down to 36 officers on staff. We anticipate hiring possibly two to three officers,” Balling said. This is due to retirements, as we anticipate we will have a few people retire this year. We have a part-time dispatcher position open also.”
The starting salary for an officer is $55,193.47 annually for the job, and the city of Sidney is offering an education bonus up to $1,800, and fitness bonus up to $1,700.
Other benefits include: Longevity pay after five years, 11 paid holidays, 80 hours of paid vacation, personal time after six months of employment, paid sick leave and a yearly clothing allowance.
The city of Sidney is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities are encouraged to apply.
Each candidate must meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Candidates have until April 5, 2021, to apply.
Each person must complete and submit the city of Sidney application for employment along with a copy of their high school diploma, copy of DD-214 for veterans credit (if applicable) and copy of Peace Officers certification for the state of Ohio (if applicable).
Candidates must also register for the National Testing Network at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com , complete their application and personal history questionnaire, and take the test by April 5. Each candidate must register and complete the personnel history questionnaire prior to reporting to the testing facility.
If a candidate does not have the Ohio Peace Officer certification, the city of Sidney will send he or she to the Ohio Highway Patrol Academy for training. Balling said individuals with questions should contact Police Capt. William Shoemaker at 937-538-6660 or by email at [email protected]
A city of Sidney application to apply for the police officer (or dispatcher) position is available at https://www.sidneyoh.com/Jobs.aspx
