Ohio City Drops Maximum Age Limit for Hiring New Police Officers

An Ohio police department dropped its maximum age restriction for new officers last week in an effort to attract a larger pool of candidtes.

The Springfield City Commission eliminated the age limit for police officers Aug. 15, the Springfield News-Sun reports. Ohio law establishes 35 as the maximum age for officers, but it gives local lawmakers some latitude to change that age.

Currently, the Springfield Police Division has 111 officers, but the department needs nearly 20 more officers to be considered fully staffed. By eliminating the maximum age restriction, city officials hope to attract a new group of candidates who might not have considered a career in law enforcement because they were previously too old to apply. Although the department no longer maximum age for officers, candidates must be at least 20½ years old to apply and 21 to become a certified officer.

“We feel like we are missing out on a lot of opportunities,” City Manager Bryan Heck told the News-Sun. “To receive full retirement benefits from the military now, you have to stay active for 20 years. Let’s say someone enlisted at 18. At full retirement, they would be 38 years old. According to the state max, you would not be eligible to become a police officer for the first time. So this allows additional opportunities for members of our community who want to serve and make a great impact.”

The move puts Springfield in line with the policies of other local law enforcement agencies. The Clark County Sheriff's Office also has dropped the state's maximum age requirement. The agency's corrections officers can be 18 years old, but deputies have to be at least 21.

But Sheriff Deb Burchett says the agency is still struggling with attracting enough candidates to fill openings, a problem that is plaguing law enforcement across the country.

Along with expanding the hiring pool, Police Chief Allison Elliott said she hopes hiring older officers will expand the knowledge and experience base for the department. Right now, she says the department represents five generations of officers.

“Over time we have seen a shift in how generations see the workforce, and we believe we can offer an opportunity to those who have entered the workforce and changed jobs or careers a couple of times,” said Elliot. “They can bring that life experience, that work experience and a different level of maturity, perspective and diversity of thought” to enhance police efforts.

Civil service applications are being accepted until Sept. 3, and Springfield police candidates can qualify for training through the Clark State College Police Academy, which allows them to be paid while they're enrolled. Current police officers have been spreading the word about department openings on social media, as well. 

“I’ve seen officers repost the job listing and talk about how much they enjoy working for the city," said Assistant Mayor Rob Rue. "Congratulations to the leadership, because when you get your own staff trumpeting ‘Come work with us,’ that’s really great."

While the maximum age requirement has been eliminated, the minimum age to apply remains 20 and a half, and it is 21 to become a certified police officer.

According to Elliott, those interested in a career with the city police force can qualify for training through the Clark State College Police Academy and earn pay while they complete their required studies.

Civil Service applications are the first step in the process and are currently being accepted until Sept. 3. Access to the applications is available on the city’s website under listing for employment opportunities and a link is also available from the police division’s Facebook page.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office does not have a maximum age requirement, 

“If they can do the job, they can be hired,” Burchett said.