Overview
The Cleveland Department of Public Safety strives to meet its objectives by providing efficient and effective service, establishing public trust through the development of strong partnerships within the community, and by focusing on public safety and improving the quality of life in Cleveland neighborhoods.
The Public Safety Administration oversees all activities of the Department, develops policies and plans, coordinates personnel administration, assures fiscal responsibility, and acts as a liaison between the various divisions of Public Safety and City Council.
Public Safety Recruitment
Looking for a challenging career?
Find your place in a public safety career and join our team today!
Contact The Public Safety Recruitment Team
Become A...
Police Officer
Cleveland police officers experience variety in their day-to-day assignments; they use problem-solving skills daily, making decisions quickly to keep themselves and civilians safe.
Police officers can make a difference in someone’s life on every call they respond to by showing compassion and empathy to the people they contact. Their ability to comfort those experiencing challenging situations or circumstances has long-lasting impacts. Police officers can serve a neighborhood or community by staying engaged and assisting with keeping them safe.
Firefighter
Cleveland firefighters can showcase their hardworking abilities and intelligence while also showing a desire to help people in their time of need. Join a fast pace, rewarding professional career with the Cleveland Division of Fire. The Cleveland Division of Fire is an ISO 1-rated fire department due to its commitment to preventing and mitigating emergencies where life and property are at risk. The 24hr work shifts mean firefighters work 2-3 days per week. You may pursue many different career paths from specialized units, i.e. (Haz-Mat, Arson Unit, Marine 21) and opportunities to climb the ranks from Firefighter to Fire Chief.
Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years of age and under the age of 40 at the time of appointment to the academy
- High School Diploma or GED
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Valid Ohio driver’s license (less than 6 points)
Questions? Contact Firefighter Paul Williams or Firefighter Antoine Draft
Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic
Considering a career in healthcare? Cleveland EMS is the perfect introduction to the field. You are able to help different people every day and be the connection between the public and different aspects of healthcare and social services. Perform life-saving medical interventions when and where people need it most. Regardless of the discipline, EMS is one of the most rewarding and contributory medical service areas. It has as many professional opportunities as any other paraprofessional, nursing, or medicine area.
Qualifications (Emergency Medical Technician):
- Must be 18 years of age
- High School Diploma or GED
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Valid Ohio driver’s license (less than 6 points)
- Ability to lift and carry 100 pounds
- EMT Basics are required to successfully complete the EMT Paramedic Training Course within two (2) years of employment
Qualifications (Paramedic):
- Must be 18 years of age and under the age of 40 at the time of appointment to the academy
- High School Diploma or GED
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Valid Ohio driver’s license (less than 6 points)
- Ability to lift and carry 100 pounds
- State of Ohio Paramedic Certification
Questions? Contact Sergeant Desmond Anderson or Sergeant Wanda Ocasio-Johns
Animal Care and Control Officer
Animal control officers (ACO) work to promote public safety by educating the community about animal safety, advocating for responsible pet ownership, and enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations. Animal control officers often work with a variety of animals, including both pets and wildlife. ACOs are responsible for more than enforcing animal laws; they also assist law enforcement as the animal experts in their community, provide the services of social workers, risk their lives as emergency responders, mitigate community member conflicts, and much more. Although not traditionally classified as first responders, animal control officers ensure public safety for humans and animals.
Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years of age
- High School Diploma or GED
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Valid Ohio driver’s license (less than 6 points)
- Euthanasia certification within 6 months of hire
- Animal welfare experience is preferred
Dispatcher
Dispatchers can make a difference by positively impacting community members when someone calls for help. They work as part of a team with diverse people with different backgrounds and experiences. The career is dynamic and never dull, as two calls are never the same. Every day every shift, and each caller brings a unique experience. Dispatchers play a crucial role in public safety as they are the first to speak with citizens when they call for help. The strength of dispatching is not only in supporting the community but supporting the other divisions of public safety in police, fire, EMS, and animal care and control.
Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years of age
- High School Diploma or GED
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Valid Ohio driver’s license (less than 6 points)
- Type 35 words per minute
Residency Credit
In accordance with the Charter of the City of Cleveland: A person who has had as his/her primary residence in the City of Cleveland for at least one year at the time of filing a Civil Service application, and desires to take an entry-level Civil Service examination, shall, if a passing grade on the written examination is attained, have ten (10) points added to his/her passing score.
To substantiate a claim for residency points, you must include with your application LEGIBLE COPIES of the following:
- A signed and notarized Residency Affidavit
- A copy of ONE acceptable document from the list below showing your current address and dated within thirty (30) days of the date you submit your application.
These documents MUST be saved as a PDF (adobe) file or JPEG (image) file and cannot be larger than 5mb.
Acceptable proofs include:
- Driver’s License
- State ID
- Bank Statements
- Utility Bills
- Mortgage or Lease Agreement
- Bills from creditors not listed above
- Other Postmarked mail such as magazines with name and mailing label attached, organization newsletters, medical/dental bills, voter registration card, or motor vehicle registration
- Insurance Statement (Home insurance, rental insurance, car insurance or other insurance documents).
WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING AS PROOFS OF RESIDENCY:
- Pay stubs
- Rental Receipts
- Tax Returns
- W-2 Tax Forms unless sent by US Mail
NOTE: IF CREDITORS ARE PAID ONLINE, A COPY OF THE BILL IS TO BE PRINTED SHOWING THE ADDRESS OF THE APPLICANT. THE BILL MUST HAVE THE DATE VISIBLE.
NOTE: PURSUANT TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF CLEVELAND AND RULES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION AND THE OHIO REVISED CODE: Any applicant that willfully provides any false document, statement, or certification in regard to any test will be terminated from all processing, removed from any eligible list, and may face possible criminal prosecution.
Veteran's preference:
Veterans' preference will be awarded, when applicable, to eligible veterans in accordance with Civil Service Rules 4.40E, 4.40F and 4.40G. Proof of active service on an official armed services document or a DD Form 214, must be presented to the Commission at the time of filing the application for the examination in which credit is sought in order to qualify for veterans' credit. If the applicant received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions that applicant shall receive an additional five (5) points added to their raw score on the examination; or ten (10) points are added to their raw score on the examination if applicant’s supporting documentation indicates more than fifteen percent (15%) service connected disability.
NOTE: THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVIEW AND EVALUATE ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE APPLICATION OR RESUME. LACK OF HONESTY WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM THE ELIGIBLE LIST.
Any applicant that willfully provides any false document, statement, or certification in regard to any test will be terminated from all processing, removed from any eligible list, and may face possible criminal prosecution.
Equal Opportunity
American's with Disabilities Act: Any individual with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation in order to compete effectively on this examination shall notify the Civil Service Commission of such need before filing an application. Civil Service will send the individual the appropriate form which must be submitted at the time of filing. The Commission will contact the individual concerning such accommodation prior to the examination. The Commission may refuse to provide such accommodation if it is not reasonable or would constitute an undue hardship. The Commission will require current (within one year) documentation supporting the need for the requested accommodation. Such documentation shall be submitted with the request form at the time of filing.
Waiver of Rules: The Civil Service Commission hereby waives all applicable rules or portions of its rules which may or may not conflict with the Charter of the City of Cleveland and/or litigation involving this examination. In particular:
- Rule 4.30D (The waiver of this Rule shall mean that a medical examination will not be administered prior to the establishment of the eligible list.)
- Rule 4.30F (The waiver of this Rule shall mean that applicants who fail the psychological examination will be automatically scheduled for re-examination to gain a second opinion.)
- Rule 6.80 (The waiver of this Rule shall mean that the probationary period for Patrol Officer shall be fixed at six months, upon completion of the Police Academy)
The aforementioned Civil Service Rules are hereby waived either in their entirety or in part. The Commission retains the right to waive other Rule requirements as appropriate. Applicants having questions regarding these waivers should contact the Civil Service Office at (216) 664-2467; CS@clevelandohio.gov