JOIN OUR POLICE DIVISION TEAM

PD BANNER 2025

OUR TEAM

The Defiance City Police Division is a dedicated, community-oriented law enforcement agency committed to safeguarding the well-being and security of the residents of Defiance, Ohio. Our Division was established with a mission to serve and protect and to be a department that instills our core values of Integrity, Dedication, Professionalism, and a Citizen/Police partnership. We are a skilled team of officers who work to ensure public safety and uphold the principles of justice. 

The Police Division comprises 31 full-time uniformed officers, including a Police Chief, Assistant Police Chief, three Lieutenants, and four Sergeants. Under the general guidance of the shift Sergeant/Lieutenant, officers perform general police duties, investigations, and other miscellaneous duties.

— JOIN OUR DPD TEAM — 

The Defiance City Police Division continually seeks men and women to help continue a tradition of providing the best possible law enforcement service to Defiance residents. Applicants must demonstrate strong values daily and understand the importance of the Division's core values.

  • Police work involves protecting life and property, enforcing laws and ordinances, preventing and investigating crimes, and exercising independent discretion.
  • A police officer must possess intelligence and integrity and face rigorous personal, ethical, moral, and physical challenges. While providing service to the community, the most significant rewards of the profession are self-esteem, pride, and the opportunity to utilize individual talents and skills.
  • A career with the Defiance City Police Division is like no other job or experience. It offers excitement, a sense of accomplishment, job satisfaction, teamwork, opportunities for growth, and excellent salary and benefits.

Inquire Today PD



SUBMIT the Inquiry Form to get more information!

      Police personnel will be in touch with you soon!


Join the Defiance City Police Division and make an extraordinary difference in our community.

—  Changing People's Lives Everyday  — 

— WHAT IS THE HIRING PROCESS? —

The City of Defiance, Ohio Civil Service Commission administers a test through the National Testing Network, Inc. to establish an eligibility list for Police Officers when positions become available.

  1. Pass both the FrontLine National Testing with a score of 60% and the Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA) with a score of 45%. Candidates with a passing score then complete a local physical agility test in Defiance, Ohio. 
  2. Complete a Personal History Questionnaire, which will serve as your application.
  3. Candidate may receive Veterans Preference Credit but only added to a passing score. 
  4. Complete a local physical agility test. Candidates who have completed OPOTA training in the past year may submit their certificate as a substitute for this test. The candidate must meet the minimum standard for each numbered event to complete it. Failing any event will disqualify the candidate, as the physical agility test is pass/fail only.
  5. Candidates who meet all testing requirements will receive a letter with their ranking on the candidate eligibility list.
  6. Interview
  7. Background Check Process
  8. The Offer

— HOW DO I APPLY? —

Job Classification: Entry Level Police Officer/Lateral Transfer  

The entry-level police officer testing process includes examinations in reading, writing, and video portions, a physical ability test battery, and a panel interview.

FIRST STEP: 

Take a test and pass it: NATIONAL TESTING NETWORK, INC.

  1. Select Find Jobs, Choose "Law Enforcement Jobs"
  2. Choose "Ohio," then "Update."
  3. Select "Defiance City of" then "Continue."
  4. Select "That is All I Want"
  5. Review the Job Information to ensure you qualify.
  6. If yes, select "I Qualify" to continue.
  7. Choose "Ohio" and the "nearest testing center" near you
  8. Select the testing date and time to register

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Must be between the ages of 21 and 40 by the time of appointment
  • US Citizen
  • Possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Hold a valid State of Ohio driver's license with no driving restrictions
  • Ability to Read/Speak English
  • Vision is case by case based on standard
  • Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Certification is preferred but not required before hiring. It is available at no cost to the candidate.
PD PROTECT

Contact Us

  1. Civil Service Commission

    Email the Clerk

    Physical Address
    631 Perry Street
    Defiance, OH 43512

    Mailing Address
    Civil Service Commission Clerk
    631 Perry Street
    Defiance, OH 43512

    Phone: 419-783-4350

    Members

    • Stephen Korhn, Esq., Chairman
    • Norm Walker, Member
    • Tim Whetstone, Member
    • Carrin Homan, Clerk

Sam Neely Patrolman 1-26-2024

DEFIANCE POLICE DIVISION

324 Perry Street, Suite A,             Defiance, OH 43512

  • OFFICE:  419-784-0084 (Mon - Fri, 8am - 4pm)
  • 24 HOURS: 419-784-5050
  •  dpd@cityofdefiance.com


CHAIN OF COMMAND

  1. Chief of Police
  2. Assistant Chief of Police
  3. Lieutenant
  4. Sergeant
  5. Patrol Officer
  6. 31 full-time uniformed officers
  7. Auxiliary Program
Helicopter Training2
Helicopter Training1

THE BENEFITS

  • As of January 2025, starting pay is $24.24 per hour for Academy Pay and $26.93 per hour for years 0-2, with a 3% increase in 2026. Lateral transfer wages are determined by approved cumulative peace officer's service years at the level of Patrolman/Police Officer. 
  • Ohio Police and Fire Pension
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Care coverage
  • Paid Vacation (10 days), Sick Time (15 days), and Holidays (12 days)
  • Yearly Uniform Allowance
  • Continuing Education Assistance
  • IUPA Local #166 Union Membership

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS

  • Narcotics Unit
  • K9 Unit
  • Detective Bureau
  • Bicycle Patrol
  • Range Instructor
  • Taser Instructor
  • Field Training Officer
  • School Resource Officer
  • Arson Investigator
  • Hostage Negotiator
Defiance Police Department Patch