City of Lakewood Seeking Auxiliary Police Officers

Photo Credit: Alex Belisle

Are you committed to bettering your neighborhood? The City of Lakewood is currently accepting applications for the Lakewood Auxiliary Police Unit.

The Lakewood Auxiliary Police Unit is a vital part of both the Lakewood Police Department and the community. Auxiliary Police increase the safety of large community events and provide valuable support to the Police Department. Auxiliary Officers assist with important duties including park patrol, traffic direction, and crowd control at organized community events.  Auxiliary Officers provide support at popular community events including the Summer Band Concerts, Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks, Lakewood Arts Festival, Lakewood Community Festival, and many annual road races.

In 2018, the Auxiliary Police Unit volunteered over 1200 hours of time to the community, providing a presence at over 40 different events and working alongside patrol officers during ride-alongs. This service is of great importance to the City of Lakewood. “A ‘safe and secure’ community is always our goal,” stated Mayor Summers. “As the Public Safety Director for the City of Lakewood, I am committed to supporting our public safety forces so they can be effective and efficient.  Auxiliary Police Officers are volunteer citizens that are trained to provide our police officers with additional sets of eyes and ears out in the neighborhoods where these auxiliary officers live, work, or visit.”

All newly appointed Auxiliary Officers will receive 30 hours of police training on various topics (traffic and crowd control training), skills (use of batons, hand cuffs, and pepper spray) as well as a review of departmental policies and procedures. Auxiliary Officers also experience at least 20 hours of ride-along training with senior auxiliary officers and police officers. Benefits of being an Auxiliary Officer include uniforms, safety equipment, and protection under Ohio Worker’s Compensation Insurance.  Auxiliary Officers may also receive hourly wages when working non-city events.

Interested? Applicants for the Lakewood Auxiliary must be at least 18 years of age, be a high school graduate or GED equivalent, have a valid Ohio driver’s license, and be able to pass a background investigation.  Individuals who live outside of Lakewood are welcome to apply, but availability and ability to respond regularly and reliably should be considered by non-residents before applying. Visit www.onelakewood.com/auxiliarypolice to learn more and apply.