Police

National Testing Network - Entry Level Police Officers

The City of Kenton offers full testing services for the position of Police Officer through the National Testing Network (NTN). To register with NTN and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select ‘Find Jobs’, then select Law Enforcement jobs and sign up for City of Kenton.



When you visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website:

  • Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test.
  • Review all information related to City of Kenton Police Officer, including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits.
  • Review detailed information about the testing process.
  • Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired).
  • Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)is required. 
  • Public Safety Self Assessment (PSSA) is required.

Upon completion of your scheduled exam, scores are automatically forwarded to the City of Kenton. Candidates who attain a passing score on the entry level exam will be placed on the City of Kenton's eligibility list. The City of Kenton will contact candidates on the list and will invite them to participate in further stages of the selection process.

National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry level testing in a standardized, professional environment. National Testing Network does not replace the City of Kenton’s responsibility and decision making in the testing process. All candidate results are provided to City of Kenton where the final decisions are made.

READ NEXT SECTION FOR FURTHER REQUIREMENTS

 Unknown Image Applicants taking the NTN exam must also complete Steps 1 and 2 below, prior to the posted close date on NTN.1.  Complete the Job Application Packet. 

Click each link below to electronically complete the forms. 

Police & Fire Employment Application

Authorization for Release of Personal Information

2.  You must upload the below documents to the NTN website prior to the posted close date:

  • DD214 (if applicable)
  • OPOTA Certificate (if applicable)
  • Birth Certificate
  • Ohio Driver’s License
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D.
  • Social Security Card
  • Selective Service Card
  • Document of Active Military Service (if applicable)
You may also choose to return the forms to 
111 W. Franklin Street, Kenton, fax to 419-674-2383 or email to clerk@cityofkenton.com prior to the posted close date.

After you have completed the above steps, you may be contacted for an interview. 

Applicants will be subject to the following: Full Background Check, Polygraph, Medical Physical with Drug Screen, and Psychological Exam.

Failure to complete all of the above steps in the requested time period will result in your disqualification.


 Unknown Image Minimum Requirements for Kenton Police Department:1.  At least 21 years of age OR will reach that age by the completion of the academy.

2. Must be under 36 years of age to receive original appointment. (original OPOTA commission)

3. Must have a high school diploma or GED.

4. Possess a valid Ohio Driver's License.

5. No felony convictions. 

6. Pass a comprehensive medical exam, including drug screen and an extensive background check, including a polygraph and psychological testing.

7. Pass Police written exam

8. Must be a U.S. Citizen and a resident of the State of Ohio.

Police Academy:In order to become employed as a peace officer in Ohio, an individual must successfully complete the state-mandated training and pass the certification examination sponsored by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) 

Police Academy options near Kenton:Marion Technical College
Rhodes State College
Apollo Career Center
Owens Community College
Vantage Career Center

City of Kenton Police Benefits:2 weeks Vacation after completion of first year of service
Vacation increases to 5 weeks based on years of service.
2 Personal Days 
A minimum of 3 weeks of Sick Leave annually (carried over)
Up to 120 hours of Compensatory Time
11 Paid Holidays
Medical Mutual Health Insurance w/prescription coverage - for you and your family
Delta Dental with orthodontia benefit - for you and your family
VSP Vision Insurance - for your and your family
Life Insurance and AD&D - $50,000 (double indemnity)
1.800MD Telemedicine
EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
AFLAC
Ohio Deferred Comp
Certification/Training Opportunities
Uniform Allowance
Overtime Opportunities
Certification Pay
Shift, Trainer and Officer in Charge Differential Pay
Call-in/Court Time Pay
Member of Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association

Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund - 
City contributes 19.5% to your retirement

Kenton Police Department:The Kenton Police Department, located in Hardin County, Ohio, employs 17 Full-time officers, including 2 School Resource Officers and a K-9 unit, as well as 3 auxiliary officers. The Kenton Police Department is part of the multi-agency Special Response Team (SRT) as well as the multi-agency Dive Team. The Department is also part of the Hardin County Crime Task Force. 

Given that we are a smaller agency with a call load of approximately 4500 calls for service per year, officers may find themselves working in several facets of law enforcement on a regular basis. 

We provide our officers with the latitude and opportunity to learn and expand their skill set as Police Officers. We value candidates with a strong work ethic who wish to learn more. Our officers enjoy newer, modern equipment in a family-style police culture.  We offer competitive wages along with an excellent benefits package  

City/County/Area Information:
The City of Kenton, OH, is the Hardin County seat, and is at the hub of five state routes - providing easy access from almost anywhere. We are centrally located within 30 miles of Findlay, Marysville, Lima, Marion and Bellefontaine, and 60 miles north of Columbus.

With a population of approximately 8,300 residents, we are a community with small town values. Kenton is an affordable place to live with a cost of living that is approximately 14.4 percent lower than the national average, a median household income that is slightly higher than the state's median income, and lower taxes in comparison to other cities in the state.

Our community offers a new PK-6 Elementary School equipped with a state-of-the-art security system, and the construction of a new 6-12 building with a performing arts center, beginning for the 2025/2026 school year. 

Our community is also home to Hardin Memorial Hospital (Ohio Health) with Urgent Care, as well as a public library, museum, and several parks, including Saulisberry Park and France Lake, which offers boating, kayaking and fishing, as well as walking trails.  Hardin County is the home of Ohio Northern University, as well as several other educational institutions within a 30 mile radius. 

 Unknown Image Chief Dennis MusserKenton Police Department
111 W. Franklin St
Kenton, Ohio 43326
Office: 419-673-0771 
Fax: 419-673-1721 
Emergencies: 911
chiefofpolice@cityofkenton.com

17 Full Time Officers
Our department staffs 17 full-time officers to help ensure the safety of Kenton.

3 Auxiliary Officers
Our department staffs 3 auxiliary officers to help ensure the safety of Kenton.

1 Dual-Purpose Canine
Our canine is not only trained for patrol use but also narcotics detection.

2 School Resource Officers
Our department employs 2 School Resource Officers who work closely with school administrators in an effort to create a safer environment for both students and staff. 
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Our Mission

The mission of the Kenton Police Department is to provide service to the public. We are dedicated to the needs of our citizens, preventing crimes and investigating crimes that do happen.



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Hardin County Crime Task Force

Our office is also part of the Hardin County Crime Task Force. The function of the Task Force is drug enforcement and the investigation of any major criminal incidents that happen anywhere in Hardin County. A number of officers are also part of the county-wide special response team.
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Suspicious Activity

We encourage people to help us make our community safe. If you see a crime in progress or some type of suspicious activity, please call us at 419-673-0771 or dial 911.





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