How Do I Become an Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary Officer?

The Ohio State Highway Patrol has an auxiliary division composed of civilian personnel who assist officers as they conduct their business. Auxiliary officers ride with Highway Patrol Officers, assist at crash scenes, natural disasters and emergency sites, and work at activities such as highway safety displays and the Ohio State Fair. Auxiliary officers are unpaid, require training, must be in good physical shape and have to commit to at least 120 hours of service each year.

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proof of citizenship
• Ohio drivers license

Instructions

1. Obtain an application from an Ohio State Highway Patrol station. Complete the application and return it to the station. To be considered, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, be between age 21 and 55, be a United States citizen and Ohio resident with a valid state drivers license, submit to a background check and have no prior felony convictions. You must also be physically fit.

2. Complete a physical examination, entry test and entry physical test. You are responsible for contacting a physician to complete a basic physical exam--at your own expense. Applicants are allowed to weigh 10 percent more than the maximum weight for Ohio State Patrol Officers. You must also must pass a written examination and a series of physical tests, and you must show you can read and write clearly.

3. Buy a uniform--at your own expense. You will be supplied with patches, shoulder patches, body armor and other equipment as needed.

4. Complete 60 hours of training covering all phases of potential duties. You are also expected to complete additional in-service training while serving as an auxiliary officer.

Tips & Warnings

• Ohio State Highway Patrol auxiliary officers ride with Ohio State Highway Patrol officers and can come into dangerous situations involving traffic at accident scenes.

References

• Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary officer
• Police volunteers