Sergeant Of Police - Examination

About the role

The Civil Service Commission of Cleveland, Ohio announces a competitive promotional examination for Sergeant of Police. Under the supervision of a Lieutenant or other superior officer, the Sergeant supervises the activities of Patrol Officers in an assigned district or unit, preserving law and order, protecting life and property, enforcing laws and ordinances, and preventing and detecting crime. The Sergeant performs general police patrol duties and frequently participates in the work of subordinates, as well as performs the duties of a superior officer in the event of an absence. Additional job-related duties are required as assigned. The Sergeant follows all operations and safety policies and safe work practices, attends and participates in operations and safety training classes, demonstrates competence, and wears and properly utilizes safety equipment in accordance with Divisional policy at all times.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicant shall hold regular status as a Patrol Officer.
• Applicant shall have actively performed the duties of Patrol Officer in the classified service of the City of Cleveland for three years at the time of filing.

Examination Components

The examination consists of two components: a Written Technical Knowledge Test and an Assessment Center.

Written Technical Knowledge Test

• Closed-book test consisting of multiple-choice questions assessing job-related technical knowledge.
• Questions are based on the information contained in the knowledge source subsections outlined in the Reading List.
• No reference materials or electronic communication devices are allowed.
• Applicants must present a government-issued ID.
• After challenges are resolved, examinations are scored and a minimum passing cut-score is applied.
• Only those passing the Written Examination progress to the Assessment Center.

Assessment Center

• Interview Exercise: Evaluates knowledge, skills, and abilities through job-related questions and scenarios.
• Critical Incident Exercise: Assesses tactical decision-making, command presence, policy knowledge, prioritization under pressure, and adaptability through evolving scenario responses.
• Assesses competencies such as communication, interpersonal interactions, analyzing and deciding, managing activities, leadership, and adaptability.
• Knowledge sources or other documents needed for responses are provided at the test site.
• Applicants are notified of the date, time, and place via City of Cleveland email after the Written Test is completed.
• Electronic devices and prohibited items are not allowed; violators may have items confiscated.

Veterans’ Preference Credit

• Applicants who served on active duty for at least 180 consecutive days may be eligible for veterans’ preference credit upon submission of a DD Form 214.
• Honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions: 5 additional points.
• Currently serving on active duty: same credit with official documentation.
• Honorably discharged with a service-connected disability rating of 15% or greater: 10 additional points.
• Required documentation must be submitted at the time of application.