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Council adopts new pay classification for patrol officers in training
Summary
Centerville added a ‘patrol officer in training’ position to the compensation schedule to formalize pay while recruits attend the police academy; council approved the ordinance unanimously and staff said the change aligns with prior practice and has no additional budget impact.
The Centerville City Council unanimously approved an ordinance March 18 adding a patrol officer-in-training position to the city compensation schedule, formalizing a pay rate for recruits while they attend the state police academy.
Police leaders told the council the new classification recognizes that academy recruits perform different duties and have different responsibilities than certified officers. Historically the city paid academy recruits about 10% below an entry-level patrol officer; the ordinance codifies that approach.
The patrol officer-in-training classification is intended to be an at-will, time-limited role while a new hire is enrolled at the police academy. Council and staff said the 12-month introductory period for a certified officer would begin after academy and field training. Finance staff said the change codifies existing practice and does not increase the department’s current budgeted headcount or immediate payroll obligations.
Vote and next steps Council adopted Ordinance 2025-03 to add the new position and the compensation range. Staff will implement the change in payroll and hiring paperwork; chiefs and HR will use the new classification to clarify expectations for recruits and to streamline academy hiring.
Ending Police leadership said they expect to use the new classification for an officer scheduled to begin academy enrollment shortly; council members praised the measure as a personnel best practice.
