CINCINNATI -- Think you have what it takes to be a police officer in the Queen City? The Cincinnati Police Department is now accepting qualified applications for new recruits through Aug. 4.
Current officers are hosting public forums at 6 p.m. Thursday at the College Hill Library and at 6 p.m. July 24 at the Westwood Library. Interested candidates are invited to register at the website here and apply at the website here.
Candidates must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment, be a high school graduate or equivalent (GED) and be a U.S. citizen with a valid Ohio driver’s license. The police department is especially seeking candidates with technology/data management expertise, social media experience, ability to speak multiple languages, military experience and college courses/college degrees.
WCPO Anchor Ryan Houston wanted to see if he had what it takes to pass the CPD's fitness test. Watch in the video player below.
Applicants who qualify will be required to take the next Police Recruit exam in August. Currently, police recruits earn a salary of $32,459 annually through the 28-week Police Academy training. Upon successful completion of the Police Academy, officer salaries can range up to $66,674 (not including overtime).
“We are seeking qualified candidates to help our department grow to positively engage with the community and fight crime using some of the best tools available,” said Chief Eliot Isaac. “This is a great opportunity for those interested in not only becoming police officers but having a long-term career in law enforcement.”
Years ago, Cincinnati Police would see more than 6,000 applicants, but say it's now closer to 2,500. Applicants come from far and wide because the jobs are dwindling.
"This is truly an honorable profession and it's a calling, really. The numbers are down everywhere I think because we're battling each other for the same pool of people," said Sgt. Dominic Gulliford, recruiting unit supervisor. "We've had people from Minnesota, people from Mississippi, people from Montana."
Cincinnati police are waiting for a budget from city council to determine how many recruit classes they can have next year. It could be anywhere from 20 to 60 new officers.
