Chicago Police Department loosens requirements to help recruiting efforts

CHICAGO (WLS) — Recruiting extra cops has been a giant problem for the Chicago Police Division. Retirements and COVID-related delays on the police academy have resulted in a giant spike in 2021’s attrition fee. In its effort to seek out extra cops, CPD mentioned the requirement for 60 school credit score hours has been a difficulty.

“People are writing to us saying hey, I need to come on the police division, I haven’t got the credit score hours however, I do have a,b,c,” mentioned Deputy Chief Migdalia Bulnes.

CPD introduced Thursday it’s waiving the training requirement for 3 years of expertise in sure jobs and careers, together with a peace officer, correctional officer, detention officer, safety work, a commerce, or careers in social service, healthcare or training. CPD already waives the 60 school credit score hours for 3 years of army service.

“We expect this waiver will develop our pool of candidates, we expect our pool of candidates can be one rather more numerous,” mentioned CPD Supt. David Brown.

Brown mentioned the division’s February recruiting class contains 48% females and 65% Hispanic.

“I believe if we do something proper bringing in additional girls to be consultant on this career is simply as essential as race and ethnicities,” he mentioned.

Whereas African People make up 20% of the division, Brown didn’t say what number of of February’s recruiting class are Black. CPD has been criticized for not doing sufficient to recruit and retain Black officers. Pastor Wealthy Redmond mentioned Thursday’s announcement isn’t sufficient

“What extra they will do is put all of it collectively, give is a whole complete image of your course of,” he mentioned.

Moreover waiving the training requirement for sure jobs, CPD has an ongoing recruitment workplace with a price range to market and journey across the nation, together with recruiting at black traditionally faculties.