Chicago police recruiting amid nationwide officer shortage

CHICAGO - The Chicago Police Department is looking to beef up their ranks during a nationwide shortage of officers amid soaring crime rates.

"We have our recruiters not just scouring the city of Chicago, but we are around the nation," said Sgt. Nathaniel Myles, CPD Recruitment and Retention.

Malcolm X College on the Near West Side is one of seven locations giving in-person exams this week to become a Chicago police officer.

"I grew up in a law enforcement family, lot of my uncles, and my grandfather was a Chicago police officer so it's kind of in the blood pretty much," said Ray Leflore, as he walked in to take the test Thursday afternoon.

The push is part of a nationwide effort to recruit more people because the Chicago Police Department is desperate for more officers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FOX 32 YOUTUBE CHANNEL

The first step in joining the next graduating class from the Chicago Police Academy is to sit for the in-person exam. Applicants must be between 21 and 39-years-old and be physically fit. They must also have 60 credit hours or military or law enforcement experience.

To find future graduates of the police academy, CPD has expanded who's eligible. They're not just looking for those with college credits or law enforcement and military backgrounds. People in trades are welcome, too.

"You could work in the medical field, HVAC, plumbing, electrician. You can be a social worker or a teacher's aide, as long in three of the last four years you've worked in that field, and you have some sort of certification," said Myles.

One Chicago police sergeant working on the recruitment efforts 

Myles says applicants must feel a calling to the job and be passionate.

"Listen the people of the City of Chicago, we need you. The people around the world, we need police officers to help serve and protect our communities," said Sgt. Nathaniel Myles. "But our job is try to meet that person, that applicant, where they are and try to tell them some of the benefits of being a police officer. Tell them the joy of serving and protecting. To walk the neighbor across the street or to answer a call. There has to be a passion for it."

Applicants who are hired receive a starting salary of $54,672 and can expect to receive an increase to $82,458 after 18 months on the job, Chicago police said. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, holidays, tuition reimbursement, and retirement savings and pension plans.

In-person exams are being administered twice daily, Thursday through Saturday at all seven City Colleges of Chicago locations. Applicants can register in advance or walk-in.

Passing the test is just the first step and police have recruiters ready to help with everything that comes next.

"When you hit that wall, that recruiter can pull you along the way," said Myles.

He acknowledged possible roadblocks. Families might try to talk you out of this job. News reports might make you question it. After all, you put your life on the line, so recruiters say passion for the job is key.

"I totally agree with it. I think that's what we're lacking in law enforcement now," said Leflore, adding that, "if we want to live in a safer city, people have to do their part."

Police said the goal is to have as many people at the academy as possible to fight attrition and to restore the ranks.

They also said they want to give hope to all the officers who are working shorthanded right now and give them a sign that help is on the way.

Exact times, locations and dates of in-person exams are as follows:

Morning session: Doors open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 8:30 a.m.  
Afternoon session: Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and close at 2:00 p.m.  

Malcolm X College - 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60612
Thursday, September 22, 2022  
Friday, September 23, 2022 
Saturday, September 24, 2022 

Kennedy-King College - 6301 S. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60621 
Thursday, September 22, 2022  
Friday, September 23, 2022 
Saturday, September 24, 2022 

Harry Truman College - 1145 W. Wilson Ave. Chicago, IL 60640 
Thursday, September 22, 2022  
Friday, September 23, 2022 
Saturday, September 24, 2022 

Olive Harvey College - 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave. Chicago, IL 60628 
Thursday, September 22, 2022  
Friday, September 23, 2022 
Saturday, September 24, 2022 

Harold Washington College - 30 E. Lake St. Chicago, IL 60601 
Thursday, September 22, 2022  
Friday, September 23, 2022 

Richard J. Daley College - 7500 S. Pulaski Rd. Chicago, IL 60652 
Thursday, September 22, 2022  
Friday, September 23, 2022 
Saturday, September 24, 2022 

Wilbur Wright College - 4300 N. Narragansett Ave. Chicago, IL 60634 
Thursday, September 22, 2022  
Friday, September 23, 2022 
Saturday, September 24, 2022