Chicago Police Department Holds Weekend Recruitment Events

As part of its ongoing campaign to recruit candidates, the Chicago Police Department is holding two recruitment events Friday and Saturday.

For the first time in two years, the city is accepting applications to join the police force. A special focus is being placed on encouraging more minority participation in the written exam and building diversity in police ranks.

The city is also reaching out to military veterans and Chicago Public School graduates to ensure that a portion of recruit classes meet these criteria.

Consideration, too, will be given to candidates with a parent or grandparent who was a Chicago police officer killed in the line of duty.

The deadline to apply to be considered for the written exam has been extended a third time to Jan. 31, 2016. The written test will take place in the spring for those who applied.

The starting salary for Chicago police officers is $47,604 and increases to $72,510 after 18 months of employment.

Attendees can come and learn about the benefits of working for the Chicago Police Department and making a difference in their communities.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, the Chicago Police Department will be hosting a recruitment event at the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance Center, 3000 N. Elbridge Ave., Chicago.

The event is being hosted by Chicago Police in conjunction with the Puerto Rican Police Association (PRPA), the Latin American Police Association (LAPA), the Alliance of Hispanic Law Enforcement (AHLE), the Hispanic Illinois State Law Enforcement Association (HISLEA), and the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA)Police Department.

Also, an open house is being held for community members at the Chicago Police Academy, 1300 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19.

The minimum age to take the test is 18. The application fee is $30. Residency in the City of Chicago is required at the time of employment, but not required for the time of application.

Visit the Chicago Police Department website or call 311 to learn more about the requirements for becoming a police officer and the application process.