Release Date: April 20,2021
Mayor Horrigan Announces Open Applications for New Police Officers
Residents also urged to complete community survey regarding the next Chief, due April 23
Akron, Ohio, April 20, 2021 — The City of Akron is now accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Applications will be accepted through June 25, 2021. After the application period closes, a written exam is planned for July 30 & 31, 2021. Once established, the eligible list of candidates generated from this test will remain in place for 18 months. In 2022, the City plans to hire 50 police officers to replace those who have retired or moved on.
“Serving the residents of this City as a police officer is among the most challenging and rewarding calls to public service,” said Mayor Dan Horrigan. “Being a police officer is not for everyone. It is a difficult job that asks a lot of whoever puts on that uniform. We expect our officers to be of the highest caliber and to have a passion for public service and the residents of this great City. They are the frontline ambassadors in the neighborhoods – providing direct assistance to residents in need and keeping our community safe. We are looking to hire officers who reflect the citizens of our community. Applicants should be enthusiastic about improving the Akron community, prepared to meet the demands of an evolving and dynamic law enforcement environment, and have a public service mindset.”
Candidates to be a police officer must meet the following requirements:
- 21-40 years old at the time of the written examination
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license
Candidates must pass written tests, a physical fitness test, a background investigation and a polygraph examination. Final selection is contingent upon passage of a medical and psychological evaluation after receiving a conditional job offer. The City of Akron awards bonus points to those candidates who pass the written test and meet the residency requirement, have served in active duty in the armed forces of the United States for more than 180 days and were honorably discharged, and/or completed accredited college course work.
Compensation for an entry level police officer begins at $58,864.00 a year. The City offers a generous benefits package consisting of medical and prescription coverage, dental and vision insurance, life insurance at no cost, paid vacation time, sick leave and 14 paid holidays.
Acting Chief Michael Caprez said, "We are excited to add 50 new difference makers to our team. The Akron Police Department encourages any service minded, community oriented person with a passion for helping others to take our test. Each new officer’s unique talents and experience contribute to our success.”
For more information, please contact the City of Akron Department of Human Resources at (330) 375-2720 for details or toll free1-888-588-5417, or visit www.governmentjobs.com/
In addition to looking for the newest class of police recruits, the City is also currently accepting applications for the next Chief of Police of the Akron Police Department. As part of that search, the City has issued a community-wide survey for residents to give feedback regarding what they feel is most important to consider for the next Chief and what priorities the Police Department should focus on as a whole. The deadline to complete the survey is this Friday, April 23, 2021.
The survey, which can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Bishop Joey Johnson, Senior Pastor at the House of the Lord, and Chair of the City's Racial Equity and Social Justice Task Force, states, “It is critical that our community members take an active involvement in the City’s search for the next Chief of Police. This is our opportunity to provide direct feedback and to have a say in what we want to see from our Akron Police Department and their next leader. This survey asks for our opinions on what priorities we care about from community-oriented policing, to positive engagement with youth, to reducing racial disparities, and more. If you care about policing in Akron, you should fill out this survey.”
Visit akronohio.gov/policechief for more information on the search for the next Chief of Police.