CHICAGO – Mayor Emanuel today announced that the City is now accepting applications for the April 2017 Police Entry Exam and is launching a recruitment campaign aimed at increasing the diversity of candidates. The exam will support the Police Department's commitment to add 970 new positions to the department over the next two years.

“We are calling on residents of Chicago who want to contribute to their communities and be part of something larger than themselves,” said Mayor Emanuel. "Every day Chicago Police Officers perform heroic acts and face danger to keep our city safe, and I hope more young people join their ranks."

The theme of this year’s recruitment campaign is, “Be the Change,” which reflects the belief that this new generation of police officers will be future leaders who define how police support, protect and work together with Chicago's communities. By joining the police department, candidates will find an opportunity to serve the City while gaining valuable skills and making a lasting impact on an organization in the midst of significant reform.

“CPD is only as strong as the faith that the community has in it,” said CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson. “As we increase the number of police officers on our streets, it is imperative that we have a department that reflects the unique dynamics of our communities. I believe that increasing the diversity throughout the department will go a long way in helping us build that faith and make Chicago safer.”

The April 2017 exam will be the third test administered under the Emanuel Administration, with increasingly concerted efforts made to expand the diversity of applicants and make the exam more accessible. Candidates can now register online to take the Police Entry Exam on April 1 and April 2 at McCormick Place.

The City has implemented a variety of ways to make it easier for applicants to take the exam and complete the process, including: eliminating the $30 exam fee, offering more flexible options for taking the required physical fitness test, and providing opt-in text and email reminders to keep candidates engaged throughout the recruitment period.

“The Department of Human Resources looks forward to building on recent progress in recruiting a diverse applicant pool for the police entry exam,” Commissioner Soo Choi said. “We remain committed to attracting more individuals who are reflective of the communities they serve and the City of Chicago.”

The City has selected the Brown Farmer Media Group, a minority-and-woman owned business, to lead the 2017 marketing and recruitment campaign. The campaign will include extensive grassroots community outreach, print and online advertising, social media engagement, and text and email communications. The recruitment campaign will connect the City with grassroots partners, many of which have existing constituencies invested in their neighborhood’s success, including police associations, local businesses, colleges and universities, and faith-based organizations to host community events. In addition, the Brown Farmer Media Group will leverage a community partnership with WVON to host workshops at their Legacy Center and during the station's on-air programming.

“We look forward to working closely with key grassroots leaders and organizations to reach diverse communities and help spread the word quickly,” Deborah Olivia Farmer, president and CEO of the Brown Farmer Media Group. “We will partner with many of Chicago’s churches, for example, who have built-in connections to schools, social, civic and fraternal organizations, social service agencies, community organizations, housing developments, block clubs, park districts and local community leaders.”

The minimum age to apply and take the police exam is 18. At the time of hire (not at time of application), candidates must be a resident of the city of Chicago, have a valid State of Illinois Driver’s License, have 60 semester hours of college credit or 36 months of continuous active duty service; or one year continuous active service with 30 semester hours college credit. Officers who join the Chicago Police Department make $72,510 after 18 months and are eligible for healthcare benefits, tuition reimbursement, clothing allowances and a retirement plan while they are employed by CPD.

To learn more and apply, please visit: www.ChicagoPolice.org/BeTheChange or Facebook.com/BeTheChangeCPD

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