The Cincinnati Police Department is launching a series of community forums Thursday evening in an effort to recruit new officers.
A panel of police officers from all ranks and units will talk about their careers and policing.
"People can ask whatever type of questions that may help them turn the corner and really come alive and want to be a police officer and follow their heart," said Sgt. Dominic Gulliford. "We know that we can find great people anywhere and everywhere."
The Thursday night public forum is being held at the Pleasant Ridge Library from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Others scheduled include:
- Nov. 13 – Westwood Library from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 19 – Madisonville Library from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 27 – College Hill Library from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
An open house is planned at the police academy on November 17.
Gulliford said during that event, people will have a chance to participate in a physical workout.
"That would be reminiscent of what they would go through if they were in the police academy," Gulliford said. "It's not a full workout, but it would give them an idea of what it is they should be expected to do and where they need to be physically. And we try to do it early, so we can give people a chance to understand the expectations physically."
The department is recruiting applicants for an exam that will be given in March. The training class would begin sometime next year.
A police training class for applicants already selected is scheduled to start on January 14.
