Mayor Rahm Emanuel today joined Chicago Police Department (CPD) Superintendent Eddie Johnson in commemorating the graduation and promotion of 185 police officers in a ceremony at Navy Pier as part of the ongoing hiring plan to grow the Department by 970 sworn officers. Today’s graduation ceremony recognized 84 graduating police recruits, 18 Lieutenants, 72 Sergeants, and 11 Field Training Officers.

“Today marks a milestone for the graduating officers individually, and for the Chicago Police Department collectively,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Together, we set out on an aggressive hiring plan, and thanks to the ranks graduating today, and the friends and families who support them, we are making progress.”

Mayor Emanuel also announced during the ceremony that the City will begin accepting applications for the next Police Entry Exam on February 1. Part of CPD's "Be the Change" recruitment campaign, the May 2018 exam will be the fifth 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 register online to take the Police Entry Exam on May 5 at McCormick Place. Registration is open February 1 – 28, 2018.

"I am proud to welcome the next generation of Chicago police officers who have answered the call to serve in what I believe is among the most noble professions," said Superintendent Johnson. "These new officers, who have received training based upon the latest standards, will help us to continue our crime reduction and community building efforts. I encourage anyone who is thinking about becoming a police officer to apply for the next entry exam."

The 84 police recruits include 23% women and approximately 52% from minority backgrounds as well as 27 Chicago Public School graduates, 15 US military veterans, and 12 officers who have at least one family member in CPD. The newly promoted Sergeant class is 33% minority and 15% female. The Lieutenant class is 50% minority and 17% female.

This graduation continues to fulfill CPD’s hiring plan to grow the Department by nearly 1,000 sworn officers, including more detectives and police supervisors, and reflects the Mayor’s commitment to increase the diversity of the Department.

Police recruits spent five months at the Police Academy and will now begin their one-year probationary period, which includes three months training with a Field Training officer and district patrol functions. Lieutenants receive 5 weeks of training at the Academy, Sergeants receive 6 weeks of training at the Academy and FTOs receive 5 weeks of training at the Academy.

The “Be the Change,” campaign 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.

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, written test preparation classes, more flexible options for taking the required physical fitness test including a free training program and providing opt-in text and email reminders to keep candidates engaged throughout the recruitment period.

The minimum age to apply and take the police exam is 20. 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, and 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.

###