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Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb proposing to raise maximum age to join police force to 55 years old

If the legislation is approved by Cleveland City Council, it would amend a Sept. 2012 ordinance that capped the age at 40.

CLEVELAND — In an effort to bring in more officers to the Cleveland Division of Police, Mayor Justin Bibb is proposing legislation that would raise the maximum age for cadets to 55 years old. 

If the legislation is approved by Cleveland City Council, it would amend a Sept. 2012 ordinance that capped the age at 40.

Bibb's proposal is the newest addition to his RISE Initiative, which seeks to address police staffing shortages while also combatting the increase of crime in the city of Cleveland. 

"Solving multilayered problems requires multipronged approaches, which involves historic investments, leveraging partnerships, and updating policy – all key components of my RISE Initiative announced less than four months ago," Bibb in a statement. "This latest amendment will help attract additional candidates to join our police force who may have previously not considered doing so. We’re hopeful this change, combined with other recent actions my Administration has taken, will help improve our overall recruitment efforts within our Division of Police."

The Bibb administration says similar efforts to increase the age limit of applicants are being explored by agencies like the New York State Police, in other states like Texas, and in the military — where the Air Force increased its age limit to 42 just two weeks ago. 3News later spoke to the mayor at Monday night's City Council meeting, and he told us he is optimistic the new proposal will help attract new officers to the department.

"I've been getting a lot of feedback from folks in the community, especially those who have served our country in the armed services, and they say, 'Hey, Mr. Mayor — I've got a lot of good years left in me, but its capped at 41 years old, and I'd love to join the Cleveland Division of Police," Bibb said.

In the news release announcing the request, Police Chief Wayne Drummond also voiced his support.

“We remain committed to attracting the best candidates to join our ranks and this proposal supports our vision to continue to evolve as a progressive police agency," Drummond wrote. "This will allow us to reach more individuals who are interested and capable of serving our community. We're grateful to Mayor Bibb, as well as City Council, for their support in making progress in our recruitment efforts."

However, questions remain, particularly from Council Public Safety Committee Chair Michael Polensek. The Ward 8 Councilman has been adamant the city needs more officers ASAP and agrees the maximum age should be raised, but is open to discussing how high.

"We have a lot of questions, a lot of members have questions, because most officers retire between 55 and 60 years of age. But with the rate they're going with hiring, they're going to be going to nursing homes," Polensek said. "At that age, they're not going to be rolling around with anybody, and I would be concerned about injuries."

The proposal to change the maximum age limit for police applicants comes as the city continues to address police staffing shortages. In August, Bibb, Drummond, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 8 President Jim O'Malley and Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association President Jeff Follmer held a "Public Safety Summit."

The result of the summit was several new initiatives to entice more police applicants, including: 

  • An increase in wages from $16 to $24 per hour for cadets.
  • Cadets entering the police academy with a college degree or military service will enter at a higher level
  • A $5,000 retention bonus paid out in parts through the end of the probationary period. 
  • Reimbursement for those applicants who attended the Cuyahoga Community College Police Academy

Last month, Bibb's office announced that the number of applicants to join the Cleveland Division of Police has risen 45% since the Public Safety Summit. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it would be giving the city $3.7 million to hire 30 new police officers as part of its grant program.  

The city says it has budgeted for 1,498 police officers, but there are currently 1,197 members of the Cleveland Division of Police as of Nov. 3.

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