CLEVELAND — Seeking to correct what it calls "inaccurate numbers" presented at public meetings, the city of Cleveland says it is seeing a rise in the number of police applicants.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, city leaders say the number of applicants to join the Cleveland Division of Police has risen 45% since August 23, the day of the "Public Safety Summit."
"Despite national shortages in law enforcement, we have seen an increase in applicants since August, creating a very optimistic outlook for future staffing in the Division of Police. The City remains committed to being transparent with residents and keeping them as safe as they can be," Cleveland officials wrote on the city's Facebook page.
The city says it has budgeted for 1,498 police officers. There are currently 1,211 members of the Cleveland Division of Police.
In an effort to boost police staffing, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, Cleveland Police Chief Wayne 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" in August.
The summit produced 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
Police say the raise will elevate Cleveland above the City of Cincinnati and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Previous Reporting:
- Ohio State Highway Patrol arrests 18 in state's 5th 'surge' initiative to fight violence in Cleveland
- Cleveland invests $10 million for neighborhood safety fund to reduce violence
- Cleveland City Council authorizes $3.5 million for the return of police helicopters
- Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, police leaders announce increased wages and bonuses for cadets during 'Public Safety Summit' amid ongoing crime concerns