ROCKFORD — The Rockford Police Department will know by May whether ramped-up recruitment efforts to hire more home-grown officers were successful.Dozens of applicants who passed a physical agility test this week are taking a written test of basic skills this weekend. More than 500 submitted applications; 60 percent is expected to make the cut after Sunday’s final round.“The amount of people we have for the application process is really strong,” Lt. Mike Ahrens said. "We haven’t seen numbers like this in a couple years."The 280-person department is attempting to reach 290, the maximum number of officers authorized by the City Council.Stringent testing standards and background checks, in addition to medical and psychological examinations, make it difficult to find qualified applicants. A four-year hiring freeze was lifted in 2012, but the department has struggled to return to full strength.Chief Chet Epperson and the Rockford Board of Fire and Police Commissioners announced plans in January for additional recruiting officers to reach out to community groups, schools and businesses. Education-based programs, academies and camps are encouraging young people to consider a career in law enforcement.The department implemented orientation and practice sessions designed to help applicants prepare for tests and interviews. Physical agility tests were held for a dozen applicants at a time every two hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. all week, and multiple sessions were scheduled for the written test this weekend….
….one morning this week for a test of his physical agility, endurance and strength. Each applicant had to bench press 78 percent of his or her weight, do 30 full sit-ups in one minute and finish a 1.5-mile run in less than 15 minutes, 54 seconds.
Click on the following to read all of the story: More than 500 apply for Rockford Police Department openings - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL
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