Police Hiring a Few Good Men and Women

Despite a sour economy and spending reductions in other nearby municipalities, the Wilmette Police Department expects to hire at least two or three new officers early next year.

Although the department has had to make some capital budget cuts, such as keeping aging squad cars in use longer, it hasn't had to relieve any of its 46 sworn officers, said Police Chief Brian King.

King added that the department expects to hire from a pool of at least 200 men and women, an above average application pool that's reflective of the recession. Salaries in the department start at about $60,000.

"When there's a good economy we don't have a large pool to pull from, but when there's a bad economy we tend to have a bigger pool of applicants," Comdr. Patrick Collins said. "In 2008 we had less than 100 people apply." 

Potential candidates will take police officer recruit entrance exams early next month at Loyola Academy. About 80 percent applicants are expected to pass the two-hour exam. Of those tested, the department will consider no more than 25 people with the highest scores, which should be available in January.

Basic requirements include a four-year college degree, U.S. citizenship, good physical health and a good driving record. Officers come from all walks of life. Currently, six Wilmette police officers have masters degrees and two officers have law degrees. The department has also attracted recruits with backgrounds in journalism, teaching and finance.

"We want longevity," King said. "We don't want to do a stop gap in someone's job search. We want them to have a commitment to public service and, if they do, that additional life experience is good."

The department has yet to experience the drastic budget cuts of other municipalities. Over the years, 15 police departments in the Chicago suburbs have laid off scores of officers.

Unemployed officers seeking work in with the Wilmette police will still have to take the written and physical exam, King said. However, they will not have to attend the 12-week police academy like other recruits.

Outstanding candidates eventually will be interviewed by an administrative panel consisting of personnel of varying ranks and responsibilities. Recruitment goals will include finding new officers with advanced education, female candidates, minority candidates and candidates with foreign language skills.

To date the department has nine minority officers, seven female officers and nine employees who speak foreign languages including Spanish, Korean, Polish, Chinese Mandarin, Tagalog and Farsi.  

Stay tuned for Patch's one-on-one interviews with potential candidates and more on police hiring in Wilmette.