Youngstown Police Department seeking new recruits

Youngstown Police are looking for new officers to help fill out their department's roster.

In the past five to seven years the department has seen a decline in applicants for their police force.

The department needs to add new officers to fill positions left by retirements and promotions.

Previous experience is not required, the city will pay to train qualified recruits.

Lt. Brian Butler with the department said, "IN THIS INSTANCE SOMEONE WOULD BE HIRED AS A CITY EMPLOYEE PAID A CADET RATE AND THE CITY PAYS FOR THEIR POLICE ACADEMY."

The lieutenant says the ideal recruit would be someone who is ready to join an active department in an urban environment.

"NOT EVERY PERSONALITY MAY BE SUITED SO WE'RE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE PERSONS WHO CAN RELATE TO A DIVERSE GROUP AND POPULATION WITHIN THE CITY"

City Councilman Julius Oliver feels the city would benefit from officers that reflect and can relate to the community they serve.

WITH THE NEXT GENERATION COMING UP THAT WILL CREATE A TRUST AND RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLICE OFFICERS AND THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY AND I THINK THAT'S WHAT'S BEEN MISSING A LOT OF TIME WHEN IT COMES TO POLICING," said Oliver.

Butler says Youngstown offers its officers more opportunities for specialized assignments.

Officer salaries range from $34,500 to more than $58,000.

The civil service exam is scheduled for January 23.

Applicants can contact the civil service department by phone, or the application is available on the departments Facebook page