With law enforcement departments nationwide and locally facing a shortage of police officers, Boardman Township came up with a big campaign to interest new recruits.

Boardman Police took out billboards and advertised through social media. 
 
Boardman Township's Police Chief says a state grant of $25,000 thousand dollars, which the township applied for and received, allowed the township to cast a wide net across the region to advertise for an Open House. 
 
Around 50 people interested showed up! The number is much higher than in typical years since the pandemic struck. Still less than in previous years when 100 or more showed interest or showed up to take the civil service test.
 
"What a better recruiting tool than having them come to see where they work everything we have going for us in Boardman, support of our elected officials, support of our community, our facilities, our equipment, the co-workers," Chief Werth added.
 
Those visiting the open house found out about dispatch positions and potential opportunities for a police officer working on a task force, training as a Crime Scene Investigator, School Resource Officer, or canine officer.
 
"We work very hard to make sure they have the most current equipment and safety items. We have our own mechanic on duty that makes sure the vehicles are safe," Trustee Tom Costello said.
 
Starting wage for nonranked patrol officers is $40,456 up to around $67,000, there are health benefits and potential signing bonuses.
 
The 2-hour monitored Civil Service Commission entry-level police officer exam will be given on October 9th at 6:00 pm.
 
Civil Service Commissioner Marty Bushey explained that the police chief prepares a list of books to study from.
 
"It's kind of stressful for some people but others well prepared it goes very well," Bushey emphasized.
 
Extra points are given for military service or graduation from Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy. 
 
Visit Boardman Township's website or call the police department during business hours to find out more.