The Chicago Police Department will begin accepting applications Tuesday in the effort to hire 970 new police officers over the next two years.
The new campaign, called “Be The Change,” launched with a website that allows interested candidates to apply online and view salary information.
Chicago police officers start at $48,000 a year. After 18 months on the job, an officer earns more than $72,000 plus benefits, the website’s data shows.
“Be The Change” is the latest development in the push to make Chicago’s streets safer. At a time when police officers are under a lot of security, the mayor's office says they are actively recruiting minorities to try to increase the diversity in the department.
Just three weeks ago nearly 250 police officers and field training officers graduated from the police academy in the largest ceremony since Mayor Rahm Emanuel took office in 2011, but the mayor wants even more officers on patrol.
In September Emanuel announced a plan to hire the additional 970 officers over the course of two years to combat the rising murder rate.
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Chicago surpassed 700 homicides this past weekend.
Those interested in joining the force can apply online by Jan. 1 on the "Be The Change" website.
