(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Chicago Police Department is — in the words of officials — “broadening” the requirements for new officers.
Up to now, one of the prerequisites for becoming a sworn CPD officer was 60 hours of college credits.
Chicago Police Supt. David Brown notes that Los Angeles and Houston only require a high school diploma. Currently, he says, the college requirements are waived only for military personnel.
Now, Brown said, the waivers will be extended to police officers in other jurisdictions. People in the building trades, the field of education and others also would qualify, officials said.
Deputy Chief Migdalia Bulnes, who heads recruiting, said the department is not lowering standards as it tries to diversify CPD. Rather, it’s recognizing broader experience, Bulnes said.
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