Recruiting the next generation of officers

“Policing is not simply a job, but a vocation. The word vocation is derived from the Latin word, ‘vocatio,’ which means a calling. This calling is a noble one — a path of service to humankind — and a commitment to diligently and selflessly serve the needs of others.”

Dayton police Chief Richard Biehl frequently uses these words while speaking to both new and graduating Dayton police recruits.

While Chief Biehl reaches back to the ancient language of Latin to explain the importance of taking on the role and responsibility of being a law enforcement officer, we who are recruiting new officers have to take into account the challenges of engaging a tech-savvy generation that grew up using social media.

Millennials are the next wave of men and women being recruited to be Dayton police officers. To be a Dayton police recruit, men and women must be between the ages of 21 and 35 years old. Appealing to this generation of potential officers takes flexibility and extra effort.

In navigating a process that can take a year or more, failing to respond to an applicant’s question could mean missing out on the next great officer. Gone are the days of “we will be in touch.” This generation of job seekers is looking for responsive and engaged employers.

The Dayton Police Department responded with two fulltime officers to engage potential applicants. Between emails, phone calls and social media, it’s an around-the-clock effort to maintain applicants’ interest.

In previous years, advertising salary and benefits would be enough to appeal to all the potential applicants needed. Now, sharing the culture behind the job, the ability to maintain a personal life and the job’s flexibility are more important.

Applicants are often amazed at the many potential career paths within our department. The Dayton Police Department has multiple specialized positions including detective, bike patrol, hostage negotiator, S.W.A.T. member, evidence technician and regional crowd management team. The department also offers many opportunities to advance into leadership roles.

There are a multitude of other benefits the department and the city of Dayton offers potential recruits: very competitive salary and benefits, great geographic location, extremely reasonable cost of living, a booming arts and entertainment scene, and extraordinary outdoor recreation opportunities.

Most importantly, the Dayton Police Department is looking for a diverse group of quality candidates. A host of perspectives from different backgrounds only serves to make the fabric of our department stronger. In our most recent graduating class, we had a former chef, and our current recruit class has an African immigrant who came to the U.S. as a child. Even our chief has a degree in nutrition.

The thread that ties them all together regardless of what generation they represent is answering the call to live a life of nobility through public service.

We are accepting applications now through Nov. 26. If you are interested, visit JoinDaytonPD. com or call 937-333-1024.