News Flash

A special recruitment event to be hosted by the Roswell Police Department will give anyone interested in possibly pursuing a career in law enforcement the opportunity to talk personally with RPD officers about the various aspects of the job, learn the details of the hiring process and submit an application using one of the on-site computers.

RPD’s “Expedited Hiring Event” will take place Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Roswell Convention Center at 912 N. Main St. RPD personnel ranging from the chief of police to patrol officers, as well as representatives from the department’s various specialty divisions, such as Criminal Investigations (detectives) and Technical Services (crime-scene evidence technicians) will be present to talk to attendees. Police equipment and vehicles will be on display, and those attending can pick up a free RPD water bottle and bag.

In addition to presenting information to those thinking about becoming a police recruit, who must be 21 years old by the time he or she graduates the state law enforcement academy, the RPD event will have information about department programs designed to educate and offer law enforcement experience to younger people considering a police career.

Police Service Aides, or PSAs, are those ages 19-20½ who intend to apply for a police officer position when old enough. PSAs provide clerical and technical assistance to officers, take certain reports from citizens and perform tasks such as enforcing parking regulations, performing traffic-control duties and assisting motorists.

For those ages 14-21 who are still exploring the idea of working in law enforcement, RPD offers the Explorer program that lets young men and women get first-hand education and experience regarding what it’s like to be a police officer. With active officers serving as advisers in the program, RPD Explorers gain personal awareness of law enforcement work and the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition and other activities. The program also promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism.

RPD currently has numerous vacancies in its officer ranks and is eager to hire citizens from Roswell and surrounding communities who have the desire to protect and serve their fellow citizens. The hiring event will give those interested the chance to learn about what it takes to become a police officer, from the physical requirements to the educational standards, and the benefits and rewards RPD offers.