Changes Expected In PPD Application Rules
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia's Administrative Board is expected to eliminate the requirement that new officers complete two years of college or military service when it meets Friday.
This is all part of an effort to get more recruits.
Staffing in the Philadelphia Police Department is at its lowest level in decades and Commissioner Richard Ross says getting a full complement of officers takes precedence over the education requirement:
"I don't know for certain that this will be the remedy, but I do know that I have to do something."
Ross says to balance eliminating the requirement, he asked the commission to increase the age requirement from 19 to 22:
"It is not disrespect to anyone who came on at 19, but just believing that most people at 22 have more life experience, and you may get a more well-rounded candidate."
Ross adds very few applicants are under 22 and almost none are under 21.
