Weis Strikes Solomonic Compromise on New Police Age Minimums

By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 4, 2010 3:40PM

Reacting to criticism about raising the minimum age limit for taking the police exam to 25, Police Superintendent Jody Weis struck a compromise that either is wise like Solomon or reeks of politics.

Weis announced yesterday that the minimum age to take the police entrance exam will now be 21, but candidates who pass the exam still won't be eligible to enter the police academy until they're 25. 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale, chair of the Police Committee, called the compromise "a step in the right direction" and backed off his threat to hold City Council hearings on the matter.

One group that is still unhappy about the compromise are paid interns who make up the Police Department's cadet program. Some of the cadets have used the program as a stepping stone toward a future career with the Department. Fraternal Order of Police President Mark Donohue said when the program was re-established five years ago cadets were guaranteed a job if they complete 60 semester hours of college.

Donohue now says the new age requirements could put the future of some of the cadets in limbo. Department officials disagreed with Donohue's contention that completing the cadet program was a guarantee of a job.