Police Department Raises Minimum Age, Gives Preference to Veterans

By Chuck Sudo in News on Oct 29, 2010 1:30PM

In an effort to bring in more mature candidates, the Chicago police Department is raising the minimum age to apply to the force to 25. Military veterans are also going to be a hiring preference.

Superintendent Jody Weis announced the changes yesterday while also announcing that the first written police exam in four years would be held on December 11. 20 percent of applicants picked each class will be veterans, as long as they apply. Returning veterans looking to take the exam will be given three make-up opportunities to take the entrance exam. Veterans with an age as low as 21 will also be considered for the police department if they have three consecutive years of active duty service.

In raising the minimum age requirement to 25 and giving preference to veterans, police officials contend that more mature candidates, if hired, make better decisions on the streets, while military veterans have already undergone substantial training.

Persons interested in taking the police exam can apply through November 26 at the Police Department's website.