Development News for Amherst, Ohio

Police Department Faces Hiring Challenges, Seeks Exception to Academy Appointments

The Civil Service Commission met to discuss the challenges faced by the police department in filling vacant positions. Chief Cawthon explained that the department has been unsuccessful in attracting candidates through traditional testing and an exceptional appointment process, having offered conditional offers to two candidates who ultimately declined. Due to dire straits and a competitive environment, the department is seeking to appoint candidates directly from the police academy without a competitive examination, referencing section 8 of the civil service rules. The department needs to fill one to two full-time positions and is concerned about losing potential candidates to other agencies if they do not act quickly. The department plans to interview and conduct background checks on individuals currently enrolled in the academy who are not yet spoken for by other agencies. The mayor has indicated the city would be willing to pay for academy training to entice candidates. The department aims to return to a regular testing process once these immediate needs are met.