Austintown police accepting applications

STAFF REPORT

AUSTINTOWN — The township police department is accepting applications for entry-level patrol officers through near mid-January.

Police Chief Bob Gavalier said the department is now able to hire new officers because three employees will retire within the next six months. They will take applications through Jan. 10.

Gavalier said he doesn’t know how many officers the department will hire. The starting wage for a patrolman in Austintown is $21.71 per hour.

Capt. Bryan Kloss said applications are kept on file for up to one year, so anyone who has applied in 2009 will be considered, as well as any new applicants.

To qualify, applicants must be at least 21, a United States citizen, have a high school diploma or General Educational Development diploma, a valid Ohio driver’s license, a valid Ohio Police Officer Training Academy certificate and cannot have a felony or domestic-violence conviction.

Candidates also must pass a multiple-phase review that includes a fitness test, a written and personality trait test, a background investigation, a voice-stress analysis, panel interview, drug test, medical exam and psychological evaluation.

Applications are available at police department on Ohltown Road. For more information visit the township Web site at www.austintowntwp.com.