500 since Saturday apply for TPD

TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - If you live in the city of Toledo and you want to work for the city's police force, you can apply inside One Government Center for the next couple of weeks.

Since Saturday, July 24, more than 500 have signed up to take the test, and that number is expected to grow.

The initial process is pretty simple. You have to take a Civil Service Police Officer Exam, which is given every two years.

"The economy went bad I was doing concrete, that didn't work out," said Michael Brown, who filled out an application. "Construction goes down, jobs go away with it."

Since the bad economy, Brown has decided to get a degree in criminal justice.

"I feel with the schooling I got from Owens (Community College), professors, they all have backgrounds in the system so they are pretty knowledgeable so I think I have a little bit of a step up from people coming off the street and applying," he said.

But with all the financial trouble the city of Toledo has faced in the past, there have been police layoffs. Typically those at the bottom of the seniority list get cut first.

"It doesn't matter," said Sgt. Gloria Burks. "Don't fix your head on what may happen down the line because the process is very long anyway. Just say to yourself - 'Is this a job I'd like to do?' If it is I'm going to take the test."

"That does bother me a little bit, but the way I look at it you get your foot in the door somewhere get some experience and if that does happen again it'll carry with you to another municipality that has a little more budget room," Brown added.

Q police class is supposed to take place this fall which Sgt. Burks says will include only applicants from previous tests.