“The new blood is what keeps the police department going,” said Dayton police Sgt. Jason Hall, who added that officers routinely retire and move on from the police force. “To see the people who are coming up and take your place, not to mention train those folks, is very rewarding.”
Detectives, the bomb squad and its robot and the Special Weapons and Tactics team were among units in the parking lot outside Welcome Stadium to answer questions for new recruits. Also in attendance was Zeta, a K-9 trained to sniff out explosives or hazardous materials, who showed off her skills to potential recruits.
Recruits would earn an hourly wage of $16.80 as they go through the Dayton Police Academy, and would earn at least $53,900 a year to start, according to 2017 figures on the DPD recruiting website. The department is especially seeking women and minorities to join its ranks to promote diversity. Information about requirements and the application process is available on the department's recruiting website.