DETROIT – If you've ever felt the call to work in law enforcement, the Detroit Police Department and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office want to meet you right away.
Both agencies are looking to hire more than 100 new officers.
Working as a police officer in Detroit is a major commitment, but it's also a rewarding one. That's why people went to the Samaritan Center to fill out applications for the opportunity to serve the city.
"We will put them through a six-week jailer academy," Chuck Pappas, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office director of law enforcement, said. "You will work in a correction center to start."
The starting salary is $31,000 per year, with plenty of opportunities to make even more money.
"Currently, we have a lot of overtime, so officers are doubling their salary based on the amount they work," Pappas said.
The hiring event brought out hopeful police officers who think they've got what it takes for the job.
Detroit native Montel Jackson was among the hopeful applicants. He said his experience in the Marine Corps prepared him for a career as a police officer.
"Those things you can't unlearn, I feel like I could bring that to the Detroit Police Department," Jackson said.
Right now, departments all across Metro Detroit and the country are having a hard time filling their ranks.
Pappas has worked for the Sheriff's Office for 41 years. He said if he could get the career all over again, he wouldn't change a thing.
"It's just an exceptional profession to get into, so I encourage people, if you're even thinking about police work, please come speak to us -- the Sheriff's Office or speak to the Detroit Police Department," Pappas said.
Anyone who missed Friday's hiring event can attend the next event, which is on Tuesday at the Northwest Activity Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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