The Cleveland Division of Police Academy has seen a significant boost in recruitment this year, welcoming 134 new recruits in 2024—the highest annual intake since 2019. This surge follows a series of safety and recruitment initiatives introduced under Mayor Justin Bibb’s administration.
The city announced on Friday that the most recent academy class, comprising 46 recruits, is set to begin training on December 16 as part of the 158th Cleveland Division of Police Academy. Earlier this year, a class of 52 recruits began training in March, a number greater than the combined total of the previous four academy classes. In contrast, 2023 saw just 22 recruits join the academy, with a class of only nine recruits last May—the lowest in decades.
Mayor Bibb’s RISE Initiative Drives Success
City officials attribute the rise in recruitment to the first full year of the Raising Investment in Safety for Everyone (RISE) Initiative. Key policy changes include transferring recruitment responsibilities from the Department of Public Safety to the police division and increasing the maximum age limit for recruits. According to the city, five recruits in the current class would have been ineligible under the previous age restrictions.
“Another large class coinciding with the first full year of our RISE initiative means one thing—our recruitment efforts are working,” Mayor Bibb stated. “We are optimistic that we will maintain this level of success as we work to make the Cleveland Division of Police a top-tier employer, both in Ohio and nationwide.”
The RISE Initiative has also introduced a 50% pay increase for police officers, $5,000 sign-on bonuses, expedited hiring events, and faster promotion pathways—steps designed to attract and retain qualified candidates.
Cleveland’s Growing Reputation
Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd praised the efforts to attract new recruits, emphasizing the division’s commitment to building a force that reflects the community’s highest standards.
“A career with the Cleveland Division of Police is both challenging and deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day,” Todd said. “I am confident that these recruits will uphold the values and standards our residents deserve.”
The December class stands out not only locally but also nationally, boasting larger numbers than recent academy classes in cities such as St. Louis, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and Milwaukee. The new recruits are expected to complete their training and begin patrol duties by August 2024.
As Cleveland continues to strengthen its recruitment efforts, city leaders remain committed to fostering a robust police force capable of addressing the community’s needs while enhancing public safety.