“When Community Speaks, We Listen.” Community Justice Center Launches Campaign to Recruit Law Enforcement Officers

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Reflecting the Ithaca Police Department's commitment to being community-focused and enhancing community safety, the Ithaca/Tompkins Community Justice Center has launched a campaign encouraging area residents to consider a career in law enforcement.

The campaign's core message is that the Ithaca Police Department is enhancing community safety by listening to and being a part of the Ithaca community. Community members from any background who are interested in making an impact with a career in law enforcement should apply. A working group led by the Community Justice Center developed the campaign after considering community input and the recently published report detailing inclusive law enforcement recruitment strategies.

IPD is encouraging people who currently work in other fields but have an interest in making a positive impact and serving their community to apply. IPD Chief Thomas Kelly encourages potential applicants from other fields to reach out, "if you're working in a field like customer service, finance or community outreach for example, you have skills that are needed in policing." Interested applicants can contact [email protected] to talk with someone about their skills and the application process.

The 2024 application deadline is August 29, more information can be found online at https://www.cityofithaca.org/ipdrecruitment. Salary and benefits include:

• 2025 starting salary of $76,220 (full pay during academy and training)
• 20- or 25-year retirement through NYS Fire/Police pension
• Low-cost health, dental, vision insurances
• Additional Benefits through Ithaca Police Benevolent Association Labor Contract

After the August civil service deadline, the ad campaign will guide people to expressing interest in future recruitment efforts and learning more about the benefits of a career in policing.

Project Director of the Community Justice Center, Monalita Smiley shared her hopes for the recruitment campaign, "My hope is that we can diversify our police departments, so they look like and share the life experiences of the people that they serve. We're serious when we say that even if you haven't considered this field before, it's worth a serious look. I think it'll take a leap of faith from some of our residents to apply, but this is the type of opportunity that can be life changing for you and your community." Smiley added, "We've been holding community conversations and hearing from people about what they want to see in our police force, this campaign is a direct result of what we've heard from the community."