Mayor Purzycki, Chief Campos Seek Applicants for the 102nd Wilmington Police Academy:
Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Chief of Police Wilfredo Campos said today they have begun the hiring process to welcome new members of the Wilmington Police Department (WPD). The WPD’s 102nd Wilmington Police Academy will open later this year, but those individuals interested in a career in law enforcement – and public service – can apply to join the police department beginning today. The application process will close on March 31.
To learn more about becoming a Wilmington police officer, contact Sgt. Aaron Metzner at (302) 576-3177 or email him at [email protected]. You can also visit the WPD recruitment webpage at www.WilmingtonDE.gov/PoliceAcademy. The initial screening process will include a written exam, a physical ability test, and interview panels that will include a Chief’s interview.
“We are excited to open the application process for our next Wilmington Police Academy class, and to invite future police officers to join our ranks and support our efforts to further enhance public safety in Wilmington,” said Chief Campos, who spent part of his more than 26-year WPD career organizing the academy process for several classes of recruits. “A career with the Wilmington Police Department offers a wide range of opportunities to engage with the community and take part in our 21st century, evidence-based crime reduction strategies.”
The WPD has an authorized strength of 312 officers, but the current staffing level has fallen below 95% of this number due to attrition, which is the threshold that enables the City to start a new academy class. The Administration has notified City Council of the need for a new academy and will present more information at this evening’s Public Safety Committee meeting. The total number of recruits that will be accepted into the 102nd Wilmington Police Academy will be determined closer to the start date of the academy.
“I am proud to say that Wilmington has an outstanding police department with dedicated men and women who use the latest crime prevention and crime deterrence methods to serve and protect the people of Wilmington,” said Mayor Purzycki. “Join this police force and you will see how public safety and public service are connected. The community’s support is what drives the successes of the WPD.”
The WPD recruitment efforts occur throughout the year and are varied. The WPD Human Resources Division regularly attends career fairs and other programs at high schools, colleges – including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – and community centers to promote the department and share information about a career in law enforcement. The recruitment team will also be contacting individuals who previously expressed an interest in becoming a Wilmington police officer. Recruiters also work with City Council members, the faith community, and other community-based organizations and groups to promote the application process.
“Our most recent Wilmington Police Academy class was the most diverse in recent memory, and we continue to work to increase the diversity of our department through this next hiring process,” said Inspector of Investigative Operations Anthony Bowers. “We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to consider joining our department.”
Address/Location
Wilmington Police Department
300 N Walnut St
Wilmington, DE 19801
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 302-654-5151