Cleveland police attract largest number of new recruits in 5 years

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - A new class of Cleveland police recruits made it official at the 3rd district Thursday.

Cortez Smith has spent the past seven years working in law enforcement in Mississippi, but he realized his hometown needed him.

“While I was in Mississippi, I was hearing about all the things, negative things that happen in Cleveland and I decided to come back because I want to be a change,” Smith said.

The Cleveland Division of Police has spent the past few years struggling with an officer shortage.

Hundreds of officers have left and shrinking academy classes haven’t helped, but things are looking up this year.

The city is on track to have the largest number of police recruits since 2019.

Jessica Bloom, 43, is one of them.

“I’m extremely excited to be here,” said Bloom. “This is something I’ve dreamed of doing since I was a child.”

But when life took bloom in another direction, she had pretty much given up on her dream.

“I actually found out I was still able to apply at my age,” Bloom explained.

Despite a decrease in some crimes in the city this year.

Cleveland still has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country.

Desperate to attract more recruits, the city raised the age cap from 38 to 55 increased pay and benefits, and held several expedited hiring events this year.

“I don’t think I speak only for myself when I say being 43, I still feel like I’m in good shape I have a lot to offer, so I think it’s fantastic that that’s available for people,” Bloom said.

Last year only 22 recruits entered the academy and 21 graduated.

This year, 45 have already graduated and at least 134 recruits will enter the academy.

It’s the biggest class the city has seen in five years.

“I just feel like it’s important that we get out and engage with the community a little more, interact with the kids, you know, and let them know that we’re not just the bad guys or somebody you need to run from we’re also people you can look up to and come to if you need assistance,” said Smith.

These recruits will start at the academy on Dec. 16.

The next expedited hiring events for Cleveland Police will be Jan. 3, 4, and 5.