Hammond plans to hire 10 more police officers
HAMMOND, Ind. — While other police departments are downsizing, Hammond is looking to hire more police officers.
The northwest Indiana city's Board of Public Works and Safety recently gave the police chief the go-ahead to start accepting applications for 10 permanent positions.
Police Chief Brian Miller tells The Times of Munster he already has received inquiries from officers who lost their jobs when other departments made cuts.
Miller says no state or federal money will be used to fund the new positions. City Controller Robert Lendi says the city shifted budget appropriations to cover the annual cost of nearly $500,000.
The Times says the probationary officers will start with a salary of $38,161.
The new hires will boost the city's police force to 211, the highest level since 1997.