Chicago police accepting applications

The Chicago Police Department will start testing applicants in December. It’s the first test since the force lowered the age to apply for jobs and wear a badge.

Under the new rules, anyone 18 and older can take the test and 21 and older can become a police officer. The last time the test was given 2010 those age limits were 21 to take the test and 25 to join the force. Applications will be accepted between Aug. 1 and Sept. 16.

Department spokesman Adam Collins says lowering the age will allow the department to recruit prospective officers who previously didn’t apply because they didn’t want to wait until they were 25 to begin their careers.