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Davenport Police finding qualified candidates during challenging times

Davenport plans to begin accepting more police officer applications from August 1 to September 11, 2016.

DAVENPORT, Iowa - It's a time to reflect at Davenport Police Department , as a solemn procession honors fallen officers during National Police Week.

It's a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving.

"It's a very noble profession," said Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorski.  "It's an honorable profession.  You just never know when that day may come."

There are uncertain assignments during challenging times, and that could make recruiting tough.

But Davenport is still finding the best and brightest candidates.

"We're doing a lot of really good things with recruiting," said Chief Sikorski.  "We're getting a lot of really, really good quality people."

Davenport Police Department is fully-staffed right now.

Four future officers are training, and five more are beginning their overnight patrol shifts.

Three men and two women were sworn in during an April ceremony.

They represent the future for the force of 163 officers.

"I really look forward to being out with all the people and everybody in this community and just helping them," said new officer Andrew Weingart.

Help that's more important than ever.

After national incidents involving police, Davenport continues to refine its recruitment.

"It's coming," said Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch.  "But it's always an ongoing process to make sure that we fill the ranks properly for all that's needed here in the community."

That's why recruitment reaches out to the most versatile candidates.

It takes a mix of public safety skills, city pride and schooling.

"We want our officers to be educated," said Chief Sikorski.  "We want them to be professional.  We want them to be members of the community."

It's a way to salute a challenging career while honoring a noble profession.

Davenport plans to begin accepting applications from August 1 to September 11, 2016.

High school and college students can also participate in the Iowa Q.C. Law Enforcement Camp.  It takes place from June 6-10, 2016, and costs $65.  Contact the Davenport Police Department to apply.

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