AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Police Department needs more officers, so they’ve come up with a way to create a pipeline of potential candidates right out of high school.
Mason Collier is only 19-years-old but said he knows the journey to becoming a police officer starts now.
He’s doing the little things to prove to APD that he’s right for the job.
“I still am young and to appreciate the life of a new child means a lot to me, to support them and know that they are safe around here,” he said.
Officer Jeffrey Ludle with APD said his department hopes to impress him, too. It’s dealing with an officer shortage and also searching for new officers to replace those who are leaving the force.
“We need to really hire an unlimited number of people, as many as we can get, because we have several retirements and officers moving on to other opportunities,” he said.
Collier recently graduated from Ellet High School and completed a criminal justice program. The program facilitated by both Akron Public Schools and the City of Akron. He’s already proud to be serving the Akron Children’s Hospital patrolling one hallway at a time.
“I walk around and make sure everyone is okay,” Collier said. “I try to stop by, meet new people, meet new kids, see how the kids are doing, if they’re in need of a new friend.”
Collier knows it will be hard work, but he’s keeping his dreams in sight.
