Looking to fill its hiring roster, the Altoona Police Department is accepting applications until February, police Sgt. Matt Plummer said.

“We keep a list of applicants that typically lasts for two years,” Plummer said. “We expect openings throughout the year as officers retire or move into other positions, so we’re basically updating the list.”

Applicants must have a high school or equivalent diploma, be of “strong moral fiber” and have a clean criminal history, he said.

Additionally, they will need to pass a physical exam, have a driver’s license and submit to a computerized voice stress analysis, which Plummer said is similar to a polygraph lie detector system.

While people younger than 21 can apply, they cannot be hired until they turn 21.

Applications must be completed, notarized and returned in person or by mail no later than noon Feb. 12, and a $25 processing fee is due upon submission.

Applicants don’t need to be Act 120 certified, which is earned by attending a law enforcement academy in Pennsylvania.

Plummer said the first step of the hiring process is a physical agility test, during which applicants must meet standards set by the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission.

Once applicants complete the physical test, they will need to pass a civil service exam before being added to the hiring roster.

“We keep as many applicants on the roster as qualify,” Plummer said.

The number of applicants has dwindled in the last decade, he said.

As young people are exposed more frequently to negative attitudes toward police throughout society, they become less likely to see law enforcement as a viable career, Plummer said.

“In the current environment, the public has a very poor perception of what we do,” Plummer said. “And that affects our ability to recruit new officers.”

An ideal candidate should be interested in pursuing a physically demanding and ever-changing career field as well as have a desire to better the community through selfless service, he said.

“We encourage prior (military) service members to take the test,” he said. “We would really like to diversify our staff to be more representative of the community we serve.”

Applications can be obtained in person at City Hall or on the city’s website at www.altoonapa.gov under the employment opportunities tab.

Mirror Staff Writer Ike Fredregill is at 814-946-7458.