Police Look to Mosques for New Officers

October 20, 2006

Author: Azra Haqqie

Source: Times Union

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=526597&category=REGION&newsdate=10/18/2006

In an effort to increase diversity, the Schenectady Police Department is reaching out to community and religious groups. The department, which has 155 members, is looking to hire 12 new police officers over the next year. The recruitment effort is taking place ahead of a civil service exam in December that begins the actual hiring process.

"The (Schenectady) Police Department has undertaken a pro-active recruiting approach," Lt. Pete Frisoni said. "We are visiting colleges, religious organizations and attending community meetings in an effort to stir interest in people taking the exam and joining the Police Department."

At least two area mosques have been among the places visited.

"There was a lot of interest when I visited the Islamic Center of the Capital District," Frisoni said, adding that about a dozen people picked up information packets.