As a former officer with the Rochester Police Department who worked in Backgrounds and Recruitment for nine years, I have observed the frustration of hundreds of members of my community, and more specifically women and minorities, who have had the passion to serve in the public sector, but did not possess the know-how to complete the hiring process. I have seen firsthand, far too many talented individuals with good intentions and high hopes, pay the application fee and take the Civil Service Examination, only to fail just one section of the process, and have to start all over again; in some cases, multiple times. Quite frankly, potential minority candidates have lost hope, not only in the hiring process, but also in the vetting system.  They no longer believe that they have a fair shot at meeting the requirements necessary to make a difference serving in their own communities.  I believe these are the reasons behind the declining numbers of minority candidates applying for public service opportunities, and unfortunately, these problems are not exclusive to Rochester.  

 

More and more Towns, Counties and States are seeking qualified minority candidates. In my experience as the Coordinator of Recruitment for the Rochester Police Department, Corporate Talent Acquisition Specialist for Paychex, as the founder of the Police Education Recruit Program (preparatory class for criminal justice students at Monroe Community College), and as the Coordinator of the Career Pathways to Public Safety Program (preparatory high school public safety program), I have come to the conclusion that if candidates continue to not understand the expectations, requirements and the rules of the hiring process, the numbers will continue to dwindle.  

 

Poles’ Career Academy to Public Service is designed to take the worry out of the hiring process.  We offer a unique set of curriculum that will provide you with the knowledge, skills and ability proven to increase your probability of employment in the public sector.  The courses are taught by highly trained professionals from each occupation, with the most up-to-date information.

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Wayne Muller stated:

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“We are called to be strong companions and clear mirrors to one another, to seek those who reflect with compassion and a keen eye how we are doing, whether we seem centered or off course ... we need the nourishing company of others to create the circle needed for growth, freedom and healing.”

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