The big picture: Denver police Chief Ron Thomas says changes to the department's hiring process -- including a shortened entry-level test and reduced training period for some new officers -- aim to lure more officers starting next year.
Why it matters: The changes resurface concerns about lowering recruiting standards and the quality of applicants seeking to wear Denver's badge, driven by Johnston's aggressive push to fill the department ranks.
What they're saying: "It's never been my belief that we needed to lower standards in order to get quality candidates," Thomas tells us, though he acknowledged his agency will miss its 2024 mark.
By the numbers: DPD had 1,528 officers as of Nov. 15 -- 93% of its "authorized strength," or the maximum number of officers it can employ -- after adding 123 new officers this year.
State of play: Thomas credits Denver Civil Service Commission executive director Gracie Perez with improving the department's recruitment outlook.
Zoom in: The entry-level test that will be administered starting Jan. 1 costs less ($34, down from $65) and includes significantly fewer questions (50, a drop from 619), than the current test, according to a chart provided by Perez.
Zoom out: Police departments elsewhere in the country are changing standards by lowering fitness thresholds and expanding applicant eligibility, including allowing noncitizens to join their ranks, which Denver voters approved this fall.
What's next: DPD wants to hire 30 more officers from its fourth cadet class in 2024, which starts Dec. 30, per Denver police spokesperson Doug Schepman.