Hollidaysburg council directs Civil Service to reopen police hiring process amid nationwide applicant shortage

Council heard that the borough's civil service eligibility list for patrol officers had been exhausted and directed the Civil Service Commission to open the process again.

Civil Service Secretary Ms. Andrews told council that turnout for applicants has fallen sharply: "The turnout for applicants is very low," she said, noting the borough had just five candidates at the start of the most recent process, with several subsequently failing physical, oral or background checks. The police chief said one candidate accepted an offer, one moved out of state, and the list now contains no eligible names.

Council discussed options to increase competitiveness, including a lateral‑pay incentive to place experienced officers higher on the pay scale (while starting seniority at the bottom) and an MOU between the borough and the police union. The chief suggested offering lateral pay so officers with Act 120 certification and several years of service would not start at the entry pay rate.

Council voted to direct Civil Service to reopen recruitment and to place the lateral‑transfer pay proposal on the next council agenda for discussion and potential action. Staff said advertising would include online job boards, PA Chiefs of Police postings, and outreach to academy classes and regional partners; the borough also has received occasional free billboard advertising from a vendor.

Council members described the hiring difficulty as part of a broader statewide and national shortage of police applicants and said they will pursue recruitment and compensation adjustments to attract experienced candidates.