ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Police Department is doing its part during the gun violence state of emergency, even with more than 80 open positions.  

The RPD's newest recruitment strategy is a workforce development program. Mentors team with young adults aged 19-34 who want to be cops. The hiring process takes around a year to complete.

Candidates get help with written and physical exams and interviews. They can also take civilian jobs within the RPD before they're sworn into the force.

"Well, I work as a public safety aide at the Public Safety Building and I didn't know anything about this job until talked to Sgt. Collins," said Duane Henry, a member of the program. "It's a civilian-level job because it's all I can do right now until I become a police officer. I'm just one step closer."

The program currently has more than 150 candidates enrolled.

The deadline to register for the next police exam is Friday, Aug. 19 at midnight. The exam takes place on Sept. 17.