Philadelphia sees older, better-educated police recruits amid wave of police corruption

Philly seeks stronger recruits amid police woes

PHILADELPHIA — Officials in Philadelphia want to raise the age for police recruits to 21 and require some college amid a rash of police corruption.

The tougher applicant standards are part of a broad reform package announced Thursday after a series of crimes allegedly committed by officers.

At least five Philadelphia officers have been accused or convicted in the past year of trying to rob drug dealers. Officials say some used their police badge or weapon to commit the crime.

A sixth is charged with stealing $825 from a tavern where a colleague was slain on duty four years ago.

Commissioner Charles Ramsey says the focus in on training and prevention. He says it’s too late to address the problem after officers commit crimes.