Sixteen out-of-town applicants are in New Orleans this week hoping to become a member of the NOPD. 

The police recruit candidates started the Civil Service testing process this morning (Oct. 10). If successful, applicants will complete the multiple choice and written tests, physical agility test, panel interivews and begin the background phase over the two-day testing period. 

Demonstrating the NOPD's ability to attract candidates from all over the country, among today's test takers include applicants from Alabama, Wisconsin, Texas, Colorado, Arkansas, Michigan, Florida, Minnesota, Illinois, and Maryland. Two local candidates also took the exams this morning. 

The NOPD has a goal of hiring 150 new police recruits in 2016. The NOPD launched Class #176 in May with 39 recruits, the largest class to start training at the NOPD Training Academy since the recruitment campaign kicked off in 2013. Class #177 launched in July with 32 recruits and a third class is scheduled to begin training at the end of October. A total of 20 recruits have already been hired for that class.

The department has received more than 3,300 applications year-to-date in 2016.