Thousands apply to be Buffalo police officers

(AP) The job of being a police officer in Buffalo is apparently in high demand: About 5,000 have applied to enforce the city’s laws.

The streets of downtown were filled with applicants Saturday morning as they waited to take the three-and-a-half hour police department exam. Long lines were seen at the Convention Center.

About 3,300 people applied in 2007, the last time the exam was given.

Police Lt. Kim Beaty tells the Buffalo News that this year’s high turnout was a result of the city’s public awareness campaign about the exam.

She says they promoted at special events, churches, community centers, as well as college campuses.

The department’s website says police salaries are between $48,000 and $64,000.