Lorain’s Police Hiring Process: Are Testing Waivers Fair?
Lorain’s Civil Service Commission recently approved two former police officers for part-time positions without requiring them to take the standard hiring test. Instead, the city waived the testing requirement, citing their years of experience and past service.
This decision has raised important questions about fairness, public safety, and transparency in the hiring process. Should retired officers be given an easier path back onto the force, or should all applicants be required to go through the same testing process? The decision has sparked debate about whether the city is prioritizing experience or creating an uneven playing field for new applicants.
Decisions Made at the Civil Service Meeting
The Lorain Civil Service Commission held a meeting on March 11, 2025, at City Hall. Several hiring and job-related decisions were made, including the appointment of a new parks employee, revisions to job descriptions in the public works department, and the approval of a new police eligibility list with twelve names.
The most controversial decision came when the commission approved the reappointment of two former police officers to part-time positions while waiving the standard testing requirements.
Who Were the Officers Rehired?
The two officers approved for rehiring were Lieutenant Alan Cornwell and Lieutenant Richard Resendez, both of whom had served for decades in law enforcement.
Cornwell retired in February 2025 after twenty-nine years with the Lorain Police Department. During his career, he worked as a traffic commissioner, an administrative aid to the chief’s office, and held several other key roles within the department.
Rendes also had a long career in law enforcement, serving as a lieutenant in the Lorain Police Department before moving to the sheriff’s department, where he became a captain. He also worked as a drug investigator and a background investigator for the police department. In addition, he attended and graduated from the FBI Academy.
Both men retired from their full-time positions but are now being brought back as part-time officers in administrative roles.
Why Was Testing Waived?
Under normal circumstances, new police officers in Lorain must pass a test to prove they have the necessary knowledge and skills for the position. However, the Civil Service Commission voted to waive this requirement for Cornwell and Rendes, allowing them to bypass the traditional hiring process.
City officials cited the Ohio Revised Code 124.30 (A2) as the basis for their decision. This provision allows the city to waive testing requirements if a candidate’s experience, certifications, and qualifications make testing unnecessary.
During the meeting, officials explained that the officers already had the required certifications and that their past service demonstrated their competency. Unlike new recruits, they did not need to prove their ability through standardized testing. The decision was also defended on the grounds that these part-time positions would be focused on clerical and administrative work rather than active patrols.
Does This Create an Uneven Hiring Process?
The decision to waive testing has led to questions about whether the city is creating an unfair advantage for former officers while new applicants are required to complete the full hiring process.
The standard testing requirement ensures that all officers, regardless of background, meet the department’s expectations. While Cornwell and Resendez bring extensive experience, critics may argue that experience alone should not replace objective measures of qualification. The decision also raises concerns about transparency and whether this could become a precedent for future hiring decisions.
Lorain’s Police Staffing Challenges
The city’s reliance on part-time officers is another key issue. Lorain is currently authorized to have ten part-time officers but, before these rehires, had only five. The decision to bring back former officers suggests that the city is struggling to fill positions with new hires.
During the meeting, officials noted that Cornwell and Resendez would not be returning as full-time officers, as they were not interested in working full-time hours. Their duties will focus on administrative tasks, background investigations, and other non-patrol responsibilities. This approach allows the department to utilize their experience without committing to full-time salaries and benefits.
However, the use of part-time officers rather than full-time hires raises concerns about whether Lorain’s police force is adequately staffed to handle public safety demands. The commission also approved a new police eligibility list with twelve candidates, but it remains unclear whether these candidates will fill full-time or part-time positions.
What This Means for Lorain Residents
The Civil Service Commission’s decision has implications for both the police department and the community. Some residents may see the reappointments as a positive move, bringing experienced officers back into the department in a cost-effective manner. Others may view the decision as a sign of favoritism, where former officers are given opportunities that new applicants do not receive.
The waiver of testing requirements may also set a precedent for future hires. If experience alone is considered enough to bypass standard procedures, it could raise questions about how the city ensures accountability and fairness in its hiring practices.
Additionally, concerns about police staffing remain. If Lorain is struggling to recruit and retain officers, the city may need to reevaluate its hiring process to attract more full-time candidates.
Is This the Best Solution for Lorain?
The decision to waive testing requirements for these two officers may have short-term benefits, but it also raises long-term questions about the city’s hiring practices. While Cornwell and Resendez bring valuable experience, skipping the testing process could be seen as setting an uneven standard for future applicants.
As the city moves forward, residents and officials may need to discuss whether these waivers should be used more frequently or if all applicants—regardless of their past service—should go through the same hiring process.
For now, the city council and Civil Service Commission will likely continue facing questions about whether their approach to police hiring is the best path forward for Lorain.
I do not see a problem with the two officers getting hired back and not taking that test . as a future mother of a son that might possibly be a Lorain police officer ,, who DID take the test . I see lots of good people coming on to the force in the future.. people just need to have faith in what they’re doing and restructuring in the lorain Police department. Their jobs are not easy and a lot of people cannot make it through the grueling testing and physical achievements they have to do to protect people of Lorain. There always being criticized by the citizens of the city. And is a little disappointing to me.