Running out of luck in job hunting? Then why not give the police profession a shot.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced yesterday that it needs 7,000 new cops to boost its operational capability, adding that all the slots will be filled up this year and that job applications are now open.

"We are opening the recruitment for the second semester of 2009 and we are encouraging all interested and qualified individuals to submit their applications to the nearest police station so that their records can be immediately verified," said Director General Jesus Verzosa, PNP chief.

Verzosa said the 7,000 vacancies for this year are on top of the 10,000 slots that will be filled up starting next year on orders of President Arroyo as part of the government’s program to reach the ideal ratio of one policeman for every 500 citizens in the country.

Verzosa explained, however, that only 3,000 policemen will be added to the police force this year since the remaining 4,000 cops who will be recruited will serve as replacements for the same number of police officers who have retired, died, dismissed or resigned.

The official explained that the hiring of 3,000 new cops per year is actually part of the modernization program of the police organization wherein the PNP is allowed to recruit 15,000 in a span of five years.

“The recruitment of new police officers is a continuing process and interested parties may submit applications any time to any police station nationwide,” said Verzosa.

"We are enhancing the recruitment process so that a pool of applicants will be ready just in case a quota is announced. With this process, we can easily reach our target and fill the recruitment slots," he added.

For his part, Senior Supt. Leonardo Espina, PNP spokesman, clarified misconceptions that only Criminology graduates are qualified to apply.

"Aside from Criminology graduates, the PNP also accepts individuals who are graduates of other courses as long as they have completed the necessary requirements and have the appropriate eligibility," said Espina.