State Ends Internet-Only Job Applications

HARTFORD (AP) – The state has pulled the plug on the Internet-only application policy for people looking for jobs as state troopers or prison guards.

Gov. John G. Rowland Tuesday discarded the policy after receiving a letter criticizing the policy from Roger C. Vann, president of the state NAACP.

“We understand the state wanted to make it more convenient for people,”’ Vann said. “But it didn’t take into account those people who didn’t have access to the Internet.”

Vann indicated that blacks and Hispanic job-seekers would be shut out by the Internet-only rule.

However, the policy drew a higher percentage of minority applicants, according to the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

The state began requiring online applications two years ago to reduce paperwork and trim costs. Correction and public safety jobs generally draw thousands of applicants and the state often has had to hire temporary workers to sift through the paperwork.

Paper applications are being printed and should be available within 48 hours, Donna Micklus, spokeswoman for the state Department of Administrative Services said.