The Columbus Police Department has announced a modified hiring process in selecting new officers who will join the department. Department officials are crediting a cornerstone business in the community for its help in establishing the new process.

Columbus Police Chief Jonathan Rohde announced Tuesday that the department’s selection process policy was changed in order to make the hiring process for new officers more efficient. In the fall of 2015, Chief Rohde says that he reached out to Cummins for help with a Six Sigma project to reduce the amount of time it takes to fill a vacant officer position. Six Sigma is a set of techniques and tools used by several businesses to reduce costs and improve quality.

Chief Rohde says that Cummins employees Mike Tinsley, Jason Maddix, Megan Henry, Tina Noronha and Julie Del Genio partnered with he and other CPD members, including Deputy Chief Todd Harry, Officer Curtis Nelson, Officer Matt Martindale and others on the project. As a result, CPD’s hiring process was restructured to eliminate at least 60 days, and up to 94 days, out of the process, said Rohde.

The Chief went on to say that the changes made will not negatively impact the quality of new officers. In fact, he said that the changes could help in selecting better overall candidates to join CPD. Chief Rohde said that he is thankful for the engine-maker’s help. “I sincerely appreciate Cummins volunteering resources to the ultimate benefit of public safety in Columbus,” he said. “In addition,” said Rohde, “the trusting relationships built between Cummins’ employees and members of the Columbus Police Department are invaluable for the future success in our community.”