The Phoenix Police Department started accepting applications to hire new officers Friday morning. By 4 p.m. the department received more than 900 applications.

Earlier this month, the department announced that it planned to hire 300 officers over the next three years. Sgt. Steve Martos with the Phoenix Police Department said he’s not surprised by the number of people applying.

"We have always had an overwhelming response when it comes to applications and people trying to get on the Phoenix Police Department. And so we anticipated a large response, and so far, it’s proven of what we’ve seen historically, anyway, that people want to apply and become officers," Martos said.

The Phoenix PD had scheduled four testing dates starting next month. The Sept. 26 testing date is filled, but there are tests taking place in October, November and December.

Updated 8/22/2014 at 4:44 p.m.