Dallas Police Having Trouble Filling Ranks

The last two academy classes have been canceled because there weren't enough applicants. Now it may have to be canceled a third time.

Dallas is an attractive city, and its skyline one of the best in the world.

But, apparently, it's not attractive when it comes to recruiting police officers.

"It's getting to the point that it's critical," said Mike Mata, vice president of the Dallas Police Association, as the department struggles to hire.

The last two academy classes have been canceled because there weren't enough applicants. Now it may have to be canceled a third time.

"When you are getting recruit classes that you aren't able to get 10 recruits in there it's not financially workable to carry that class through," Mata said.

New Dallas Police Department officers make about $45,000 a year.

They can make $10,000 to $15,000 more if they go to surrounding cities, WFAA TV reports.

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