The Seattle PD announced last week they are accepting applications from Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients after state legislation allowing "Dreamers" to apply for civil service positions went into effect in Washington.
The number of sworn officers in the SPD has plunged to 913 compared to over 1,400 in 2017, according to the department. Additionally, there are currently only 424 patrol officers and 280 eligible for retirement.
Despite program recipients being authorized to work in the U.S., they have typically been unable to enter jobs in law enforcement, with qualifications for Seattle's police force previously noting that an applicant had to be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.