Even after lowering the hiring standards, many agencies can't fill their ranks. In some cities it's common for detectives and other plainclothes personnel to be sent out in uniform on patrol. In some jurisdictions it's not unusual for patrol units to field 50% of their allocated officers because they just don't have enough people to do the job.
The Auburn (NY) Police Department has placed giant "we're hiring" signs in the local area in an effort to fill the ranks as numerous officers are set to retire in coming months.
Turner said the reason PPB is understaffed is because of the "intense anti-police sentiment in our city, that city council seems to share."
The chief of the Nashville Metro Police Department took to Twitter late last week to plead for citizens to thank a police officer, appreciate the difficulty of their jobs, and understand that despite being fewer in numbers officers are being asked to do more and more every day.
Many officers say BPD is a very different place today than it once was. Those who left did so for a variety of reasons, but themes that emerged included the lack of political and community support; inadequate staffing, with days off denied and forced overtime; heavy caseloads for investigators; shrinking chances for special assignments; and sinking morale. Many who are still at BPD have expressed similar grievances.
As Albuquerque Police tries to hire more officers, the department's also looking to increase visibility by letting officers take their cars to more places while off duty.
As Albuquerque Police tries to hire more officers, the department's also looking to increase visibility by letting officers take their cars to more places while off duty. More Here.
Highway Patrol Col. Mike Rapich has observed what he calls a “wage war” among agencies competing for personnel. “We’re in a really aggressive recruiting effort,” he says, “probably more so than I’ve seen in the 25 years I’ve been with the agency.”
Law enforcement is becoming less of a desirable career choice due to diminishing pay, high risk, and of course a recent bad rap — a trend that could put public safety at risk, say policing experts.
Kentucky police Commissioner Rick Sanders is asking for more money amid talk of budget cuts. He is urging lawmakers to consider his agency's "dangerous" predicament: worn-out cars, a manpower shortage, and relic rifles.