Auburn police are working to fill the ranks.
Approximately 10 of the 106 sworn positions are vacant. The police division has three officers in academy, and just this week, the division offered the job to six new officers.
Radio advertisements, letters and appearances at job fairs appear to have had some success recently, Auburn police Capt. Tom Stofer said.
“I’ve attended two job fairs this month, one at the Columbus Trade Center and one at Auburn University’s Career Expo,” Stofer said. “I have another scheduled next month at Troy University.”
But the best recruitment tool is word of mouth, Stofer said.
“Our best recruiters are our police officers currently in uniform,” he said. “A number of applicants come from referrals. I believe those are probably primary reasons our application flow seems to have picked up.”
The need for new officers isn’t unique to Auburn, Stofer said.
“Police departments across the nation are struggling to fill manpower needs,” he said. ... We’ve had a war in Iraq and Afghanistan that has siphoned off (those who) might otherwise be eligible people in law enforcement. There are a number of reasons not as many are applying to be police officers nationwide. Were no different — we’re feeling the effects, too.”
New recruits bring new energy and ideas to the division, he said.
Last month, 37 people applied for the job, Stofer said. Only 24 of those passed the physical agility requirements, and of those, only 14 passed the written exam. Six candidates passed the final two oral interviews.
The police division normally conducts the application process three times a year. But with the officer shortage, they’ll have it every month this year until they fill the positions, Stofer said.
A prospective officer must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, a high school graduate, of high moral character and be drug-free.
But no one should apply if all they’re looking for is a paycheck, he said.
“Being a police officer — we don’t consider it a job,” Stofer said. “It’s a calling. Police officers are in the business because they love what they do. We’re interested in applicants who have that same desire to serve their community and make a difference in the community in which they live.”
kstallcup@oanow.com | 737-2574
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