Phoenix PD sees wave of applications as it works to fill hundreds of vacancies
PHOENIX - The Phoenix Police force says it’s seeing a wave of hundreds of new applications, and it comes as the department continues its struggle to fill more than 600 vacancies.
What we know:
The next class of recruits is the largest the Phoenix Department has seen in years. It could be in part due to new marketing strategies, as well as a shift in how young people view men and women in law enforcement.
The Phoenix Police Department says new marketing strategies are attracting new recruits, and dozens preparing to graduate will slowly put a dent in the department’s officer shortage.
What they're saying:
"Historically, we’ve had approximately 200–250 applicants per month apply to the police department," Phoenix Police Commander William Jou said. "Just in January alone, that number reached over 500, and then in February, we reached over 400 applicants."
Reaching Gen Z and Gen A requires social media.
So, Phoenix PD recruiters took to Instagram. They’re opting to text new applicants rather than call, and they’re promoting the department’s competitive pay.
"The shortage has been a long time in the making," Jou said. "It’s not something that happened overnight."
Phoenix Police gaining ground on staffing shortage
In a Phoenix City Council Subcommittee meeting on Oct. 12, it was revealed for the first time in years that more officers were hired than those who left the department.
Big picture view:
Over the past 5–6 years, Phoenix, like many departments around the country, has struggled to recruit and retain officers.
The dip in hiring can be tied directly to 2020, when high-profile deadly use-of-force incidents, like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, shifted the public perception of police.
911: Phoenix area emergency departments struggle to fill dispatcher slots amid worker shortage
They are on the other end of the phone line when people are in trouble, and need assistance. However, emergency departments across the U.S., including in the Phoenix area, are having a tough time filling 911 operator jobs right now.
Trevor Roberts, 23, said the wave of anti-police sentiments had no impact on his decision to become an officer.
Instead, it fueled his sense of duty, and he isn’t alone.
A 2024 Gallup poll measuring Americans’ confidence in law enforcement increased eight percentage points over the past year to 51%. It marked the largest year-over-year change in public perceptions.
"I have very strong ties to my Christian faith, and I’ve wanted to protect people and help people when I can and do that in a community that I know and love," Roberts said.
What's next:
It will take a while to hire and retain 600 police officers.
As the department works to hire more people, they’re covering the shortfall by removing officers from special assignments and are hiring civilians to cover non-police roles.
They're also using technology to be their eyes and ears when patrols are in short supply.
What you can do:
Click here to learn more about Phoenix PD's recruitment efforts.