In June, a National Police Foundation survey found that 86% of police departments across the country were facing shortages. | Adobe Stock
In June, a National Police Foundation survey found that 86% of police departments across the country were facing shortages. | Adobe Stock
The Eau Claire Police Department is hiring amid a surge of staff shortages in departments across the state.
In a recent report, WBAY 2 said the number of police officers in Wisconsin has reached a 10-year low, with only 13,576 officers currently working in the state.
“WE ARE HIRING. We are accepting applications for police officers through Jan. 16, 2022. Learn more about our agency: joinecpd.org. Apply: governmentjobs.com/careers/eauclairewi,” the Eau Claire Police Department wrote in a tweet Jan. 4.
The appeal for applicants comes as the state has seen a 9% increase in crime — higher than the national average of 5.2%.
In June, a National Police Foundation survey found that 86% of police departments across the country were facing shortages. FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program data from 2017 shows the nationwide rate of sworn officers was 2.4 per 1,000 inhabitants. According to a report by the Journal-News, the shortages are attributed to an increase in retirements and a decrease in new cadets amid accusations of police brutality that have led to cuts in department funding.
Earlier this week, Wisconsin Republicans introduced a package of bills aimed at recruiting and retaining police officers, FOX 6 Milwaukee reports. The legislation would ask for $25 million in funding, which could come from federal ARPA dollars, and would include teaching students how to interact with police, signing bonuses for officers and protecting no-knock warrants.
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