Foley AL. PD using “Support Services” civilian team to ease pressure on officers amid growth
FOLEY, Ala. November 20 2022 The Foley Police Department is getting creative to combat the national law enforcement hiring shortage by creating a new civilian Support Services team, which can fill in when sworn officers aren’t needed.
Finding good help is tough these days, whether you’re with a private business or a law enforcement agency.
The Foley Police Department is seeking to fill 6 open officer positions, and despite increasing pay and recruiting, Chief Thurston Bullock said finding experienced or qualified candidates hasn’t been easy.
“A lot of experienced officers worked their way up the ranks in their own department. They don’t want to start over somewhere else. There are some who are even getting out of law enforcement,” said Chief Bullock, “We’re not seeing as many people seeking a career, unless they have a burning desire to be a police officer.”
Chief Bullock said with a rapidly growing community, and increasing calls, they’ve created a new Support Services division.
According to Chief Bullock, 3 civilian employees can fill in where sworn officers aren’t needed, like working special events and school zones.
“It allows officers to free up to take calls, or to work traffic enforcement in those school zones. They can stand by with a vehicle while the officer transports the arrestee. If there’s a traffic accident, they can direct traffic,” Chief Bullock added.
Chief Bullock said the technicians can also aid stranded motorists and perform maintenance and installation on police equipment.
It gives the employees valuable experience, and a potential starting point in law enforcement if they want it.
“This has attracted a lot of younger people who are starting careers and have thought about jobs in law enforcement. They get to know us, and we get to know them. When they’re ready, they can make that step and we’ll already have an idea what kind of work ethic they have, and what kind of employee they’ll be,” said Chief Bullock.
Chief Bullock said he hopes to add more support services technicians in the future.
The Foley Police Department is also looking to hire 5 corrections officers.
If you’re interested in applying, you can find those positions on the Foley Police Department website.
WPMI
