TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - There is a shortage of police officers in Florida and across the country.
Nationwide, interest in becoming a police officer is down significantly, according to the Police Executive Research Forum.
Of the 410 slated positions at the Tallahassee Police Department, 31 remain vacant.
Law enforcement officials attribute the decline to the large number of officers retiring and a diminished public perception of police under harsh media scrutiny.
TPD Officer Damon Miller said less officers means more work and less time getting to interact with the community on a daily basis. But he doesn't think the decline has affected community safety as a whole.
He said TPD offers candidates competitive pay, the latest technology, and other incentives.
"It is very rewarding. If you are interested please go to TAL.GOV.COM. Click on police and there is an application online or you are more than welcome to come here to TPD," said Officer Miller. "We will answer any questions you may have."
Officer Miller says TPD is always recruiting.
As we reported on Monday, Georgia police departments are also having staffing troubles, but Thomasville Police Department officials said they are now fully staffed.
Major Wade Glover said they offer competitive wages and benefits, but he doesn't think his department is doing anything better than most agencies, he says they are just lucky.
