The Truth About Why Arizona Law Enforcement Can’t Fill Jobs

Law enforcement officers are retiring early or separating from a tough job that keeps getting harder. Departments across Arizona are finding it's more difficult than ever to backfill those vacancies.

Finding people willing and able to take on this sometimes thankless job has been challenging. The Phoenix Police Department, for example, has over 600 positions it's trying to fill.

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Why Arizona Police Departments are Struggling to Fill Jobs

In the last few years, police departments across the United States have found it increasingly difficult to find qualified applicants willing to take jobs in law enforcement.

A growing list of reasons have caused the shortage. High-profile cases going back as far as 2020 have cast law enforcement in a negative light. Even departments without direct involvement in the highly controversial cases have struggled to cast off the image.

Working in any law enforcement sector is demanding and has inherent risks that many potential recruits aren't willing to take on.

READ: Arizona Driving Violations End Up on Fridays with Frank

Arizona's Law Enforcement is Looking for New Recruits

To address the issues, departments are exploring new recruitment strategies. Many law enforcement agencies have started to turn to social media to help change their image. The Pinal County Sheriff's Office produces the highly popular Fridays with Frank.

The Phoenix PD has also increased its social media presence, producing YouTube videos and leveraging other platforms to help get the word out about what it means to be part of the police force.

Arizona Police Officers: Average Salary

The departments also promote competitive pay and benefits to attract more candidates.

The average salary for a police officer in Arizona is around $63,900 per year. Recruitment across the state is still challenging as the various departments work to change policies and adjust the optics around the nationwide bad press of the past few years.

READ: THIS was the Deadliest Shootout in Arizona History

Watch this video produced by @phxpd on YouTube that shares one family's legacy with the Phoenix Police Department:

Sources: YouTube | Fox10 | ABC15