Delton Police Department hires eight new officers amid recruitment challenges

During a recent meeting of the Delaware Civil Service Commission, significant discussions centered on the recruitment and staffing challenges faced by the local police department. The meeting highlighted the department's efforts to enhance its hiring processes, which have reportedly resulted in a larger candidate pool and the successful hiring of eight new officers over the past year. This brings the total number of sworn officers to 55, just five short of the department's budgeted goal of 60.

The police chief emphasized the importance of maintaining high hiring standards despite the difficulties in recruitment, pledging to continue seeking quality candidates. He acknowledged that achieving the full staffing level may be challenging due to regular attrition, such as retirements and other departures. The chief noted that a typical agency experiences about a 5% lapse in personnel, making it unlikely to consistently meet the authorized strength.

The conversation also touched on broader recruitment issues faced by law enforcement agencies nationwide, with comparisons drawn to challenges in larger cities like New York, where attracting candidates has become increasingly difficult. The chief expressed optimism about the community's support for the police department, which he believes plays a crucial role in attracting potential recruits.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts of the Delaware police department to improve staffing levels while navigating the complexities of recruitment in a competitive environment. The chief's commitment to quality hiring and the community's support are seen as vital components in addressing these challenges moving forward.