The Police Advisory Committee meeting held on September 25, 2025, focused on staffing challenges and recruitment strategies for the Salinas Police Department. Commander Brian Johnson presented a detailed staffing report, highlighting the current personnel situation and efforts to attract new officers and civilian staff.

As of mid-September, the department has 145 sworn positions, with 139 currently filled, including six recruits. There are 12 positions available for sworn officers, contributing to a total of 16 vacancies when accounting for four frozen positions. The professional staff numbers show 44 filled positions out of an authorized 55, with 11 open roles primarily in the records department and front desk operations. Commander Johnson noted that competitive salaries and benefits are crucial for attracting candidates, as current compensation does not match that of other agencies in the area.

To address these staffing issues, the department has launched a recruitment website and increased advertising efforts through various media channels, particularly targeting younger demographics via digital platforms. Community engagement is also a priority, with officers attending job fairs and career days to connect with potential recruits.

Additionally, the department is implementing educational workshops to prepare candidates for the hiring process, including mentoring partnerships with local educational institutions like Rancho Cielo and Hartnell College. These initiatives aim to foster interest in law enforcement careers among students.

The meeting also touched on hiring incentives, with financial bonuses offered to attract lateral hires from other agencies and new recruits. Commander Johnson emphasized the importance of these strategies in ensuring the department can effectively serve the Salinas community.

Overall, the discussions underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance staffing levels and improve recruitment processes within the Salinas Police Department, aiming to build a stronger and more capable force.