Number Of Philadelphia Police Officers At Lowest Level In Years
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia police officials say staffing in the department is at its lowest level in decades -- not because it can't afford more officers, but because it can't find them.
The budget provides funding for 6,500 officers, but the number of officers on the job has slipped below 6,300.
Spokesman Lt. John Stanford says Philadelphia is not alone:
"Policing is not the most popular career if you look at it across the nation right now."
Stanford says there are a number of factors, including the inherent danger:
"Some people don't want to put their life on the line each day."
Stanford says anti-police protests also take a toll.
Another possible obstacle, he says, are the recruitment requirements for 60 college credits or equivalent work or military experience, which is something he says the department is reviewing in light of the challenges.
In the meantime, there's a recruitment fair Saturday, April 9th at Bright Hope Baptist Church in North Philadelphia from 10 am until 2 pm.
