The West Hartford Police Department is looking for new recruits. To solve the problem, the department is holding a job fair at its headquarters on Raymond Road.
There are currently 120 West Hartford Police officers.
Officials said they’re looking for recruits because their applications are down about 70 percent compared to 2012.
Lt. Ted Stoneburner believes it’s because it’s a tough time to be an officer.
“With the current events going on across the country, things have happened a thousand miles away affect all of policing,” said Lt. Stoneburner.
From Ferguson to Baltimore, police officers across the country have been under the microscope.
“Things that have happened in certain cities don’t happen in every department,” said Lt. Stoneburner.
The police department’s job fair will be held Saturday, Oct. 24 from noon to 4 p.m.
The department usually hires one out of 10 applicants – you must be at least 21 years old to apply.
“Regardless of what you see on social media and everything else, it’s a great job, it’s a great profession,” said patrolman Brian Gallagher.
A profession that’s been passed along through patrolman, Brian Gallagher’s family, who’s son just joined the force.
He hopes potential applicants will put aside what they’ve seen in other agencies across the nation.
"Times are going to be bad and times are going to be good, but we’ll always have each other to back each other up and get through it," Gallagher said.
Even though there are less officers, police officials say the community should not be concerned about residents’ safety.
