LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- When it comes to recruitment, the Little Rock police department has done everything from traveling out of state, to offering money incentives. The Little Rock Police Department has now ramped up their recruitment efforts with a new website.
The website is called “Build A Better Blue". It has videos, pictures, and easy to access information about salary, benefits, and job requirements.
The videos highlight the need for women officers, like Sergeant Cassandra Davis
Sgt. Davis has been with the department for 20 years, she feels the new social media approach shows people the variety of jobs in the department.
“I've had the opportunity to work in different divisions; detective, horses, and canine,” she said.
The video also highlights the need for diversity.
Officer Chris Hernandez graduated from the police academy three weeks ago. He said bilingual officers are needed at all departments.
“There's that language barrier that I can help an officer and a civilian overcome,” he said.
Head of recruitment, Sgt. Van Thomas, said this new approach will allow Little Rock Police to compete with larger departments.
“For me, being able to fill the vacancies for fellow officers makes me excited because I know it helps them on the streets when going from call to call and also having the additional safety of other officers,” he said.
The department is fully staffed at 593 officers. Right now, they have 24 vacancies but say those will be filled by August when their new class comes in.