Law enforcement agencies in Palm Beach County are following a nationwide trend of needing more officers.
The Boca Raton Police Department is currently recruiting about 15 cops. Public Information Manager Mark Economou tells us that it's been harder to attract new officers and some veterans are deciding to retire early.
He says ultimately it's a variety of things that's causing the issue.
"COVID (was) definitely one part of it over the last two years. Secondly, you're seeing a lot of stuff in the news in terms of officers being under fire, their safety across the country and just the general disposition publicly."
Economou says they offer excellent pay and benefits.
"We're now starting our officers at over $75,000 a year. You look at other agencies, all around, they range somewhere from $40,000 to $50,000 to maybe $60,000. But we're at $75,000 for an officer whether you're transferring from another department or whether you're coming right out of the academy."
The police department is also hiring call takers and dispatchers, who can make nearly $60,000 a year to start.
Click Here for more information on applying for a job with the Boca Raton Police Dept.