DETROIT — Two Metro Detroit-area law enforcement agencies are seeing recruitment boosts after engaging paid social media strategies to advertise their departments, WDIV reports.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office recently finished training for a large academy class, due in part to a hiring event that drew in more than 1,000 candidates, according to the report. In June, when the event took place, the department was seeking to hire 200 deputies.
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“I was shocked by how many people came that day,” training coordinator Kevin O’Rourke told WDIV.
Officials attributed the success of the event to a new advertising strategy that partnered with area podcasters and influencers.
The Troy Police Department has also developed a social media strategy aimed at hiring younger applicants.
“It’s a competitive environment and a smaller pool to recruit from,” Chief Josh Jones told WDIV. “We’re trying to get those fewer recruits into our department and fill our ranks.”
The Troy Police Department reports seeing a 50% increase in applicants during a recent hiring cycle due to the strategy.
Both agencies continue to face recruitment challenges.
“People want flexibility, work-life balance, things that aren’t easily obtained in law enforcement,” Jones said.
Still, officials expressed hope in improved recruitment efforts.
“Maybe things are starting to turn around,” O’Rourke said.
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