SAVANNAH, Ga (WSAV) -- The Savannah Police Department (SPD) is working to fill vacancies by hosting hiring expos and offering salary boosts.
The department's budget is set at 536 sworn officers. Officials told News 3 they are 110 officers short.
They mentioned that the number of openings is relatively low compared to departments in different cities. City leaders have said they are not concerned, emphasizing that fewer officers on the beat does not affect community safety.
“Quality over quantity is definitely the name of the game when it comes to recruiting police,” Kevin Wolcott, recruiting specialist for SPD said.
While they would love to fill all the open slots, they want to find the right people for the department and to protect the city. That's where the hiring expos come in.
“We started holding the expos about two years ago, and we thought that it would bring a significant amount of officers into the doors and help with that strategy of staffing,” Lt. Dana Purvis, recruitment and retention commander said.
SPD has been hosting the events four times a year. They have welcomed 25 officers on board from those expos.
“We are looking for a well-rounded officer, someone who can bring diversity promise, integrity, and enthusiasm to the department,” Purvis said.
Officials said they hope something else may drive candidates to choose the Savannah Police Department, more money.
“By the end of March, we will be looking at a salary increase of $60,800," Wolcott said. "It is a very significant increase towards our salaries and it's one that is much needed."
WSAV was told that will make them the highest paying department in the county and in neighboring regions.
“...especially when you look at officers that might already currently be employed, it definitely would inspire them or encourage them to potentially take that step and come over to our city where we do have a great opportunity to promote and expand and do something just because we are such a large department," Wolcott said.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a police officer, the department's next hiring expo will be Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Professional Developmental Center.