The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office recently completed training for one of its largest cadet class in recent memory, signaling a boost in recruitment efforts.
Kevin O’Rourke, the training coordinator, expressed surprise at the turnout for a recent hiring event, where over 1,000 people showed up to apply.
“I was shocked by how many people came that day,” O’Rourke said. “Over 1,000 people to an event like that was unbelievable.”
At the time of the June hiring event, the agency said it only needed about 200 deputies. The large turnout stemmed from the non-traditional approach for advertising by featuring partnerships with area influencers and podcasts.
The new deputies will begin their careers working in the county jail, a role that had been understaffed for years.
The sheriff’s office has increased training, including hand-to-hand combat and defensive tactics, to prepare recruits for the challenges ahead.
“I’m obviously not a violent person, but you have to have somewhat of a demeanor to you,” said Falan Fuquay, a recruit, described the training intensity. You have to have your head on a swivel.”
Troy police department doubles applicants with social media strategy
The Troy Police Department has seen a 50 percent increase in applicants during a recent hiring cycle, thanks largely to a focus on social media outreach and paid advertising.
Chief Josh Jones emphasized the importance of meeting younger candidates where they consume information.
“We’ve really made a focus on ensuring we’re hitting our social media in a way that attracts young candidates,” Jones said.
Despite the increase, Troy faces the same challenges as many departments nationwide: a limited pool of qualified candidates and competition from other agencies.
“It’s a competitive environment and a smaller pool to recruit from,” Jones said. “We’re trying to get those fewer recruits into our department and fill our ranks.”
Lateral hires and new programs help fill police vacancies
Lateral hires—officers transferring from other departments—are most often desirable candidates.
“I love lateral hires,” Jones said. “They come in well-trained and can hit the ground running.”
However, he acknowledged the downside: “You’re stealing from your neighboring law enforcement community, so you have to be a little careful.”
His preference? Hiring retired officers from other departments.
Troy also offers a police recruit program that hires candidates full-time with salary and benefits while they attend the police academy. This approach aims to attract career changers and recent graduates.
Retired deputies return to provide experience and mentorship
Bill Joyner, a 69-year-old cadet, returned to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office after retiring 17 years ago. He said, “Basically, to work the floor with these new deputies, because it has stability, they need some old heads.”
There are 64 inmates to a deputy in jail, according to the sheriff’s office.
Joyner emphasized the importance of professionalism and poise.
His mission, to show his colleagues how to come to wok and go home every day, he said.
“I have the advantage because I can keep one foot in front of the other one. I can observe He’s here now. I can slow things down,” Joyner said. “I can escalate and de-escalate. I follow the rules, the policies, the procedures, and one person can make a difference on a pod with inmates.”
Challenges remain despite recruitment gains
Both departments face ongoing challenges, including public sentiment and work-life balance concerns.
“People want flexibility, work-life balance, things that aren’t easily obtained in law enforcement,” Jones said.
He also addressed compensation and pension issues, explaining that Troy offers a defined contribution retirement plan instead of a traditional pension, which some recruits find less attractive.
Jones said, “That’s one of the competition factors around the state… we’ve lost out on some recruits because of that.”
Recruitment outlook and community impact
Despite hurdles, recruitment efforts are showing signs of improvement.
“Maybe things are starting to turn around,” O’Rourke said.
Recruits like Wyatt Breezee are motivated by community service.
“Law enforcement’s always been something I looked at as not a way to bring people in, but to better my community,” Breezee said.