SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Sioux Falls Police Department released a new recruitment video today touting the benefits of becoming an officer in the "Best Little City in America."
Chief Matt Burns says lately the force has been struggling to interview quality candidates.
Burns says the city is authorized to have a full police force of 256 employees. He says the current workforce is down to 245. He says the next class of officers will join the force in June.
Burns says the department tests recruits monthly and an application is available on the city's web site. The next two monthly testings are set for April 7 and May 8. He says those successful candidates will be inducted in November.
Burns says he also encourages women and minorities to apply. He says the force has less than 10% of women and minorities and that doesn't reflect the population of a growing and diverse community.
Burns admits that recent news about law enforcement across the country may discourage some people from applying. He says Sioux Falls is a great place to raise a family, it has many cultural and entertainment opportunities and the right candidates must have a heart for service.
The Chief says he's looking for candidates of high character and devotion to community.
To find an application go to siouxfalls.org\careers.
The recruitment video was produced in-house by the city at no extra cost to taxpayers.