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HPD Eyes Unconventional Recruits To Fill Officer Shortage

FLICKR / MORNER

Police departments around the country are having trouble recruiting new officers and Hawaii’s largest police force is no exception. The Honolulu Police Department is currently short 260 officers, or about 10 percent of its total force.

To fill that gap, HPD Chief Susan Ballard is courting less conventional recruits: social workers and teachers.

“We’re really reaching out to so many different types of people who may never thought of this as a career before. Anytime where you have to communicate with people or work with people, that’s what we’re looking for.”

Ballard made a point to note that the department is also open to members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning community, or LGBTQ.

Honolulu’s head police officer said her department is also seeking applicants with experience in fields like homeless outreach.

More information on the requirements for joining the Honolulu Police can be found on the department website.

Correction: An earlier version of this story said HPD was looking for homeless outreach specialists. The department is looking for recruits with that experience.

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