Prince George’s County Police Department to Recruit in Puerto Rico
In the quest to bolster its ranks, the understaffed Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland is turning its sights towards Puerto Rico. The department, like many others across the United States, has been grappling with a shortage of officers, a predicament exacerbated by the wave of anti-police sentiments and protests that swept the nation in 2020.
Captain Nicholas Collins of the Prince George’s Police Department expressed his enthusiasm about working there, highlighting the perks of the job, such as the proximity to FedEx Field and outstanding benefits. He’s been on the force for 17 years and considers it an “awesome experience.”
Currently, the department finds itself short of its target of 1,786 police officers by approximately 300 to 350 members. To address this shortfall, they’re embarking on a recruitment mission to Puerto Rico, an American territory. Additionally, they are keen to tap into the entire Latino population, actively seeking bilingual or Spanish-speaking candidates.
To amplify their efforts, the department has even produced Spanish TV commercials to showcase job openings.
When asked about the allure of relocating from a Caribbean paradise to Maryland, Captain Collins couldn’t resist a bit of humor, noting the pleasant fall weather in Maryland as opposed to Puerto Rico’s year-round warmth.
The shortage of law enforcement officers nationwide stems from the “defund the police” movements and anti-police sentiments that gained momentum in 2020 after the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Protests and riots erupted across the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, leading to numerous officers retiring, resigning, or switching departments.
Notably, other law enforcement agencies in the Washington, D.C. area are also stepping up their recruitment efforts. Montgomery County, Maryland, is offering a $20,000 bonus, while D.C.’s Metropolitan Police are advertising in the New York City subway system and providing $25,000 bonuses. Fairfax County, Virginia, is enticing foreign language speakers and military veterans with incentives. These jurisdictions report that recruitment efforts have seen improvement, particularly among younger generations and career changers.
As policing evolves towards greater community involvement, prospective recruits like Jermya Moody, who aspires to be part of this transformation, are eager to make a difference in their communities.