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The Harrisburg City Police Department is currently facing a shortage of officers, operating with about 120 officers, which is 30 short of its goal of 150. Despite the staffing gap, street patrols remain unaffected, but specialty units like the community policing unit and detective division may experience a heavier workload. Lieutenant Kyle Gautsch emphasized that maintaining safety for both officers and the community is a priority, and staffing issues will not be used as an excuse.
To address the shortage, the city is enhancing recruitment efforts by reaching out to universities and local events and offering a ride-along program for prospective officers. The department is also collaborating with a private contractor to improve recruitment, although the process can be lengthy. The city is covering training costs for recruits, who become city employees upon entering the police academy. The next physical agility test is scheduled for February 22, with the written test on February 23, and enrollment is open until February 14.
In addition to local efforts, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has provided more than $3 million in grants to attract and train recruits, aiming to fill 692 vacant municipal law enforcement positions across the state. This funding is part of a broader initiative to address the hiring shortage of police officers in Pennsylvania. The grant program remains open, encouraging local law enforcement agencies to apply for support.