By Mary O’KEEFE

Throughout California, and around the nation, law enforcement departments have struggled with recruitment; however, their hard work has begun to pan out.

From 2020 to 2022 officers left their jobs in record numbers and new recruit numbers were down as well. But it does appear the trend is turning. A survey by Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) showed for the first time since the
pandemic law enforcement agencies reported hiring more sworn officers in 2023 than in any of the previous four years.

Recruiting new personnel was not an easy trend for many agencies including the Glendale Police Dept. (GPD); however, the department and Chief Manuel Cid continued to offer incentives to entice new officers and offer lateral moves
for existing officers. (Lateral move officers are those who move from one law enforcement department to another.)
So when there are officers and staff who are sworn in or promoted, there is cause for celebration.

GPD recently held a swearing-in ceremony that welcomed three new officers and five new dispatchers. Several personnel members were promoted to higher ranks or moved to different divisions. These included two sisters within GPD.

“We have others [who] are still in the [police] academy and will be graduating in October,” said GPD Sgt. Abramyan.

GPD has a lot of resources that entice those thinking of a career in law enforcement, including a full SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team and air support. Glendale also has the Verdugo Regional Crime Lab as well as a real time
intelligence center that can review/monitor cameras throughout the city.

“We are very blessed to have a lot of support from the community,” Abramyan said. He added the community wants police visible to deter crime.

GPD is also well known for its outreach including members attending many community events and town hall meetings. It also has officers who will make presentations at organizations on specific issues, like the recent presentation by Detective Guillermo Jimenez regarding fentanyl use in the area.

Many of the recent promotions and new officers were female. Abramyan said the department hires good people who are willing to do the job at a high level, regardless of gender or ethnic background.

“We are a department that is welcoming to all and appreciate every employee,” he added. “We value the work they put [into the job].”

“We are doing better this time than two years ago but even though we are better than two years ago we are still not fully staffed,” Abramyan added.

The department is still looking for recruits for both officers and civilian workers. For more information on GPD employment opportunities, visit https://tinyurl.com/2cesyfkt.