Phoenix hiring more civilians to help understaffed police department
Phoenix is looking to hire more than 30 people to help the understaffed police department.
On Wednesday, the City Council authorized the department to add 25 police civilian investigators and 8 police assistants. The investigators will handle administrative tasks in violent and property crimes and the drug enforcement bureau, so detectives can focus on responding to scenes, following up on leads and interviewing witnesses and suspects.
The additional police assistants will respond to calls that don’t require a sworn officer — like traffic control, collision with no injuries and misdemeanor crimes with no follow up. Phoenix initially hired 16 police assistants about four years ago.
Last month, the chief announced more than 100 officers and detectives would be pulled from special details to patrol. The department continues to look for job functions that can be performed by civilians.
Law enforcement agencies across the country have been struggling to hire. Phoenix, like many agencies, recruits across Arizona and the nation. Phoenix began offering hiring bonuses up to $7,500 last year and recently added retention bonuses to keep officers.
