Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN) - In recent weeks, law enforcement departments across Western New York have been publicizing and holding recruitment events in hopes of drumming up applicants to take the required exams to join their ranks.
Monday night, the Erie County Sheriff's Department held a recruitment event, showing off its specialty units and giving prospective candidates a glimpse at the various opportunities available within the department. The deadline to apply for the test necessary to become a deputy is July 27.
In Niagara Falls, the story is the same, with a recruitment drive planned and the leader of the force tells WBEN he partly blames bail reform as a reason the numbers of applicants is dwindling.
Police Chief John Faso says recent negative news has played a role in the recruitment struggle. "Negative news with as far as police reform, bail reform, it seems to be a really big factor. It's really influencing a lot of people in my opinion," says Faso.
Faso says a big issue is bail reform, especially as it's played out on social media. "It's almost as if they are they're feeling that, you know, policing has changed, it's becoming and it has, I can't deny that it's a lot more challenging nowadays," says Faso. He says bail reform raises concerns with somebody who's not in the field already.
Faso admits the job is becoming more dangerous. "You can't get away from that fact. We see the news, we see the tragedy that just happened recently and as close as Rochester to us, and it definitely is a more dangerous job," notes Faso.
A recruitment drive is going on right now. Faso says the community relations team is helping bring more potential officers in to take the test. "Get the message out, listen to any concerns, comments, or questions people might have," says Faso. He adds the civil service process itself is difficult to navigate on your own, and that's also where the community relations team steps in.
The next test is September 17th. You can go online or go to Niagara Falls City Hall to pick up an application, which must be filled out and returned by August 3rd.
