(WWJ) Companies across the country are facing employee shortages and Michigan's police departments are no different.
Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington is hopeful that his department can offer young people an opportunity other jobs can't.
The shift in the job market following the pandemic has employers being more transparent about the benefits they can offer prospective employees. This is a result, experts say, of people spending more time researching companies to ensure their personal needs are met.
One big focus for job hunters is salary.
Speaking to WWJ's Tony Ortiz, Washington said the department is reaching out to young people who may not know what they want to do after high school.
"They can come in and get a $50,000 plus job out of high school," Washington said, and then specified: "High $40,000s out of high school, and $50,000-something in the next year."
People who stay with the department also receive a retention bonus of $5,000 after two years in addition to raises, the sheriff said.
This comes as there has been a shift in the way people view jobs.
The focus historically was on what employees offer their employer. Now the importance is on what a company can offer their employees.
"We're letting them know we have jobs for you that's going to be very healthy and worthwhile for you," Washington said.
The sheriff told Ortiz he's optimistic that his department can be successful in its mission to hire enough to fill the openings they have, meet the need of the community, and "Serve the people like they should be served."
People interested in job opportunities with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office can visit sheriffconnect.com.
