PHOENIX — The Phoenix Police Department is looking for more people to join the force as officer numbers continue to tumble.

Sgt. Phil Krynsky, with the department’s public affairs bureau, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday that Phoenix Police has 2,692 sworn officers out of an allotted 3,125 positions. Of those officers, only 996 are assigned to patrol.

“Definitely a challenging time recruiting and getting personnel, especially with retirement and so forth that’s been going on lately,” Krynsky said.

Krynsky added he’s been with the department for 17 years and he does not remember officer numbers being as low as they are.

The department continues to offer various incentives trying to grow the officer numbers with quality candidates.

This includes a $7,500 hiring bonus for new recruits, which has also been extended to laterals coming from other departments, Krynsky said.

A $1,200 hiring incentive is also being offered to those that come to the department with a college degree, Krynsky said, and employees of the city in any department can also get a $2,500 referral incentive.

Veterans are also being sought to join the department, with the position coming with 240 hours of paid leave for reserve or national guard duties.

Krynsky admitted recruiting has been difficult not only for law enforcement but across every profession and the department is looking for new innovations to attract quality recruits.

“We definitely are offering a lot of extra incentives for people to come join our team,” Krynsky said.

He said that people who want to see change can come and be part of it at the state’s largest police department.

“People choose this career because it’s a calling, it truly does take a special person to be a public servant,” Krynsky said.

“Most of us who got into this career didn’t do it for the pay, it’s just that commitment to serve your community and that’s what we are looking for here.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Taylor Kinnerup contributed to this report.

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