Recruiting qualified applicants for many law enforcement agencies here on the shore, as well as across the country, has become increasingly difficult in recent years.  This is due to a combination of factors, which include the inherent dangers associated with the profession, officers rights and laws being taken away to shield officers from liability, constant concern for internal investigations that could potentially ruin the career and life of an officer, and of course, inadequate compensations. 

Being a law enforcement officer in today's crime-laden society inherently involves putting one's life on the line to maintain law and order. Facing potentially life-threatening situations is an everyday occurrence for these dedicated men and women. 

From responding to violent crimes and armed confrontations to conducting high-stakes traffic stops, the risks faced by law enforcement officers cannot be underestimated. As we have seen right here on the Eastern Shore, we have recently lost two well-respected LEOs in Delmar Police Cpl Keith Heacook, and Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Deputy Glen Hilliard. 

Those two tragic losses come nearly 14 months apart, and every week, we seem to hear about law enforcement officers being injured in the line of duty.  In January of 2024, we have already seen 7 officers killed in the line of duty across the United States, and the numbers just continue to grow.  

The constant exposure to physical and emotional danger creates a significant deterrent for applicants who may shy away from the perils involved in putting on the uniform, leading to a limited pool of potential candidates.

In addition to the obvious physical dangers, police work also takes a substantial toll on an officer's mental well-being. Daily exposure to traumatic events, violence, and depravity can lead to prolonged stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues. This unyielding pressure can further discourage potential applicants from pursuing or accepting a career in law enforcement, despite its vital importance to society and our community.

Law enforcement agencies have frequently come under public scrutiny, leading to negative perceptions in certain communities and rendering police work unattractive to potential applicants. Media reports highlighting incidents of police brutality or corruption often overshadow the vast majority of officers who carry out their duties with integrity and professionalism on a daily basis. 

In today's society, the mainstream media would much prefer to post about a Law Enforcement Officer making a questionable decision than to credit them with the greater good that they do in our communities, each and every day. 

Compensation and benefits for police officers often fall short of adequately reflecting the risks they face and the services they provide. Long hours, irregular shifts, and exposure to danger demand commensurate monetary compensation - a factor that significantly affects recruitment efforts.   

Law enforcement agencies across the shore are constantly competing against each other, attempting to find the best candidates and recruits for their open positions.  Nearly every agency that you find here on the shore has open vacancies and are hiring, however, the ability to fill those positions is not as abundant.  

Reduced applicant numbers translate into an increasingly competitive environment, prioritizing the best candidates to departments that may offer more attractive financial and benefits packages. Retaining experienced officers also becomes an uphill battle as they seek better opportunities where the risks and payoffs are better balanced, and provide for a better working environment.  The bottom line, police agencies are struggling with finding candidates to protect and serve! 

Take the Ocean City Police Department as an example.  In 2003, I applied to be a seasonal police officer, to which I competed with thousands of other applicants for two classes of about 30-50 recruits, or a total of approximately 100 seasonal officers.  

I would venture to say that if you go all around the Eastern Shore, and pick any agency, there are at least a handful of individuals that were seasonal police officers with the Ocean City Police Department. 

Stretch it out even further and look across the state of Maryland, as well as surrounding states, and you will find most agencies have or have had a seasonal police officer from the Ocean City Police Department working for them. 

The program has always provided the Town of Ocean City with extra officers on the street during the busiest time of year, but also provided young college students and those interested in the field of Law Enforcement, a chance to see if the career field is for them. OCPD has always had success with hiring and staying close to the allotment limits of officers allowed by the Town of Ocean City, and the main reason is that they have a very large pool of officer recruits from the Ocean City Seasonal Program to choose from. 

With that all being said, we found out this past week, that the Ocean City Police Department Seasonal Officer program could be coming to an end after many years in existence. Unfortunately, there aren't as many people out there in today's world who want to be a law enforcement officer, and for the reasons we've listed above.    

Attracting exceptional candidates to join law enforcement agencies is an ongoing struggle rooted in various hurdles. Addressing the issues associated with the dangerous nature of the job and the inadequate compensation is crucial to overcoming recruitment difficulties. 

Policymakers, in collaboration with community leaders, must work together to highlight the importance of law enforcement while ensuring that deserving officers receive proper recognition, support, and competitive salaries. 

Only by acknowledging these challenges and taking appropriate measures can law enforcement agencies successfully attract and retain qualified individuals committed to serving and protecting their communities.

For my friends who work year-round in the Ocean City Police Department, along with many of the surrounding agencies, get ready for some busy times ahead.  I know that the brass at OCPD will be working diligently to find ways to fill various summer shifts and make sure the town residents and visitors are safe but there will be some tough times ahead for everyone involved.