The Arkansas State Police is seeking 35 recruits for a class of troopers to graduate in September.
Agency spokesman Bill Sadler said the hiring will offset a "significant year" of retirements in 2015, during which 18 commissioned troopers hung up their uniforms. That's more than usual, according to Sadler, but it was anticipated because the retirees entered the agency's pension program at the same time.
The agency reportedly ended 2015 with 539 troopers, three more than it employed at the end of 2014.
The agency expects at least five retirements this year, according to Sadler. He said state police usually have one trooper academy per year to replenish the ranks. This year's class begins training in May.
"I think the easiest way to describe it is you're dealing with people," Sadler said, speaking of the attrition. "You're dealing with individuals who have their own lives. Careers may change. People who are of a certain age and have years of service may look at retirement. And you also factor in people who may look at other opportunities outside of law enforcement."
Troop headquarters in Newport, Pine Bluff, Jonesboro, Harrison, Hope and Springdale began recruiting sessions last week.
Warren, Fort Smith, Clarksville, Hot Springs and Little Rock troop headquarters will host recruits beginning Tuesday. Forrest City officially opens recruiting Jan. 26.
"The standards for being an Arkansas State Trooper are among the highest in law enforcement," state police director Col. Bill Bryant said in a written statement. "The review process for a recruit applicant is a challenge, much like the actual job of a state trooper. But the long-term rewards are invaluable to anyone who is serious about a law enforcement career."
In Little Rock, the largest local police department in the state is seeking recruits, as well.
In February, Little Rock police will begin their second training academy in less than a year. Twenty-three recruits joined the department Dec. 11, but the ranks have already fallen from the 550 officers employed at that time, according to Lt. Steve McClanahan.
As of Thursday, there were 526 officers at the department, he said. The department is authorized to employ 574 officers.
"We are in dire need of more officers," McClanahan said. "With our current staffing level, being down 48, it's pretty critical. So we are having a new recruit school."
Police spokesman officer Michelle Hill noted that the hiring process is not quick for any agency.
"I think state police -- as well as us, and as well as North Little Rock police -- it's a process of hiring. It takes about six months -- the applications, the interviews, the background books," she said.
Lawmen have switched from local departments to the state police in the past, but McClanahan said he "wouldn't call it common" at the Little Rock Police Department. He said that in his 21 years with the agency, there were two officers who made the change.
McClanahan said he did not know how many recruits had signed up for the department's training academy next month.
Metro on 01/18/2016