One officer hired, 20 more to go: Everett PD faces persistent staffing shortages

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

EVERETT — The 911 calls pile up, backup is often scarce and rookie Everett Police officer Ruben Oviedo is learning fast what it means to patrol an understaffed city.

From 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., about three nights a week, Oviedo patrols Everett, responding to emergencies and finding purpose in helping people.

He graduated from the academy in June and hit the pavement in July, stepping into a department with 20 vacant officer positions — a shortage that has only worsened in recent years.

Since 2019, the Everett Police Department has struggled to keep its ranks full. While the department has hired 91 officers since 2020, it continues to lose officers each year.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/one-officer-hired-20-more-to-go-everett-pd-faces-persistent-staffing-shortages/

[KT2000]

1. People join the police and fire department

expecting a certain kind of employment, such as saving communities from fire and criminals. Most often they are working on drug overdoses - heard that from and ex-firefighter in Olympia and an ex-cop in Everett. Maybe, if there are overdose response teams, the other professionals could be saved for the work they were trained for.

[MichMan]

2. Sounds like they need to pay a lot more

Despite the hiring crisis, Everett PD avoids offering financial incentives. Given said the department instead looks to recruit officers who want to serve Everett, specifically.