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The Albany Police Department is hosting a recruitment open house on Saturday (March 22) at its headquarters on Henry Johnson Boulevard. The event aims to boost the department's ranks amid a significant staffing shortage. Attendees will have the chance to meet officers and speak with Chief Brendan Cox about career opportunities in law enforcement. The event is free and open to the public, with no prior registration required.
Chief Cox emphasized the importance of recruitment during a recent meeting with the Albany Community Police Advisory Committee, highlighting the department's current shortage of 83 officers, which accounts for about 25% of its staff. He noted that the shortage impacts the department's ability to address non-emergency issues effectively.
The recruitment event is part of a broader effort by the department to build trust and strengthen community relations. According to Spectrum News, Chief Cox stressed the need for better pay and work-life balance to attract and retain officers.
The open house is an opportunity for potential recruits to learn about the department's commitment to community policing and its efforts to create a healthier work environment for officers.