The Saco Police Department is seeking individuals interested in being patrol officers or public safety dispatchers. The challenge lies in recruitment within the current economic landscape, which is an issue faced by police departments across Maine and the country. The Saco Police Department is asking the public, do you have what it takes to answer the call?
The department acknowledges the challenge of hiring within a competitive job market and highlights the broader struggle across the country. The difficulty lies in attracting individuals interested in careers in emergency communications or patrol officer roles.
Saco Police Department’s Deputy Police Chief Corey Huntress said the Saco Police Department, like the rest of the departments across the country, is struggling to fill their open job positions. “That is the million-dollar question, where to find people?” he said. “It is not just here in Saco; it is across the country.” Part of the difficulty, he said, “is trying to get people who want to come into this field, whether it be for emergency communications or patrol officer; It is difficult to find those applicants. … “Ten to 15 years ago, we would have a pool of 100 applicants. In today’s world, you are lucky if you get five of them.
The Saco Police Department encourages applicants to consider the benefits offered, as stated on their website:
- Initial pay of $25.37, with potential laterals earning up to $34.41 based on experience.
- 80 hours of vacation time.
- 12 paid holidays, along with 4 personal days.
- A sick leave allocation of 96 hours annually.
- An annual clothing allowance of $300.
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
- A choice of four retirement plan options.
Saco Police Department is accepting applications from those interested in joining the emergency communications team as a Emergency Communications Specialists (Public Safety Dispatchers). This role requires strong communication skills. Dispatch duties encompass police, fire, and emergency medical services.
The Saco Police Department is also seeking candidates interested in the role of police officer. They provide training, experience and the tools needed to fill the dispatcher and patrol officer roles. Officers are provided with equipment and uniforms. The basic duties of a police officer include patrolling, traffic enforcement, responding to calls for service and addressing community concerns related to crime and quality of life issues. The initial training consists of an 18-week academy and a field training period. Applicants for law enforcement positions do not need prior experience and may be eligible to be sponsored to attend the police academy.
Prospective candidates for law enforcement roles can request to participate in ride-alongs to better understand the responsibilities of the job.
“As far as what we are looking for,” Huntress said, “is the candidate that doesn’t have a criminal history. And, a candidate that meets the qualifications for the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.” He said there are many steps after the application is submitted; the interview with the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, passing the physical agility testing, then a background check, polygraph, psychological test, and medical exam. “To get through that whole process takes time.” Huntress said, “we are competing with every other industry out there. When it comes to pay, other industries are paying the same thing, or they are paying higher. It used to just be law enforcement was competing with other law enforcement agencies. Now we compete with every employer out there. We are all looking for the same people.”
Huntress also addressed the challenge of the lack affordable housing in southern Maine in recruiting and retaining candidates.
“We are looking at all types of different avenues. How can we get people to come here as well as how do we get them to stay,” Huntress said. “We have gone to recruiting events as far south as Philadelphia and as far west as Watertown, New York. We are just looking everywhere to see where we can find the right person. When we interview somebody, we are interviewing to see if they are the right fit, but they are also interviewing us. One of the big things that hampers the job is finding housing here in southern Maine. We had applicants who applied but couldn’t afford to move here. We have lost some applicants from out of state and that is the reason. They could just not afford rents here in southern Maine.”
Jack L. Clements, Saco’s chief of police, pointed out some positive reasons for potential employees to consider Saco, “The biggest selling point for Saco, is the people. We have an amazing community with very supportive community members, great city staff, and great employees at the police department. As a city and as a police department, we have not lowered our hiring standards in any way. We owe it to this community to hire the best people that will invest in the city and do a great job. There are folks out there looking for a rewarding career in public safety and Saco is an exceptional community to fulfill that dream.”
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