Police Recruiting Is Down—and Amarillo Is Feeling It

Amarillo is a place that's always had a strong police presence. It's very rare to spend some time outdoors running errands and not see at least one or two police officers cruising around in their cars.

What you may not know is that there is a good chance many of them are working overtime or pulling an extra shift. Not because they want to, but because they HAVE to. Why is that? Well, it seems Amarillo's need for peace officers is at an all-time high.

Law Enforcement Recruiting Is Down

According to Eric Wallace, dean of Public Service Programs at AC says the numbers are down on law enforcement recruiting. However, it's not necessarily down for first responders in general. Firefighter recruits are actually up in the city.

That's why the Amarillo College Panhandle Regional Law Enforcement Academy is making such a strong push for applications for the 133rd Basic Peace Officer Academy, which kicks off in April.

What Does The Program Include & Teach

It's a five-month program that teaches you everything you need to know about being a peace officer. You'll receive all the knowledge, skills, and discipline you'll need to make it out in the field, and in a career that is seeking good people to fill those spots.

You will go through the rigorous training needed to be a peace officer, but you'll be armed with everything you need to pass the required Basic Peace Officer Course. You must complete the full application process by February 19, so you'll want to get to work on it.

If you want to go for it, reach out to Panhandle Regional Law Enforcement Academy at 806-457-4450, or stop in at Amarillo College First Responders Academy, 3891 Plains Boulevard in Amarillo.