ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Inside Monroe Community College, Rochester police officers are making a push to get these students interested in a career in law enforcement.

That includes students like Delaney Fay, a criminal justice major. She's interested in showing the community a different side of law enforcement.

“Having those questions being asked and answered with other officers kind of put my mind at ease. Not going to lie, I was a little nervous," said Fay. “I want to be able to have the input that we are here to make people safe."

Besides meeting students where they're at, Rochester police are looking to attract the younger generation through their new recruitment campaign. It includes a flashy video and posters. And if you think it looks like an action movie, that's the goal.

“Seeing law enforcement [the] way they're portrayed movies, some of the adventurous side of it, some of the engagement pieces are being able to stand up for people who cannot stand up for themselves, defending people, that's what draws those young people into the profession," said Justin Collins, director of recruitment for RPD. 

The Rochester Police Department is looking to hire 100 officers. That's just to become fully staffed. Compare that to the Buffalo Police Department which is looking to fill around 30 positions. Or in Syracuse, where the department needs around 40 officers.

“We're all in here," said Michelle Calderon, an officer with RPD. "We want to help people. We want to give 100%. We'll just do that better if we have a fuller staff.”

Long hours, low pay, mental health concerns and anti-police rhetoric have all contributed to the low number of applications. RPD created a focus group made up of newer officers to help address these concerns.

“Instead of just assuming we know the answer, asking people who are working here, what do you like about the profession, what drew the profession? And then we can bring that on a mass scale," said Collins. 

One major change coming out of those conversations — increased pay. Wages hit more than $100,000 in under four years. But at the end of the day, the RPD says the most important thing is finding those candidates that care for their communities.

“That's why we took this job. That's why we started this career to help the community," said Calderon. 

Applications for the Rochester Police Department close Wednesday, Sept. 4 at midnight.