Recruiting public safety officers across New York state has become harder. Most agencies were already struggling to find new members, but increased crime has made that problem worse.
On top of that, it's been an incredibly difficult week for those who take an oath to protect and serve. The Central New York community is mourning the lives of Lt. Michael Hoosock and officer Michael Jensen, who were shot and killed Sunday night.
Days later, an Albany police officer was shot following a traffic stop.
It can take a toll on the mental health of law enforcement officers.
What You Need To Know
- The president of the New York State Police Investigators Association says anti-policing rhetoric has taken its toll on the profession
- Last year’s New York State Police test saw only 12,000 people sign up
- Upstate New York lost two law enforcement members Sunday, while another was shot Wednesday
"Law enforcement officers go to work every day thinking it will never happen to me. Well, we now have within five days three clear examples of that absolute. It could happen to you," said John Cooney, retired Troy police captain.
"It's just a reminder that no man, no woman who puts the uniform on truly knows at the end of their shift whether or not they'll go home,” said Fred Akshar, Broome County sheriff.
Cooney knows just how hard the job can be, physically and mentally.
In retirement, he now works with members of law enforcement to manage trauma, teaching crisis techniques to cope with challenging times like these.
"We wear our vests to protect our bodies from bullets. We wear a ballistic vest to stay safe. But that ballistic vest does not protect our hearts. It does not protect our minds," said Cooney.
Growing challenges and tragedies like these have taken their toll on the recruitment efforts of law enforcement around the state.
Last year’s New York State Police test saw only 12,000 people sign up, down from over 30,000 a few years back.
Just about every agency, from the local to state levels, is struggling to find recruits.
"Not only is the policing profession just under attack from every angle, but now you couple that with police officers being shot at a much higher rate. It's really troubling. And it's not going to help us get people through the door to take these very important jobs,” said Tim Dymond, president of the New York State Police Investigators Association.
It’s not just safety.
Dymond says anti-policing rhetoric has taken its toll on the profession.
"They're not being appreciated for the very, very brave work and important work that they do. And that's caused this shortage. Where in the past, the state police would have sent tens of thousands of people to take these tests, to take these jobs. Now, we have an open, we've had an open test since last year," said Dymond.
Despite the shortages, law enforcement officials say now is a time to appreciate those putting their lives on the line every day.
"There are inherent dangers associated with the law enforcement profession. But nonetheless, there are literally across this great state, thousands and thousands of men and women who put the uniform on every single day in service selflessly. For that, I'm eternally grateful,” said Akshar.
