Rural departments struggling to hire police focus on benefits, rather than salary

CALVERT, Texas (KBTX) - Law enforcement agencies continue struggling to get qualified candidates in the door. It’s a growing problem and strain is particularly felt in smaller, rural departments.

Calvert, a town of less than 1,000 residents, is feeling that strain. Chief Chris Simmons says they’re looking to double their department size. Right now there are only two officers, including the chief.

“We have actually been shorthanded since February of 2023,” Simmons said.

The base salary for officers in Calvert is $20 per hour for the first year. Simmons says they can’t offer more, but they have added a payscale for officers who remain at the department for more than a year.

“Especially in a small town, the tax base is just not there to pay the officers what they deserve to be paid,” he said instead, they can focus on city benefits.”It does help out immensely.”

Officers employed through Calvert can rent a city-owned home, two bedrooms and one bath, for $400 a month. The city will also pay 100% of medical, dental, vision and life insurance.

Simmons says they’re looking to add two more officers to the force, one of those positions could potentially be someone who doesn’t yet have the proper training but passion to join the department. The city says they may be willing to work with the right candidate to put them through police training for free.

“I understand the hiring shortages all over the state of Texas. And as far as retaining officers, this is a job that you really want to have to do, that you really feel called to do,” he said.

Perspective officers looking to apply can do so by contacting City Hall at (979) 364-2881 or by emailing police@calvertcity.org.

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