ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Police Department just added 10 new officers to the force while some agencies across Florida are facing staffing shortages.
Channel 9 spoke to one of the new recruits who said he’s excited to get to work.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Rajiv Lal comes to the department with six years of law enforcement experience.
“It means a lot to me to be part of that, to show that I can be part of the community and help bond with the community, and grow and protect and serve,” Lal said.
READ: Former UCF football player killed in Jacksonville shooting
The Orlando Police Department said it received more than 2,000 officer applications this year.
Meanwhile, other departments like the Ocala Police Department, are struggling with recruiting and retaining officers.
Florida’s governor hopes to change that.
READ: Moderna CEO says vaccines likely less effective against omicron
Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed $73 million to increase pay for state officers.
“Increasing salaries for state law enforcement by 20% and 25% respectively is going to make a real difference for those officers, make a difference for the families,” DeSantis said.
READ: Florida man charged with murder after missing woman’s body parts recovered from bay
That’s on top of a proposal in the upcoming budget to offer a $5,000 signing bonus for new law enforcement hires.
“We feel that it’s warranted,” DeSantis said. “We also feel it’s the right thing to do.”
DeSantis said it should help solve the staffing shortage many law enforcement agencies are dealing with.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
