EGF Police readying new recruitment program

The East Grand Forks Police are hoping to fine-tune a new department position with the goal of landing additional officers on the force.

The department has been plagued with staffing shortages for the past two years – and recruiting qualified candidates has been a struggle.

Under the plan the city would recruit law enforcement students nearing completion of their training.  They would be paid during the final stage of education with a conditional offer of employment.

Police Chief Mike Hedlund says the lack of candidates is not unique to East Grand Forks.  “Looking at all the students who will be graduating this year – that doesn’t meet the requirement of just the state law enforcement agencies.”

Council member Karen Peterson questioned whether the program provides a long-term fix for the EGFPD.  “Those communities aren’t looking for a long term fix.  They are going for the same pool of graduates that everybody else is…and that pool isn’t big enough.”

Hedlund will work with City Attorney Ron Galstad on a potential draft agreement for the council to review at a future meeting.