The context
During his Nov. 7 presentation, Alldredge noted several factors that affect the current number of vacancies. They include:
- 63 positions approved by council in the fiscal year 2023-24 budget
- 29 probationary officers not included in the vacancy numbers because they are still in training
- More than 80 employees currently on restricted duty or occupational leave due to injuries
- Retirements
- Resignations
- Disciplinary terminations
- Medical separations
- Promotions
“For us, the priorities we have in certain departments and the vacancies we have in certain units change from month to month, and sometimes from week to week,” Alldredge said. “So it’s challenging for us to stand up here and tell you I’m going to fill this unit on this date and I’m going to fill this other unit on another date.”
Alldredge said that the 211 vacancies translates to a 11.25% vacancy rate. He then compared Fort Worth’s rate to other major cities in the U.S., as shown in the following graph:The details
The department is taking several different steps to improve recruiting. Alldredge said that the department is creating a designated recruiting unit, which should increase eligible applicants by 50%.
Another step is to make the police academy curriculum more efficient, which Alldredge said will allow recruits to graduate in 34 weeks versus the current 40-week training period.
Alldredge said that department officials also changed the physical fitness requirements. Previously, recruits had to go through an obstacle course in 2 minutes, 30 seconds. Now, recruits must pass a physical resiliency assessment that includes the following:
- Complete 11 or more push-ups in 1 minute
- Complete a 500-meter row in 2 minutes, 27 seconds or less
- Complete 22 or more sit-ups in 1 minute
- Complete a 1.5-mile run in 17 minutes, 51 seconds or less
“Getting past the application process is one thing, but we want them to be realistic about the physical rigors of the academy,” Alldredge said.