YULEE, Fla. — A nationwide shortage of law enforcement is hitting home in Northeast Florida.
Several agencies in major counties, including Nassau and Duval County, are going above and beyond to get recruits, but said it’s difficult with the current climate. It could lead to a public safety issue.
Departments are facing the domino effect of COVID-19, since during the peak of the pandemic it was difficult to meet face to face. But, another hurdle: public trust. Right now it’s difficult to find people passionate about the job with the growing tension among civilians and officers, according to several sheriffs in our area.
Action News Jax reporter Meghan Moriarty spoke one-on-one with Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. He said several deputies have recently retired and it’s difficult to fill the positions with young people. He acknowledges that the death of George Floyd and protests across the country has sparked some distrust between civilians and the police.
“Seeing around the country, some people think that police are bad. We’re not,” Leeper said. “We’re here to protect our community, to make citizens feel safe and do things for them.”
Action News Jax told you last month when the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) hosted a job fair in hopes of filling 100 positions in the Department.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office was hoping to fill 50 positions as of two weeks ago, mostly patrol and crossing guards. St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said it’s constantly hiring, but didn’t give specific numbers.
In Nassau County, the sheriff’s office has 14 deputies on the street, according to a spokesperson.
“Thirteen openings in our corrections, 11 in patrol, five in dispatch, three bailiffs,” Leeper said.
In an effort to get more recruits, the sheriff’s office is offering the Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship, paying recruits while they train and go to school. This is the first time its been offered.
Candidates must meet the following requirements to apply:
• Must be 19 years of age or older
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be a U. S. citizen or permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Never have received a Dishonorable Discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States
• Be of good moral character
• Willing and able to work shifts, holidays and weekends
• Have no visible tattoos above the collarbone (neck, face, or behind the ear) or below the wrist (hands, fingers, etc.)
• Willing to sign and agree to a two (2) year commitment agreement with the NCSO
• Have the physical capability to:
- Perform a Vertical Jump
- Perform Sit-ups for one (1) minute
- Run 300 meters
- Perform Push-ups
- Complete a 1.5 run in 19 minutes or less
If selected, the Deputy Sheriff Trainee will be a full time civilian employee. They will be provided with comprehensive
benefits and paid an hourly salary of $16.16. The Nassau County Sheriff’s office will cover the full cost of tuition, uniforms, book, State Officer Certification Exam, and any required equipment.
After graduation, if the recruit passes the state exam, they will be sworn in as a patrol deputy.
“It’s a great profession. It’s something where you can do something good for your community,” Sheriff Leeper said. “When you go home at the end of the of the day, at the night, you’ve done something good.”
If you’re interested in more information, contact the Sheriff’s office at 904-548-4012 or www.NASSAUSO.com.
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