Leaders in Calera hope recent pay raise helps recruit new officers

CALERA, Ala. (WBRC) - The Calera Police Department is looking to fill several openings as city leaders work to keep pace with the city’s growth.

Chief David Hyche said the department is currently down five officers and one dispatcher. He expects those numbers to change soon as a new pay scale goes into effect next month.

“Since we have announced our pay increase, we have had some applicants and we are encouraging other people to apply if you have an interest,” Hyche said.

The city council recently approved a 12% raise for all police department positions. Hyche said the increase makes the department competitive with surrounding agencies in Shelby County, including Alabaster and Pelham.

“We were not competitive with the departments we recruit against,” Hyche said. “We can’t be the highest paid in Shelby County, and we understand our city can’t afford that, but we do need to be competitive with our neighboring cities.”

Hyche said the pay raise was especially important as Calera’s population continues to climb. More homes and businesses are being built, driving demand for additional police services.

At full staffing, the department has 40 full-time officers and four part-time officers. Even then, Hyche said the city’s growth has outpaced staffing needs.

“Our city has grown, and our staffing has not kept up with the growth,” he said. “Even at full staff, we will still be a little fewer in numbers than we need to be.”

If you’d like to apply for one of their open positions, click or tap here.

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