MANATEE COUNTY, Fla.-- The competition between school districts and law enforcement agencies is starting to heat up as both try to hire officers.
Schools need the extra security, and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office needs the extra help answering service calls.
Sheriff Rick Wells said having enough deputies is a matter of public safety
“It’s alarming to look at the growth that’s going on. Gotta understand we’re not keeping up with it,” said Wells. “The county is outgrowing this department.”
Wells says his deputies need help. “We’re falling behind for the first time in a long time. We’re seeing we’re struggling to keep up with crime associated with growth.”
Wells says there’s been an increase in vehicle burglaries. Manatee County’s population has grown 16 percent in seven years. That’s 63,000 new residents -- mostly north of the river up to Parrish and east of I-75 and the Lakewood Ranch area.
“I don’t want to be reacting all the time but be proactive," Wells said. "We can’t do that. Deputies handle 1,000 calls a day; that’s 368,000 calls last year. It’s too much."
“They’re working overtime, going above and beyond to reduce crime in our county, but I know they’re tired. They can’t keep this up for a long period of time before you get burned out. That’s why it’s critical we understand there’s consequences to growth.”
Wells asked county commissioners for 18 new deputies, but the county administrator recommended only 10.
But hiring even one candidate will be tough now that other agencies are hiring school resource officers.
“It’s going to be a struggle to find the applicants -- that’ll be my fight,” Wells said.
As an incentive to attract candidates, the sheriff is sponsoring a Law Enforcement Academy. For the first time, the sheriff’s office will pay for the $5,000 fee for the six-month certification course.
MCSO will also pay the candidate a salary to go to school, provided they stay and work for Manatee County.
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