The Seattle Police Department is making significant strides in rebuilding its ranks after facing staffing shortages. In 2024 alone, the department hired 84 new officers, marking a promising step towards recovery. The rigorous training program prepares recruits for the multifaceted challenges of policing, while officers like Natalie Cornwall and Damaris Dominguez are driven by a passion for public service and a desire to rebuild trust within the community.
The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is experiencing a resurgence after several challenging years. In 2024, the department achieved a significant milestone by hiring 84 new officers, a substantial step towards addressing staffing shortages. The rigorous training at the academy prepares recruits for the complex realities of policing, encompassing everything from pain compliance techniques to firearms proficiency.
One recruit, 24-year-old Natalie Cornwall, a Seattle native and military veteran, expressed the gravity of the role: 'It’s serious, the responsibility we have and the trust that we’re given. We don’t want to hurt people unnecessarily.' Cornwall returned to Seattle after college and felt a pull towards public service. 'It’s about being part of something bigger than me and doing something that matters,' she said.Another recruit, 39-year-old Damaris Dominguez, embarked on a career shift from dentistry to law enforcement. Dominguez, driven by extensive research and a desire to rebuild trust between police and the community, saw joining SPD as an opportunity. 'It’s important to me because we’ve had a downfall in some years. Just being able to support our community…if it can be just a small change, that means everything,' she shared. Dominguez believes her Spanish language skills will be invaluable in connecting with Seattle's diverse population. 'It would be a big help because a lot of situations come from the lack of communication,' she explained.The SPD hiring process is rigorous, involving multiple evaluations and months of training. Recruits spend 8-9 weeks at the post-basic academy followed by additional field training. Lieutenant Larry Longley, a field training officer with SPD, expressed optimism about the department’s recruitment efforts, citing an influx of candidates from across the country and military backgrounds. Social media has also played a role in attracting interest in law enforcement careers.SPD aims to hire 120 to 140 officers in 2025, surpassing 2024's numbers. 'We need them now more than ever,' Longley said. 'They’re going to be highly trained officers and professional officers.' However, Longley acknowledges ongoing challenges. 'We lost quite a few officers, and we still have to factor in attrition numbers to even retiring,' he said. 'It’s still years away, several years away, before we’re fully staffed.'For Cornwall and Dominguez, joining SPD is a calling, more than just a career. 'It’s a lifestyle. It’s not just a career,' Cornwall said. Seattle Police states that Mayor Bruce Harrell aims to bring the department back to pre-pandemic levels of around 1,400 officers.
SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT RECRUITS STAFFING TRAINING COMMUNITY TRUST LAW ENFORCEMENT
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