Some local police chiefs are having a tough time finding officers to join their forces.
Jeannette recently advertised seeking candidates to take a civil service test. It received three applications.
Irwin had five applicants for its test all of whom were already part-time officers in the borough.
After receiving just three candidates in its search, Latrobe officials extended its deadline, pushed its advertising campaign on social media and reached out to two local training academies for help recruiting. The effort brought in 16 applications.
All three chiefs said they believe the current national climate toward policing is playing a role.
“We’ve seen a startling decline in applications,” said Latrobe Police Chief John Sleasman.