Recruiting and retaining first responders has become increasingly challenging in departments across the state.
Connecticut lawmakers are looking for solutions to help fill those vacancies.
“When I first applied, 16-17 years ago, we used to have thousands of applications,” said Assistant New Haven Police Chief David Zannelli. “That’s been reduced to hundreds.”
Outside New Haven police headquarters, a banner that reads “Now Hiring” hangs on the building. Zannelli said pay and benefits play a role.
“I think it’s a generational mindset too, on what it means to be a police officer,” Zannelli said. “The stress of the job here because it’s a busy city. The workload is different.”
Officers have also faced immense scrutiny following incidents of police brutality nationwide.