New Police Recruit Vehicle Hits the Streets.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Daytona Beach Police Department has taken a new approach to Police Recruitment, with a new custom-wrapped vehicle hitting the streets.

The new recruitment vehicle boasts iconic images of the city emblazed on the 2020 Chevy Malibu; the vehicle provides a visible reminder that the police department is continually recruiting officers.

According to a release, while recruitment numbers were stable in 2019 and 2020 (31 and 29 new officers, respectively), the effects of the pandemic are starting to be felt with the number of certified law enforcement professionals applying to be officers has fallen, and requests for sponsorship by the city to attend the law enforcement academy have increased.

Daytona Beach Police Department has 11 vacancies for full-time officers with a starting pay of $41,578; however, with retirements, officers leaving for another agency or the profession, and others who are unable to fulfill their duties, recruitment is important all-year-round.

Currently, recruitment efforts are directed by the seven-member training unit. Pre-COVID, the unit participated in 12-15 recruiting events a year including a biannual law enforcement symposium at Bethune-Cookman University.

Daytona Beach Police Department is hoping with the addition of the wrapped cruiser to continuously promote recruitment needs and increase diversity in its ranks.