Santa Barbara police in need of more patrol officers

The Santa Barbara Police Department is hiring.

The acting president of the Santa Barbara Police Officers Association said they have been moving officers around to cover patrol shifts.

Sgt. Eric Beecher said the department is having a difficult time hiring and retaining officers because of the cost of living in the city.

He said they now hold tests four times a year.

“We had to go to four times a year because we had such a low turnout of people wanting to be police officers. It is unfortunate because it is a great career,” Beecher said. “I’ve loved my career as a police officer, but law enforcement has changed a lot.”

To cover shifts he said the department is using beat coordinators and officers from special units to answer patrol calls.

“They can cover basic 911 calls, which is the most important thing that we do.”

Beecher said the starting salary is more than $85,000, but applicants often find higher salaries and benefits elsewhere.

“Santa Barbara is unique because we are like an island and being that the cost of living is so high everybody has to commute.”

The next testing takes place Nov. 23.

People interested in policing can find more information here.