The Goldsboro Police Department is looking for a few good men and women. 

At last week’s Operation Unite Goldsboro Community Roundtable, Goldsboro Police Chief Mike West said his department is approximately 75% staffed. 

Chief West says they’re working hard to recruit, and Wayne Community College’s next session of Basic Law Enforcement Training starts in January.

The GPD also has a Pre-Hire Program where the department will hire and pay eligible candidates while they attend BLET classes.

West says a recent 5% pay increase for officers up to the rank of captain should help with retention, although the department is around 8% behind other area law enforcement agencies when it comes to salaries.

Chief West also revealed a mixed bag when it comes to the latest crime trends in the city.

Overall, the number of crimes is down from this time last year.

However, violent crimes are up with seven homicides in Goldsboro this year, and there’s been a slight increase in cases of gunfire in the city.

Chief West says these are “ugly times” for everywhere in the country, and the ongoing pandemic may be partially to blame.

The police chief also praises the community’s help in solving many crimes in the city, particularly homicides.

You can learn more about becoming a Goldsboro Police Officer and the department’s BLET Scholarship here.